The Ghosts of Goodwood House

Goodwood House, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Richmond in West Sussex, is today famous for its motor racing circuit and horse racing. Less well known are the ghostly inhabitants who share the grand house with the current Duke’s family.

The House

Goodwood House has been home to the Richmond family since 1697. The Jacobean building has been expanded and modified over three centuries. Its art collection, racing heritage, and beautiful grounds attract thousands of visitors. Some encounter more than they expected.

The First Duke

Charles Lennox, the illegitimate son of King Charles II and Louise de Kérouaille, became the first Duke of Richmond. His ghost has been reported in the state rooms, a commanding figure in 17th-century dress who surveys the house his descendants still occupy.

The Grey Lady

A female figure in grey has been seen in the Long Gallery and bedrooms. She moves silently through rooms and corridors before fading from view. Her identity is uncertain, though she may be one of the many Duchesses who have resided at Goodwood.

The Hounds

Goodwood has long been associated with hunting. Spectral hounds have been reported in the grounds, heard baying in the night. Some witnesses have seen phantom horses and riders as well, perhaps echoes of hunts from centuries past.

Staff Experiences

House staff have reported numerous unusual experiences: doors opening on their own, footsteps in empty corridors, and the sensation of being watched. Certain rooms are considered particularly active. Some staff prefer not to be alone in certain areas after dark.

Assessment

Goodwood House combines centuries of aristocratic history with reported supernatural activity. The Richmond family’s continuous presence since 1697 creates an unbroken chain of human experience that may contribute to the spiritual atmosphere.