Built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour Ham House is now believed to be haunted. The building is owned by the National Trust and is situated just south of Richmond and beside the Rivers Thames in Ham.
The Stuart mansion boasts formal gardens, 17th-century style kitchen and a history steeped in civil war politics.
In June of 2009, Elaine Della Camera and boyfriend Colin Iles visited the historic building and heard a growl while they were touring the lower floor. Although she could see nothing out of the ordinary at the time, Elaine turned around and took a picture.
The picture shows a ghostly shape. Iles believes his girlfriend has captured evidence that the ghosts of the Duchess of Lauderdale and her dog are roaming the mansion.
Mr Iles told the press: “I was a strong believer before and watched TV programmes but you only really believe it when something happens to you. Seeing is believing.”
The National Trust open Ham House to the public and run tours which can be organised from their website*.
In Pure Spirit
Do you think this is a convincing photograph? Colin Iles has described it as the capture of the century.
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