Forced Seclusion
This wonderful Gothic style castle was built in
the early 19th century by the Stanhope's, the Earls
of Harrington, who resided in it until the 1930's
at which point they left and allowed it to decay.
Today most of the hall has not been restored and
is in poor condition except for the Gothic Hall
which is still in amazing condition.
The ghosts of the Hall begin when the 4th Earl of Harrington
who was addicted to snuff fell in love with a common actress by the name
of Maria Foote. Although his father disapproved of him being with a commoner,
he married her after his father died and he became Earl. When they were
shunned by other socialites they moved to Elvaston Castle. He built his
new wife a grand garden to celebrate their love and they lived in the
castle happily until their son died at the age of 4. This proved too
much for the Earl and he forbade his wife to leave the castle grounds
and also forbade anyone from entering. The ban remained until the Earl
himself died in 1851.
Maria had a difficult time with the forced seclusion
and it appears her spirit has lingered on, still tied to the home unable
to leave.. It is said she is the "white lady" that sits by the window
with a forlone look on her face walking with a ghostly white dog.
Elvaston Castle Exterior
Elvaston Castle 
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