Beaulieu Abbey
Beaulieu Abbey, founded in 1204 by King John, was once a thriving Cistercian monastery in Hampshire, England. The abbey flourished for over three centuries until its dissolution in 1538 during Henry VIII’s reign. Today, the site consists of ruins and partially restored buildings, including the cloister and refectory.
Visitors and staff have reported numerous ghostly encounters at Beaulieu Abbey over the years. One of the most frequently sighted apparitions is that of a monk, often seen gliding silently through the ruins or walking along the paths of the former cloister. Witnesses describe the figure as wearing a brown habit and cowl, typical of Cistercian monks.
Another recurring phenomenon is the sound of Gregorian chanting echoing through the abbey grounds, particularly at dawn and dusk. Some visitors have reported hearing the ethereal voices even when the area is completely empty of living people.
In the refectory, now used as a parish church, there have been accounts of a ghostly abbot appearing during services. Witnesses describe seeing a robed figure standing near the altar, only to vanish when approached.
The nearby Beaulieu Palace House, built from the abbey’s gatehouse, is also said to be haunted. Staff members have reported inexplicable cold spots and the sensation of being watched in certain rooms. Some have even claimed to see the apparition of a grey lady drifting through the corridors late at night.
One of the most chilling experiences reported at Beaulieu Abbey involves the phantom sounds of torture. Visitors have described hearing agonized screams and the clanking of chains near the site of the former abbey prison, suggesting a dark history that lingers beyond the grave.