Gibside was built in the 18th century and is the former home estate of the Queen Mother's family, Bowes-Lyons. It is believed to be haunted by one of her relatives.It is supposedly the ghost of Mary Eleanor Bowes who haunts the grounds of the mansion. She was born in 1749 and the only child of a wealthy landowner and business man. When he dies Mary inherited his fortune and married John Lyon the ninth earl of Strathmore. They were married for nine years and had children but then John died of tuberculosis.She fell in love with an Irish man called Andrew Robinson Stoney, but after there marriage he found that Mary had drawn up an Anti-Nuptial Trust, ensuring that on her death the money would stay in her families hands. She must have had an idea that Andrew wasn't marrying her for love but for her money. Andrew was furious and treated Mary with severe cruelty, starving and beating her. He also would lock her in a cupboard at Gibside Hall.Eventually Mary escaped her husband and lived out the rest of her days in peace. On her death she was buried Westminster Abbey, it was believed that she wanted to be at home at Gibside.Even today, there are sounds of an organ playing inside the hall, and visitors have noticed the strong smell of perfume around the grounds. Also from time to time an unexplained figure is seen gliding across the grounds towards the Orangery. Did Mary Eleanor eventually return home to Gibside Hall....?
© Andrea 2007
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I'm absolutely positive I saw the "Grey Lady" about 17/18 years ago whilst mucking about in the ruins of the bathhouse/hall. She drifted towards me over the grassy area flanked by trees in front of the hall. As I was only a child, I panicked & ran in the opposite direction, not stopping until I was on the other side of the Derwent! Looking back, I wish I had hung around.
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