Gunby Hall is a Grade I listed building currently in the care of the National Trust. Nestled into the verdant countryside outside Spilsby, the manor was built by Sir William Massingberd in the early 18th century. A path running past a pond in the grounds is known as the Ghost Walk, on account of a gruesome murder the allegedly took place in the eighteenth century and the unquiet spirit it is alleged to have produced.

According to the story, Sir William’s daughter (in some cases, his wife) fell in love with a household servant (sometimes, a postillion) against her father’s wishes. On the night the couple was planning to escape, Sir William is said to have shot the servant and threw his body in the pond. He then apparently killed his daughter for good measure. Following that event, a curse on the family bloodline dictates that no male heir shall ever inherit Gunby Hall. Mysterious Britain discusses the curse in more detail.

Gunby Hall employees hosted a ghost tour over the Hallowe’en season of 2023.

ANNA MILON