Borley Rectory
Once called 'the most haunted house in England,' Borley Rectory experienced phantom coaches, a ghostly nun, wall writings, and poltergeist activity. Harry Price's investigations made it world-famous before it burned in 1939.
The Most Haunted House in England
Borley Rectory in Essex was declared “the most haunted house in England” by psychic researcher Harry Price. From its construction in 1863 until it burned in 1939, the rectory produced an extraordinary catalog of paranormal phenomena.
The Building
Victorian rectory:
- Built 1863
- Rev. Henry Bull
- Essex countryside
- Gothic architecture
- Demolished after fire
The Nun
Most famous ghost:
- Female figure
- In nun’s habit
- Walked grounds
- Multiple witnesses
- Origin legend
The Legend
Her story:
- Medieval nun
- Forbidden love
- With monk
- Both killed
- Buried on site
Harry Price
Famous investigator:
- Psychic researcher
- 1929-1938 investigation
- Extensive documentation
- Published books
- Made it famous
The Phenomena
What was reported:
- Phantom coach
- Ghostly nun
- Wall writings
- Bells ringing
- Objects thrown
The Wall Writings
Strange messages:
- Appeared on walls
- Asking for help
- “Marianne” addressed
- Multiple occurrences
- Photographed
Marianne Foyster
Rector’s wife:
- 1930-1935 period
- Most intense activity
- Messages to her
- Poltergeist focus
- Key period
The Phantom Coach
Witnessed by many:
- Horse-drawn coach
- Spectral horses
- Drove through grounds
- Multiple witnesses
- Classic haunting
Price’s Investigation
Scientific approach:
- Instruments used
- Séances held
- Observers present
- Documentation
- Published findings
The Fire
February 1939:
- Building burned
- After prediction
- Séance had foretold
- Suspicious timing
- End of rectory
Post-Fire Activity
After burning:
- Activity continued
- On site
- Ruins haunted
- Investigations continued
- Until demolition
Skeptical Analysis
Critics found:
- Some fraud possible
- Marianne suspected
- Price questioned
- Debate continues
- Complex case
The Books
Price published:
- “The Most Haunted House”
- “End of Borley Rectory”
- Bestsellers
- Defined case
- Lasting impact
Today
Current status:
- Rectory gone
- Church remains
- Site visited
- Legend endures
- Historic haunting
Significance
Decades of documented phenomena making it the defining haunted house case of the 20th century.
Legacy
Borley Rectory set the template for haunted house investigation—scientific methods applied to supernatural claims, creating both evidence and controversy.