Delapré Abbey was built in 1145. It was originally a nunnery, but the dissolution of the monasteries, 1536-1540, saw the nunnery’s demise. However, the mansion and outbuildings incorporate the remains of a former monastery, the Abbey of St Mary de la Pre, which can still be seen today. With over a 900-year history, this stunning Mansion has much to investigate. Apparitions of nuns are still seen regularly to this very day! Delapré has played a big part in our history during the War of the Roses. The grounds are a nationally protected Wars of the Roses battlefield… sightings of residual hauntings of a battle still play out today. In 1460, King Henry VI and the Earl of March fought the Battle of Northampton. The King was taken prisoner within the Abbey overnight and transported to London the next day. World War Two; The Abbey once used to house soldiers. From this, staff and guests have good reason to believe they never left as they are sometimes seen roaming the staircase in the main house. And what of the ghostly figure seen? Some speculate it’s the spirit of Miss Mary Bouverie, a former owner of Delapré Abbey who died in the stable block in 1943.
