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Press Release - Thursday, May 11, 2006

Ghost Tours at Preston Manor, Brighton
Sunday 21 May, 25 June, 23 July and 20 August 2.30-3.30pm

Is Preston Manor the most haunted house in Brighton? Join Daisy the housemaid for eerie tales of the Victorian séance, ghostly nuns and other spinechillers.

Tales of ghostly sightings and supernatural experiences at Preston Manor go back through history, including Sister Agnes, the medieval nun who helped travellers on their way; a body buried under the patio; a disembodied hand floating by the four-poster bed; the White Lady and the elegant Lady in Grey who descends the grand staircase with nowhere to go. One friendly ghost was even seen trying out a child’s toy tractor some years ago.

The reports continue with modern-day sightings of visitors to the Manor who proved not to exist, doors locking themselves and lights turning off for no reason, and the chill ghostly hand holding onto a doorknob.

Penny Balchin, tour guide, says “I love working at Preston Manor; it has a very welcoming atmosphere, with unexplained ghostly visitors and happenings that keep you on your toes. Smells of unexplained lavender waft over me in the Morning Room most days. Playful taps on the shoulder and rooms that lock themselves all make the Manor an intriguing place to work in and visit. The White Lady, our 400-year-old resident ghost, creates a happy, friendly feeling at Preston Manor - but the creepy disembodied hand that moves up and down the four-poster bed holds a deeper mystery”.

Ghost tours are led by Daisy, a Victorian housemaid who sees all the goings on past and present.. On previous tours, visitors have found themselves inexplicably locked in the Withdrawing Room, and suffered chilling experiences on the back stairs. Ghosts are not guaranteed, but it is bound to be an entertaining hour.

After the tour, recover your spirits with a stroll round the walled garden and visit the graves of the pets belonging to the Stanford family.

Tours take place at 2.30pm on four Sundays - 21 May, 25 June, 23 July and 20 August 2006. Tickets, which include admission to the house, cost £7 for adults and £4.50 for children. Due to the popularity of these tours it is necessary to book in advance. It will not be possible to join the tour on the day. To book telephone 01273 292770.

Ends
Issued 24 April 2006

Information for editors

Preston Manor and Gardens
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
01273 292770
www.virtualmuseum.info
Open 1 April to 30 September Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 2 to 5pm Closed Monday (including Bank Holidays)
Closed to the general public 1 October to 31 March
Admission fee payable to the house. Entry to gardens free.
Disabled parking, wheelchair accessible (basement only), accessible toilet.
Walled garden and pets' graveyard wheelchair accessible from Preston Park
Shop, free parking
Bus routes 5, 5A, 59

Telephone (01273) 290900     Fax (01273) 292871
Royal Pavilion, Libraries and Museums, Brighton & Hove City Council BN1 1EE

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