Leicester
LE4 5PE
History
It took Edmund Cranock 4 years to build Belgrave Hall from 1709-1713 but it was originally known as ‘The Mansion House’ when first built. He and his wife (Anne) moved into the house in 1713. Sadly in 1715 Edmund passed away while visiting bath and his estate was left to his children Jane Anne and Edmund. In order to divide the estate equally they sold the house in 1716 to John Simons for £1,350, they was not happy with the amount they got for the house so Anne filed a petition to the Court of Chancery, the outcome of this was unclear and John and his wife Helen kept possession of the house.
Throughout the years the house passed through different families, the Simons 1716-1766, the Vann family 1767-1845, john Ellis and his 7 daughters 1845-1923, Thomas Morley 1923-1936. Finally Thomas Morley sold the house to the Corporation of Leicester who turned it into a museum and gardens and that is how it stands today.
Reported Activity
In 1998 CCTV footage emerged claiming to be of an apparition, some believing this to be a manifestation of Charlotte Ellis, one of the daughters of John Ellis. Many people have their own opinion of this footage ranging from it being charlotte Ellis to it being leaves caught on the camera.
Other reports from several witnesses include, shadow figures, cooking smells throughout the building, footsteps on the upper floors and the Victorian lady – it’s said she has been seen looking through a window into the garden and she is in Victorian period clothing.
