White Ladies Priory in Shropshire

 White Ladies Priory 

Shropshire 

The ruins that keep their secrets well.

Part One:

White Ladies Priory: A Silent Witness of England’s Sacred and Secret Past

Nestled in the quiet Shropshire countryside near the village of Boscobel lies the evocative ruin of White Ladies Priory, a site that holds both spiritual and historical significance. Once a thriving medieval convent dedicated to religious devotion, it later became a place of refuge and secrecy in one of England’s most dramatic royal escapades. The blend of sacred serenity and royal intrigue makes White Ladies Priory an enduring symbol of England’s layered past.

For years now the priory has been owned and (very badly!) maintained by English Heritage. For years the building has been allowed to crumble with many of the original stoneworks being moved for use in local buildings. With numerous fires, vandalism and nature reclaiming the land the true history of the priory and surrounding land is difficult to piece together. This isn't helped by misinformation, half-truths and the weird loss of many archive pictures such as some on this page. This has fuelled conspiracy theories, ghost hunting and local historian interest to try and discover what actually has gone at the priory. In our three part series we wil try to explore and explain some of the history and paranormal activity that seems to be ever-present at White Ladies especially at night.

The Luna Coven has, over the last 18 years, visited the site many times, explored and witnessed strange occurancies that to this day we cannot explain. 

As witches, the priory is of particular importance. It has a history of witch visits and it is a place many,like us, go to in order to experience the energy there, leave offerings and find peace in an ever-more hectic world. By day, White Ladies is calm, quiet and peaceful with a nourishing positive energy. By night, however, the priory becomes something very different - dark, scary even. It attracts people who want to work with this dark energy along with ghost hunters, paranormal investigators and just thrill seekers who want to be scared. They are seldom dissapointed!

Origins and Religious Life

White Ladies Priory, officially known as the Priory of St. Leonard at Brewood, was founded in the late 12th century, during a period of religious expansion across England. It was home to a community of Augustinian canonesses, sometimes referred to as “white ladies” because of their white habits—hence the priory’s enduring name. The order followed the Rule of St. Augustine, emphasising prayer, communal living, and acts of charity.

The priory would have served as both a spiritual retreat and a local centre of faith. As with many small religious houses, it likely supported itself through farming, donations, and the management of nearby lands. Although it never achieved great wealth or political influence, its peaceful seclusion and modest architecture reflected the contemplative life of its inhabitants.

One important issue here however is that such nuns would probably not wear white . White back then was expensive. Most monks and nuns of that era would have worn brown or black robes.  This throws the white ladies name into question when considering the reason for the priory name. 

Photo circa 1950s we think showing that the orginal tower was still standing.

Was it from this tower that the canonesses are believed to have hung themselves?

The location of the priory is significant 

The priory sits in a cluster of medieval and older sites in the area of Shropshire, close to the Welsh border. The area’s location made it an important trading and military strategic point which is why there were settlements in the area way back. White Ladies Priory therefore would be a later build on a pre existing structure, probably made of wood which has long since been lost to time. Shropshire is also on a key line and is littered with sites of archaeological importance. Could the priory land be on a smaller connected ley line? 

A quiet spot in Shropshire. Architecture and Setting

The ruins that remain today give a glimpse of the priory’s former beauty. Built in local white sandstone, the surviving parts include sections of the church’s west front and nave, showing the elegance of early Gothic design. The stonework reveals delicate features typical of the 12th and 13th centuries, such as narrow lancet windows and rounded arches.

Surrounded by fields and woodland, the priory’s location enhances its atmosphere of isolation and peace. The setting feels almost untouched by time—an echo of the meditative rhythm of monastic life that once filled its cloisters with prayer and song.

Photo taken before the priory before English Heritage took over the land and messed around with the ruins.

The Dissolution and Decline

Like countless other monastic institutions, White Ladies Priory was dissolved in 1536 under King Henry VIII’s sweeping religious reforms. The suppression of monasteries ended centuries of religious tradition in England and scattered the communities that had inhabited them. The lands were sold to private owners, and the priory buildings were gradually abandoned or repurposed.

This statue of the Virgin Mary is reputed to be from the Priory. 

It is thought that the statue ended up at St Mary’s church in the nearby village of Brewood. But sadly this statue is not made of fine, white marble and is not known to glow in times of trouble.

According to the church website the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is very ancient. It was originally sited in the chapel of Blackladies Benedictine Convent at Bishop’s Wood until that building was ransacked and set on fire by Parliamentary soldiers hunting Charles II after the battle of Worcester. During the attack, the statue is said to have been pierced by a sword above the right knee and at the back is a hole supposedly caused by a musket ball. 

Two of the gravestones within the priory which is now almost buried.

Over time, the site fell into ruin, with much of its stonework taken for local construction. Yet even in decay, the priory retained its sense of mystery and sanctity. Its name lived on, and its legend continued to grow—especially after one fateful event in the mid-17th century.

A 19th century line drawing

The Side door to the priory. Date unknown but this door is no longer present.

Charles II and the English Civil War

White Ladies Priory entered the pages of national history during the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester in 1651, the final confrontation of the English Civil War. Following his defeat by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, the young King Charles II fled for his life through the Midlands.

The king found brief refuge at White Ladies Priory, aided by the local Catholic Giffard family (more on them in other articles) the Penderel brothers, who were loyal subjects. Disguised as a common labourer, Charles hid within the ruins before escaping to nearby Boscobel House, where he famously concealed himself in the branches of the Royal Oak to avoid capture.

The oak tree (mm, not sure if it is really the oak tree) that Charles supposidly hit in. 

Local trivia: The name Royal Oak features on several pubs in the Midlands.

This episode, forever entwined with the priory’s story, turned the site from a forgotten monastic ruin into a symbol of royal survival and loyalty. Even today, White Ladies Priory and the nearby Boscobel House are visited together as key sites in the dramatic tale of the king’s escape and eventual restoration to the throne in 1660.

We’ll also be looking at Boscobel House in a future article. It has its own dark side.

Legacy and Preservation

Today, White Ladies Priory is managed by English Heritage and stands as a Grade I listed building. Although only fragments of its structure remain, its tranquil beauty continues to draw visitors, historians, and spiritual seekers alike. The combination of religious devotion and royal adventure gives the site a unique dual identity—both sacred and heroic.

The surrounding landscape retains much of its historic charm, offering a sense of what life might have been like for the nuns who once prayed there and for the fugitive king who found safety among their ruins.

One of the grave stones now

The priory in Tudor period

The Ghost of the White Lady

The most persistent tale is that of a spectral nun, often described as a “white lady,” said to wander the ruins at dusk. Locals claim to have seen her drifting silently among the crumbling walls, her pale form faintly glowing in the moonlight. Some say she was a canoness who remained loyal to her vows even after the priory’s dissolution, refusing to leave the sacred grounds. Others believe she is a restless spirit mourning the loss of her holy home when the convent was destroyed under Henry VIII.

Witnesses over the years have reported:

• A chill in the air that falls suddenly, even on warm evenings.

• The faint sound of chanting or whispered prayers, echoing across the empty site.

• A soft rustling of robes when no one is there.

 Echoes of the Past?

Some paranormal enthusiasts believe the haunting energy of White Ladies Priory comes from its deep spiritual past. Centuries of prayer and ritual may have left what is sometimes called a “residual haunting”—a spiritual imprint of devotion and loss that lingers in the stone.

Another theory ties the haunting to the Civil War era, when King Charles II hid nearby after the Battle of Worcester. Some visitors claim to sense an uneasy presence connected to that desperate escape—perhaps echoes of soldiers searching for the fugitive king, or the tension of those who risked everything to protect him.

White Ladies Priory is more than a crumbling relic of medieval faith—it is a silent witness to centuries of English history. From its foundation as a humble convent to its role in one of the nation’s most romantic royal legends, the priory reflects the enduring interplay between faith, fate, and freedom. Amid the gentle fields of Shropshire, its weathered stones whisper stories of devotion, destruction, and daring escape—a reminder that even in ruin, the echoes of the past continue to shape the spirit of the land.

The inside of the priory. Witches come to leave offerings and absorb the energies. There is a secret little hidey hole where we leave offerings. If you find it DO NOT DISTURB WHAT YOU FIND THERE!!!

In part two we’ll delve deeper into the history and the paranormal events that have been claimed at the Priory.

White ladies & Boscobel 

Free entry. Open any reasonable time during daylight hours

ADDRESS:

Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire, WV8 1QZ

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/white-ladies-priory/

Haunted places: The Giffard Arms pub in Wolverhampton

 The Giffard Arms pub

The gothic rock pub with some paranormal patrons.

In Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

The rock and goth pub that an amazing venue for live bands and djs . The pubs cool, gothic and rock scene decor and the amazing “Devil’s Chair” is the one seat that everyone just has to sit in for that all important selfie!

But when the lights turn off and the pub closes its doors for the night, the Giffard Arms is haunted by memories of its past. 

Many regulars say the spirits at the Giffard Arms are not malevolent — more mischievous and watchful, as if protecting the pub that bears the Giffard name.

Reported Hauntings & Ghost Stories

1. The Ghost of Anne Horton

One of the most well-known spirits said to linger at the Giffard Arms is Anne Horton, a woman believed to have been associated with the Giffard family — the historic landowners whose name the pub bears.

Locals claim her restless spirit roams the upper floors and staircases. She’s described as appearing in Victorian-style clothing, sometimes seen near mirrors or the back rooms after closing time.

2. Poltergeist Activity

Staff and visitors have reported unexplained events such as:

• Glasses sliding off tables or shelves on their own

• Sudden cold spots and flickering lights

• Doors opening or slamming when no one is near

• Music equipment turning on or off unexpectedly

Paranormal investigation groups who’ve visited claim to have recorded strange EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and temperature drops in certain areas of the building, particularly the cellar and the old upper rooms.

3. Strange Sounds & Shadows

Late-night cleaners and bar staff have reported hearing heavy footsteps when the building is empty, whispers behind them, and even faint music or laughter coming from closed rooms.

Shadowy figures are occasionally seen moving across mirrors or at the top of the staircase — vanishing when approached.

Possible Explanations & Atmosphere

Given its age (the building dates from 1927, though earlier pubs stood on the site) and Gothic décor, the pub’s moody interior adds to the supernatural aura. Some suggest that its proximity to older medieval parts of Wolverhampton could be connected to its hauntings — perhaps the land itself has deep historical layers of energy.

The staff embrace the pub’s haunted reputation — especially around Halloween, when it becomes a favourite local spot for themed nights, ghost tours, and paranormal enthusiasts.

Paranormal Reputation

• Featured on local ghost walk routes and haunted pub lists for the West Midlands.

• Mentioned in Mysterious Britain & Ireland and Express & Star articles about haunted Wolverhampton.

• Visitors frequently describe an “eerie but friendly” atmosphere — spooky enough to intrigue, but not malevolent.

Here are some of the first-hand accounts and reported experiences from people who’ve worked at or investigated the Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton — stories that have helped cement its haunted reputation:

Staff Accounts

Former bar staff have told local papers and paranormal groups that strange things happen most often after closing time:

“You’d be locking up, and you’d hear footsteps upstairs or in the back room. You’d go to check and the place would be completely empty.”

Another bartender recalled:

We’d put the chairs up on the tables at the end of the night, and come in the next morning to find some of them back down again. It wasn’t like someone had broken in — it was like they’d been moved deliberately.”

One long-time employee claimed that the lights in the cellar — which has a cold, oppressive atmosphere — would turn themselves on and off:

“Sometimes the bulbs would flicker or blow for no reason. You’d get this sudden chill, like someone had walked straight through you.”

 Paranormal Investigations

Several ghost-hunting teams have visited the Giffard Arms over the years, drawn by its Gothic style and its long history as a gathering place. Some of their findings include:

• EVP recordings: Investigators reported capturing whispers and faint female voices on tape when no one was present.

One recording apparently captured a voice saying “Leave me alone” from the cellar area.

• Temperature changes: Paranormal groups noted that sudden, sharp drops in temperature often occur in the back room and stairwell — even when the heating is on.

• Motion sensors & EMF readings: Unexplained activity was logged near the staircase and upstairs rooms. On several occasions, motion detectors triggered with no visible movement.

One team from a local paranormal society described the energy as “heavy but intelligent — like something aware of our presence.”

 The Woman in Victorian Dress

Multiple witnesses — both staff and visitors — have reported seeing a woman in old-fashioned Victorian clothing, thought to be the spirit of Anne Horton or another lady connected with the site’s earlier history.

• She’s often spotted at the top of the stairs or by the mirrors, described as pale, elegant, and “sad-eyed.”

• One visitor in the early 2000s said she appeared “as solid as any living person”for a few seconds before vanishing.

• Others have caught her reflection in the mirrors when no one else was there.

The Halloween Connection

Every Halloween, the Giffard Arms leans into its haunted heritage — hosting themed nights, ghost tours, and live music events. Some attendees claim the energy feels “different” during this time of year:

“You can almost feel the building come alive around Halloween,” said one regular. “The air feels thicker, like the place remembers everything that’s happened here.”

Type of Phenomenon	Reported Location	Description
Apparition (female ghost)	Stairs & mirrors	Appears in Victorian dress, vanishes suddenly
Poltergeist activity	Bar & cellar	Objects move, glasses slide, lights flicker
Cold spots	Cellar & back room	Sudden temperature drops
Disembodied voices	Upstairs rooms	Whispers, sighs, faint female tones
Footsteps & movement	Empty rooms	Heard after hours or when no one is present

The Founders of The Occult Network know this pub well and have long loved the venue for its atmosphere and great music.   Check it out, hear some good rock music and who knows , you may just catch a glimpse of the ghosts of the Giffard Arms.

https://youtu.be/FSep62hLHCQ?si=vv_7U642TOZYI1mk

https://youtu.be/jRt11VfeNbI?si=eAnBoU0YrL-VuxHn

https://youtu.be/U-A7M_0zwa8?si=9s1ZBPdfZiQzpIgI

https://www.facebook.com/GiffardArms