Woburn Abbey is the country home of the Duke of Bedford. The house and estate is open on specified days to visitors. Woburn Abbey, comprising Woburn Park and its buildings, was founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1145. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it became the seat of the Russell family and the Dukes of Bedford in 1547. They demolished the original abbey building and built their house on the site. The Abbey has been rebuilt from 1744 onwards.

Some of the phenomena are said to occur in parts of the Abbey that are not open to the public, and include disembodied footsteps, and doors opening and closing of their own accord in one particular room. The Duke and Duchess informed Peter Underwood that something unseen touched their faces as they lay in bed.

This is sometimes attributed to the ghost of a black servant murdered by burglars in centuries past. Another phantom, believed to be either a monk or servant, has been reported in the Butler's Pantry.

However, the oldest apparition is said to be an Abbot killed during the Reformation, when he was hung from an Oak Tree beside the church.

A summerhouse in a private location within the park was said to be frequented by the ghost of the “Flying Duchess”. However, another Duchess (the 6th to be precise) is also said to walk one of the reception rooms.

Pictured above is Woburn Abbey courtesy of Christine Matthews.