Thorpe Hall was built by John Bolle in 1596, who took part in the siege of Cadiz with Sir Walter Raleigh. Whilst there, he caught the eye of a Spanish lady named Donna Leonora Oviedo. However, as he was married, Bolle did not allow anything to happen. As he was about to set sail for home, Donna gave him a portrait of her in a green dress, do that he could take it home.

Once home, Bolle began the custom of setting a place at the table for the portrait. Versions vary as to what happened to Donna. One states that she spent her remaining days in a convent. The other that she came to England and stabbed herself to death in the garden here!

The Hall gardens and the road outside are reputedly haunted by Donna - a Woman in Green. The Hall is a private residence and is not open to the public.

Pictured above is Thorpe Hall courtesy of Chris.