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Athelhampton Hall was built around the 15th Century and also had a new wing added in the 16th Century. The land was originally mentioned in the Doomsday book, when the house on the site was called Piedele, possibly seeing as it stands quite close to the River Piddle.
The Martyn family owned Athelhampton Hall for over 300 years.
The monkey
One of the Martyn daughters during this time owned a monkey. One night after she had ended an unhappy love affair she decided to take her own life. She decided that she would do this in one of the secret rooms (the staircase was behind the fireplace). As she shut all of the doors behind her, she didn’t realise that her faithful monkey had followed her. He got shut in between two of the doors and died of starvation. The sound of claws can still be heard trying to scratch his way out.
The Grey Lady
A grey lady has also been seen sitting in the Tudor room. One maid seeing her there thought she was a visitor and asked her to leave, as it was quite late. She was then surprised to see her stand an exit the room through the wall! It is unknown who this woman is, but she is thought to still reside in the Tudor Room today.
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