In Saxon times and during the founding of Ramsey Abbey this spot was an island in the undrained Fens. A mile of water separated it from the settlement of Ramsey.
A succession of hermits chose the site for their devotions and the house that stands here today developed from a 12th Century hermitage that was built here. The site was owned by Ramsey Abbey from around 670 until the Dissolution in 1537.
Legend states that two of King Cnut's sons drowned while out on nearby Whittlesey Mere and were brought to the house for burial. A tombstone for them is said to still be found within the house.
The house is supposedly haunted by the ghost of a girl who was murdered here in the 14th century. Legend states that she visited the house in secret, to visit her brother who was a monk. He was dying and she wanted to see him one last time. Some say she was a nun herself, and the ghost that's seen us in a nuns habit.
Unfortunately, she was caught at the house and her punishment was harsh. She was bricked up in one of the chimneys and left to starve!
It seems like an unnecessary punishment for visiting a sick relative, even if it were against the rules. I think it's also possible that she died here accidentally and her body hidden to cover up the fact she was somewhere she shouldn't have been. The wonderful thing about folklore is that we will never know, and you can pick whichever version you like!
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