Places associated with
the Ghost of Lady Hoby
by David Nash
Ford
T H E G H O S T
O F
L A D Y H O B Y
Places to Go
Bisham Abbey, near Maidenhead, may
well be haunted, but what can we see today to
remind us of the story and the characters
involved?.
A quick walk up the drive of Bisham
Abbey will give any visitor to the village a fine
view of the beautiful old 13th century mansion
converted, not from the original Abbey buildings,
but from those of an earlier establishment
belonging to the mysterious Knights Templar. The
Abbey Church and monastic enclave stood to the
north, beneath the present tennis courts. The
gates are always open for those using the Sports
Council’s facilities there. If you’re
really fascinated by Wicked Lady Hoby though it
is possible to make an appointment to view the
interior. Lady Hoby’s portrait can be seen
in the Great Hall, and the house contains other
portraits of some of her children. A short
distance away is Bisham Parish Church where Lady
Hoby is buried. The church houses many
spectacular monuments: all are very large and
impressive, but Lady Hoby’s dominates the
scene. She approved the design within her own
lifetime. Her figure kneels in a widow’s
mourning attire, surrounded by her seven
children, including little Francis. Her face is
white and drawn, her eyes cold. A visit is a
must.
The Story
Folklore or Fact?
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