In August, 1975, Diane Berthelot visited the St Mary Church in Worstead, North Norfolk, UK, along with her husband and son. They ducked into the church to get out of the heat. Diane took a seat on a pew towards the front of the church, while her husband took some photographs.
It was not until they returned home, after the holiday, that Diane found this ‘extra’, dressed in old-fashioned clothes and a bonnet, seated behind her.
It was not until they returned home, after the holiday, that Diane found this ‘extra’, dressed in old-fashioned clothes and a bonnet, seated behind her.
A Ghost Story
The Worstead Church. In the 1830's, a man was staying in the Kings Head Tavern in Worstead, North Norfolk, United Kingdom, where he heard about the legend of the White Lady of Worstead Church.
The legend stated that the White Lady would appear every Christmas Eve, and anyone who witnessed her, would suffer an untimely death.
This gentleman, not believing in such tomfoolery, stated that he would stay in the church, and if the White Lady appeared he would kiss her. As it also happened to be Christmas Eve, he was definitely keen to put the legend to the test, and show these backward local folk a thing or two!
He entered the church and climbed the belfry.
After a time, and with anxiety building over his late return, his friends went searching for him. They found him huddled in the belfry. He was shaking with fright, and muttering to himself. He was obviously dying.
His last words were; 'I've seen her, I've seen her
The legend stated that the White Lady would appear every Christmas Eve, and anyone who witnessed her, would suffer an untimely death.
This gentleman, not believing in such tomfoolery, stated that he would stay in the church, and if the White Lady appeared he would kiss her. As it also happened to be Christmas Eve, he was definitely keen to put the legend to the test, and show these backward local folk a thing or two!
He entered the church and climbed the belfry.
After a time, and with anxiety building over his late return, his friends went searching for him. They found him huddled in the belfry. He was shaking with fright, and muttering to himself. He was obviously dying.
His last words were; 'I've seen her, I've seen her
The White Lady Pub. This story is now adorned in pride of place at The White Lady Pub in Worstead. Once known as the 'New Inn', it changed it's name to 'The White Lady' in 2011, when its new owner took over the business. The owner took inspiration from his own home, the building which used to be the Kings Head.
So, with the Lady in White apparently the cause for at least one untimely demise on Christmas Eve, you may be surprised to find out that the locals now believe she is a more benevolent spirit...
So, with the Lady in White apparently the cause for at least one untimely demise on Christmas Eve, you may be surprised to find out that the locals now believe she is a more benevolent spirit...
A Ghost Photo
The Berthelot's photo of Diane resting on the pews. In 1975 Diane Berthelot, and her husband and son, were enjoying their yearly holiday out at North Norfolk. It was a hot August day, and the family decided to visit the church and get out of the heat.
Diane had been quite unwell, and took advantage of one of the pews towards the front of the church. She gave a quick prayer for better health as her husband took in the sights and a few photographs.
It was not until they got home after their holiday that they realised something mysterious had taken place. As the family were going through their photographs, they were shocked to see that Diane had a mysterious extra sitting behind her in the church, a church they are certain they were alone in that day.
Diane had been quite unwell, and took advantage of one of the pews towards the front of the church. She gave a quick prayer for better health as her husband took in the sights and a few photographs.
It was not until they got home after their holiday that they realised something mysterious had taken place. As the family were going through their photographs, they were shocked to see that Diane had a mysterious extra sitting behind her in the church, a church they are certain they were alone in that day.
Close up of Diane and 'The White Lady'. This extra looks to be wearing old-fashioned clothes, perhaps made of the Worstead Cloth the village is well known for, and a bonnet. She is also bathed in a bright white light.
It was quite a curiosity for them, and a curiosity it remained until their holiday back to North Norfolk the following summer.
The Berthelot family returned to the church, and showed the photo to a vicar. He explained the legend of the White Lady, and told them she was a caring, healing soul. It was at this point that Diane realised the ailment she had been struggling with for some time, had in fact been eased somewhat, after that original visit the year before.
The photo is now on display at The White Lady pub, and ever since strange things have taken place there; lights turning themselves on, glasses moved around and the feeling of been touched while in the cellar.
However, it is not a scary haunting, but rather comforting, knowing that perhaps the White Lady now resides in the building bearing her name.
No one knows the true identity of The White Lady of Worstead Church.
It was quite a curiosity for them, and a curiosity it remained until their holiday back to North Norfolk the following summer.
The Berthelot family returned to the church, and showed the photo to a vicar. He explained the legend of the White Lady, and told them she was a caring, healing soul. It was at this point that Diane realised the ailment she had been struggling with for some time, had in fact been eased somewhat, after that original visit the year before.
The photo is now on display at The White Lady pub, and ever since strange things have taken place there; lights turning themselves on, glasses moved around and the feeling of been touched while in the cellar.
However, it is not a scary haunting, but rather comforting, knowing that perhaps the White Lady now resides in the building bearing her name.
No one knows the true identity of The White Lady of Worstead Church.
Ashley Hall 2012
RSS Feed
