Beninbrough Hall, built in the early eighteenth century, plays host to a benevolent spirit that manifests itself in the sound of soft sighing, wailing, of door handles being turned and occasionally the sight of a white lady flitting down the corridors or emerging from a nearby river. Many years ago, the owners of the hall, Giles Earle and his wife Margaret had temporarily left the hall in the safekeeping of steward Philip Laurie and their housekeeper Marion. One day, Mr.Earle and a companion returned in a state of panic and only Marion was on duty. The Earles told her to hide all the valuables, which they did in the abode of the gamekeeper, Martin. It is thought that the Earle's political views of the American War of Independance would be seen as treasonable and evidently they felt their property would be confiscated. Later, Earle and his companion left; the next day, Laurie returned (he had been visiting a sick relative) and became indignant when Marion refused to tell him where the valuables had been secreted. A local poacher told him of the items that had been taken to the gamekeeper's cottage and they resolved the steal the treasures, but not before inflciting revenge on Marion. The poacher, Vasey knocked her unconscious one evening and pushed her body into the river Ouse. The raid on his cottage by Vasey proved futile and Martin summoned help. Vasey was convicted at trial but did not implicate Laurie. Mrs Earle, however, had been suspicious of Laurie and dismissed him. He begged to be retained but she was adamant, and within minutes Laurie had killed himself. Vasey himself was hanged later that year in York. Since then, the sad spectre of Marion has sometimes been seen.

Update: 22/9/21: The Hall responded to my Facebook query for information on any recent occurrences, "nothing new to add to the stories you probably have i'm afraid."