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NORMANSFIELD HOSPITAL THEATRE - A Ghostly Mystery

Ghost Hunting with London Paranormal prides itself on researching and obtaining new and exciting haunted properties, all of which are said to harbour previously un-released ghost stories. Between 2006- 2008, we have introduced 10 new haunted properties into the paranormal event circuit. Normansfield is one of these locations.

In its heyday, Normansfield was a successful private asylum and still is one of Teddington’s most intriguing buildings. Although claiming a grade II listing, this Victorian location is sadly decaying into ruins and frustratingly out of bounds. Luckily the only part rescued was an outstanding Victorian theatre (formerly known as the hospital's entertainment hall) and here lies the true heart of the location. Unfortunately, the story of Normansfield turned sour as the years rolled by. It seems the past refuses to go away as our home for the night is also home to several full bodied apparitions and much auditory phenomena.

PARANORMAL ACTVITY

Multiple sightings of a Victorian gentleman has been witnessed, standing on the second floor. The spectre is thought to be the lost soul of John Langdon’s son, Eveleigh, who was killed nearby in an accident and supposedly died in that location, whereas another story suggests the apparition could be an unfortunate man who also died in the vicinity, when he was fatality wounded by a WW1 bomb.

Often, loud footsteps echo around the old Victorian theatre un-nerving the employees. Incidentally, this was reported during our last event, alongside other auditory phenomena and at present, unexplainable light anomalies. Sporadic poltergeist activity has been reported throughout the building; who or what is responsible still remains unknown.

During our previous event in 2008, a number of people reported being touched by unseen hands. Recently, a shaman was brought into the building and felt several areas had negative pockets and that a one particular phantom was holding back many others from passing over. We have access to the theatre itself, backstage, museum, office corridors and attic. With a colourful and varied history, the theatre's spectral entities seem to remain.

Join us on our second visit as we try to uncover the ghostly mystery of Normansfield theatre.

HISTORY

John Haydon Langdon Down opened Normansfield Hospital in May 1868. This family home was first known as 'White House' and became 'Normansfield Training Institution for Imbeciles', a Private Home for the "care, education and treatment of those of good social position who present any degree of mental deficiency". His intentions were to run Normansfield as a family home, educate patients and use drama and music therapy for the life-enrichment for those in his care, therefore the theatre became an important part of therapy and treatment (incidentally, the theatre contains original painted scenery and other ornate fixtures and fittings and is a rare example of a private Victorian).

After his death, John Langdon Down’s siblings inherited the hospital. It remained under control of the Langdon-Down family for 102 years. One son took over the responsibility for the day-to-day medical care of patients and staff and for the management of the estate. He was very interested in amateur theatricals and a local club founded by the family continued to use the entertainment hall at Normansfield until the First World War.

During the difficulties of the Second World War, the building's proximity to Teddington Lock and Richmond Park (where fires burned to induce enemy planes to think they were over London ) meant the hospital was in a danger area and had to prepare for emergencies. The problem of maintaining a private hospital became overwhelming after the war, and a smooth transfer to the National Health Service was successfully negotiated in 1951. A later manager, described as authoritarian and incompetent was suspended during the first ever nurses strike in 1976 when the staff complained of bad management and poor condition. By then senior personnel were resigning and buildings fell into disrepair. Not many years later the hospital closed its doors.

Now the hospital stands alone in the dark, awaiting its final diagnosis, but somehow the theatre shines like a beacon in honour of John Langdon and his work. Our location is presently home to the Langdon Down Centre and Down Syndrome Association.

THE EVENT

The night will consist of a welcome meeting, brief talk about ghosts and spirits, group and lone vigils, psychic experiments, experienced psychics and investigators. You will be pro-active during the base line tests and get the chance to monitor our ghost hunting gadgets throughout the night.

Tea, Coffee and biscuits will be served.

Please note:
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on site (a smoking area will be designated).

Over 18s only

Time: 9pm - 4am
Price: £55 per person

Please do not contact the location.

BOOKING PROCEDURE

Please reserve your place(s) on this investigation via our online booking form. Click on the "Book Now" button below for details. Once submitted, you will be given full details of how to make your payment.