My Movie ~ Combe Sydenham Manor ~Somerset, England.
Haunting History of : see more stories at
Near Monksilver is the old seat of the Sydenhams, Combe Sydenham, a fine old mansion, whose lofty square tower is un-English in appearance. According to local folklore, George Sydenham's headless ghost is sometimes seen riding a phantom horse in the area north of the B3188, heading towards Monksilver
(Sir Francis Drake's father -in-law). Drake married Elizabeth Sydenham—born circa 1562, the only child of Sir George Sydenham, of Combe Sydenham, who was the High Sheriff of Somerset. After Drake's death, the widow Elizabeth eventually married Sir William Courtenay of Powderham.
The house was built by Sir George Sydenham in 1580, who is locally said still to have an unpleasant way of galloping down the glen at midnight. Perhaps he is uneasy in his mind about the huge cannon-ball in the hall, which he is said to have fired as a sign to his lady-love that he was going to follow after and claim her as his bride. There are portraits of some bewigged Sydenhams of the following century, the famous doctor, perchance, and his soldier brother, Colonel William the Parliamentarian. Some rusty old swords hang on the walls, and there is a curious painted screen of Charles II.'s time which is sadly in need of repairs. The servants' hall, with its open fireplace and tall-backed settle, remains much as it has been for two hundred years or more. All these things point to the fact that the same family has been in possession for generations: at least it was owned by a Sydenham not so many years ago. An effigy of Sir George with his two wives (perhaps this is the cause of his uneasiness) may be seen in Stogumber church, about a mile away.
At the back of Combe Sydenham are the remains of an old mill. The wheel has disappeared, and the waterfall splashing in the streamlet below, together with an ancient barn adjacent, form a delightful picture.
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Combe Sydenham manor is alleged to be haunted by the ghost of a cavalier. Nearby was once a silver and lead mine which was worked in the 18th century with the ore being transported by packhorse to Minehead from where it was shipped to Wales to be smelted. The ore contained 62% lead and 4% silver, and there are items still in existence made out of this local silver. Soft lead called plumbago originally used in lead pencils has also been found.
Combe Sydenham is privately owned by Mr. and Mrs. Theed whose dedication and vision bring you this unique blend of respect for the past and determination to provide for the future.
The manor house is set in grounds with a 500 acre estate with a deer park and woodland walks. The park is open throughout the year, but the house is generally only open to groups of visitors by prior arrangement.
In 1939, just before the Second World War erupted,the villagers of the Devon village of Coombe Sydenham heard Drake's Ghostly Drum beating.
Nooks and Corners of Old England, by Allan Fea
Combe Sydenham Country Park Ford Somerset
John Walton
Eerie Ambience by Alexander Jones