SCOLTON MANOR invites curiosity not only for its storied past but also for the paranormal encounters said to haunt its halls. The manor’s journey began in the Elizabethan era under the Higgon family, whose legacy has endured through triumphs, tragedies, and now, ghostly tales.
Originally built in the 18th century, the manor suffered a devastating fire, forcing the Higgon family to abandon the estate. In the 1830s, James Higgon, determined to revive his heritage, enlisted local architects William and James Owen to design a new Victorian manor. Completed in 1840, the grand house and its elegant walled garden became symbols of the family’s resilience and standing in Victorian Pembrokeshire. By 1842, the Higgons were once again settled at Scolton Manor, a period that solidified their influence in the region, with three family members appointed as High Sheriffs of Pembrokeshire.
The Higgons’ fortunes, however, waned in the 20th century. The family endured profound losses during the world wars, including the death of John Higgon in World War I and Lt. Col. John Higgon’s imprisonment during World War II. In the post-war years, Scolton Manor transitioned from a private residence to a hospital and later a nursing home, until Pembrokeshire County Council acquired it in 1972. After extensive restorations, Scolton Manor reopened as a museum and public park, preserving its historical charm.
Today, paranormal activity at Scolton Manor intrigues visitors and staff alike. Reports of footsteps, mysterious whispers, and shadowy figures add an eerie allure to the site. Edie’s Tearoom, particularly known for its spectral sightings, is said to echo with the energy of the manor’s past, including its role as a hospital for war casualties.
This reputation has drawn the attention of Haunted Adventures, a team of paranormal investigators led by Gareth Furness and Sarah Bentley. Known for their hands-off approach, the team refrains from researching a location’s history in-depth before investigations, allowing guests to experience phenomena without preconceptions. “We want the location to speak for itself,” Gareth explains, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in their work.
Haunted Adventures combines traditional spirit-communication methods, like Ouija boards and Victorian-style séances, with modern technology, including the Alice Box, which purportedly allows spirits to display words on a screen. Sarah’s favorite tool is the Estes Method, which uses sensory deprivation to enhance spirit box sessions. “Participants often hear words that align with questions we’re asking out loud,” she notes, describing the chilling effect of these responses.
For Gareth, the paranormal became a passion in his teens after capturing a mysterious voice on a recording. “It set me on this path,” he says, recalling his early intrigue. Now, he shares his expertise with guests who report similar encounters, such as a shadowy figure appearing in photographs or sensations of being touched by invisible hands. Each experience, Gareth says, strengthens his commitment to investigating the unknown.
The team meticulously reviews evidence, striving to rule out natural explanations before labeling any occurrence as paranormal. “We’re thorough,” Gareth insists, explaining their process of debunking to ensure credibility. Despite differing beliefs among their guests, Haunted Adventures embraces skeptics, welcoming all to draw their own conclusions.
With a growing online presence, Gareth and Sarah share their findings and connect with their audience through social media, offering glimpses into their investigations and light-hearted content. “This is more than just a business for us – it’s a passion,” Gareth says, looking ahead to future explorations and discoveries.
As Scolton Manor’s haunted legacy continues to captivate, its history intertwines with each new story, keeping the past alive for all who dare to experience it first-hand.
