The interior of Borley Church showing the Waldergrave Tomb
We arrived at Borley just after 10 am on a beautiful, sunny, but freezing Sunday and were disappointed to find the church locked. We had hoped that a service would have been scheduled. This was Robert's first visit to Essex and he was hoping to get a look inside the building.
However, we were in luck for we were introduced to the residents of Borley cottage, Colonel Dorey and his charming wife. They hold the keys to the church and happily opened up for us. We were all mildly excited. This would also be Paul's first look inside.
As for myself, I hadn't been inside for many years and was eager to view the interior. Paul commented on how small the Waldergrave tomb appeared in the flesh. I, too was surprised to find the building smaller than I had remembered.
Robert took many photographs as Colonel Dorey told us that they still have to put up with the occasional hooligan ghosthunters who come to Borley and cause a nuisance. With this in mind we refrained from asking the colonel if he had experienced any thing paranormal. One is always aware that ghosts are the last thing the people Borley want to discuss.
After ten minutes, with the colonel eager to get back to his home, we exited the church and I showed Robert and his family the site of the rectory. As we stood in the lane trying to picture the great gloomy red brick pile we were once again reminded that strangers with cameras at Borley are viewed by passing motorists as weirdos.
We returned once more to the churchyard and paid our respects at the grave of Henry Bull. It is in a bad state of repair and I found it sad that the last resting place of the man who started the Borley story should be left, forgotten and neglected to the elements.
Eventually with the cold wind cutting through us we repaired to are cars and moved on to Liston church to see the graveyard where Harry Price and Rev Henning laid to rest the remains which were unearthed from beneath the rectory cellars. Here also we paid our respects at Rev Hennings own grave. We would have liked to have stayed longer, but by now the wind had picked up again and was, out of the sun almost Siberian.
Robert and his family had decided the most sensible thing to do was to go to the pub. Whilst they warmed their bones by the Bulls Inn log fire [in Long Melford], Paul and I made our way back to Borley. I was keen to shoot some video footage of the village and church, yet I was reminded once more that strangers with video cameras are looked upon of as even odder than happy snappers.
While Paul and I stood in the yard we discussed the history of the haunting. "I really regret not having had the chance to walk the corridors and rooms of the rectory," I told him. "Well, one day you might," he replied. It seems Paul and a friend are working on the idea of a virtual tour of the rectory. With the wonders of computer graphics it will be possible to explore the most haunted house in England with just a click of a mouse. The project is still in its early days but Paul has promised to keep me updated.
Soon it was time to collect Rob and wife Chris, along with their son John from the Bull. I said my farewell to Paul and his three boisterous boys and made my way to Long Melford. Seeing as this might be Robert's only visit to Borley, I decided to drive back through the village so he could to take one last look. I think Rob and his family felt the same as any who visit Borley. Looking at this peaceful place one gets to thinking, "Did those things really happen in this quiet sleepy hamlet? Was the house which stood there the most haunted place in England? Did the things we have all read about in the countless Borley books take place?"
The people of Borley think differently.
As I drove down the hill to Rodbridge Corner on that windy, sunny afternoon and on to the main road back to London with its slow moving traffic, blaring hooters and thump of car stereos, the haunting of Borley Rectory felt very far away.
So should we still visit the site of the most haunted house in England? By all means yes. Will you see a ghost? No. Will you meet people who think you are mad? Yes. But here are a few ideas to help you get the most out of your visit:
1. Try to visit Borley out of season and during the week. The village is very quite but at weekends there will be a few people about.
2. If you can try to be there late on a winter's afternoon with dusk coming on, you will get a feel of the eeriness of the place.
3. Don't take photos of the cottage from the lane. If you have to, try to take your picture from the rear of the churchyard.
4. Don't call at the cottage for the church key. Services are held in the church twice a month. This is a good time to view the interior.
5. Lastly, sit quietly in the churchyard for some time with a copy of The Most Haunted House in England, and let your mind wander back. I guarantee that you will come away from Borley happier than if you paid just a fleeting visit
6. Oh yes, don't remain after dark.
Editors note: It is not the purpose of the Society to cause undue hardship, embarrassment, or discomfort to the present residents of Borley. Their rights and serenities will not be disrupted by any member of the Society. Such residents will be treated with the same dignity in which Associates of the Society would wish to be treated.