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Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crime

19 May 2023 , 08:38
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The strangest sight is the police tape in multiple rooms despite there being no record of a crime here (Image: mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)
The strangest sight is the police tape in multiple rooms despite there being no record of a crime here (Image: mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

Creepy photos captured by an urban explorer show the inside of a 300-year-old mansion, which was inhabited by a hoarder of antiques, and went on to become the scene of an unknown crime.

Images showed many strange oddities in the mansion, such as eerie dolls, taxidermy goat heads, a rooster in a glass box and a fridge of completely rotted food.

However, the strangest sight is the police tape, stripped up across multiple rooms in the home - despite there being no record of a crime in the property.

Calveley Hall in Cheshire, England, was originally built in 1684 for Lady Mary Calveley, but is now in a state of total disrepair.

And the images captured by urban explorer Daniel Sims, 34, who is known as Bearded Reality online, show that the grand mansion - that as of 2022 - has ended up on the Buildings at Risk Register.

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Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeThe fridge is full of rotten food, as Daniel said it was 'interesting seeing all the different things left here' (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)
Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeThe strangest sight is the police tape in multiple rooms despite there being no record of a crime here (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

In 1818 it was remodelled for Thomas Legh, and further alterations were carried out during the 20th century.

The house and estates in excess of 4,000 acres were put up for sale in 1827 to satisfy a judgement in the Court of Chancery. The hall and at least some of the lands were bought by George Woolrich, who then attempted to sell some parcels of it.

The house is constructed in rendered brick with stone quoins and has hipped roofs in Welsh slate, and three brick chimneys. The entrance front has three storeys, and is symmetrical with seven bays, the bays at the ends being slightly set back.

Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeThe cluttered mansion, as Daniel found many oddities in the vast property in Cheshire (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

However, architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the incredible property as being "absolutely plain".

The hall is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building. The gate piers and front garden walls are listed at Grade II.

In 2006 the building was in a poor state of repair and as of 2022, the building is on the Buildings at Risk Register.

Speaking out about exploring the home, Daniel said that he found many strange and rare antiques.

Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeA mask of a womans face and nursery rhyme book. Daniel said: 'The place was filled with many rare antiques and a hoard of collector items' (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

He explained: "The place was filled with many rare antiques and a hoard of collector items leading people to believe that it once was owned by an antique dealer or auctioneer.

"However, the strangest fact about the place is that it is covered in crime scene tape giving off some very creepy vibes.

"When arriving at the place we saw that at some point boards had been put over the windows and the side of the building was being stabilised, however, there was an old decayed open window that had not been boarded so that was our entrance."

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Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeIn 2006 the building was in a poor state of repair and as of 2022 the building is on the Buildings at Risk Register (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

He continued to say that once he was inside the property, he was left shocked at the eerie belongings left behind, saying: "Then once we were inside we were blown away by all the incredible things we saw and found.

"The outside of the mansion itself is not partially awe-inspiring and is on the heritage risk register as being Grade II listed and is in serious need of some work to save the site from falling into further disrepair.

"Inside is spectacular, the rooms are amazing with some lovely features and filled to the brim with rare and amazing antiques stocked up and left."

Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeA terrifying mask left at the mansion. Daniel made a YouTube clip on his visit to the home (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

And among these amazing antiques were some very strange discoveries.

Many of the rooms were filled to the brim with oddities, as Daniel captured photos of creepy life-sized dolls, antler heads and old pots and pans that were left lying around the home.

Among the finds were a frightening white mask and another realistic looking one of a person.

He also saw strings of blue and white police tape placed at a height in one of the rooms.

Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeCalveley Hall was originally built for Lady Mary Calveley in 1684 but is now in a state of total disrepair (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

Daniel said: "I know a few people who have visited the site over the years leading to rumours a few years back that the mansion was occupied however the mansion now has been clearly left for a few years to slowly decay and be a target for vandals and would-be thieves.

"There were no real scary moments apart from going around a creepy mansion and hearing the floorboards creaking.

"However, it was super strange seeing parts of the mansion covered in crime tape which then puts all sorts of ideas in your mind as to what has happened.

Inside 300-year-old mansion that became scene of unsolved crimeIn 1818 the home was remodelled for Thomas Legh, and further alterations were carried out during the 20th century (mediadrumimages/Bearded Reality)

"It was interesting seeing all the different things left here from mounted heads and stuffed Cockrells to the mini boats and a vast amount of expensive clothing stored away.

"The crime scene tape took us aback a little bit and seeing the basement was completely flooded did make us wonder how this place had come to be left in such a way."

Milica Cosic

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