An Exploration of The Wymering Manor

An Exploration of The Wymering Manor

There's a fascinating sense of mystery and adventure that just by hearing the name Wymering manor, you can't help but get excited. Initially, it was merely an email proposing a site visit to Wymering Manor, a home near Cosham. We were instructed to pack lunch because there are no cafés around and to dress in a way that allows us to walk on the difficult terrain. An actual picture of an ancient house in Cosham's rural area was included in the email.

I get the chance to strike up conversations with random people because I work as a front-of-house employee at a restaurant while I'm a student. Since the restaurant is located in Cosham and is frequented by locals, I happened to mention the visit to Wymering to one of the customers the day before the visit. When I mentioned Wymering Manor, the patron's reaction changed from normal to anxious to surprised, with the first thing they said being, "Is that the haunted house you are talking about?" I was taken aback by their statement, and the Wymering Manor journey officially began.

I had great expectations since, little as it turned out, I was certain that this visit would give me a unique professional experience. The initial sensation I experienced was that "there was a lovely, caring joint family with many children having a great time growing up". 

What I expected was a house where the windows were all smashed, holes in the walls, chandeliers with broken strings of crystals, ripped curtains and peeling wall paper. But Wymering manor whispered secrets from its aged timbers and whethered bricks. 

Exterior images of Wymering manor

The Wymering Feel

My focus kept going from the scary and uneasy thoughts to the wood, the metal bars on the windows, the ceiling made of timber, and the walls plastered with lime. I was particularly drawn to the wooden staircase since it gave the impression that it would spiral us towards an unknown past.

Inside Wymering Manor's Magnificence

Dolls were positioned all about the estate, their eyes seemingly tracking my every step.They seemed to be hiding something, and that was unsettling. They enhanced the mood of mystery with a hint of intrigue.

When we divided into two groups, our visit took a creative turn. We immersed ourselves in the emotional essence of the manor through painting exercises, holding hands and navigating while wearing blindfolds. Unexpectedly, the exercise of trying to draw the manor's façade while blindfolded let us get a closer look at it.

                                                        Upon Wymering's Breath

Wymering Manor is a live, breathing archive of secrets and tales, not only a historical landmark. A universe of mysteries, history, and surprising discoveries were unveiled during the visit. The manor had a lasting impression on me, and I came away from it appreciating the beauty of our past and how important it is to have such a direct and immersive experience with history. With its groaning flooring, haunted dolls, and countless unspoken tales, Wymering Manor has left a lasting impression on me as a location where history really comes to life.