A manor has stood at Morton in Brading for almost 800 years in one form or another, first built for Thomas de Aula in 1249. Upgraded many times over the centuries, it was not until the 20th century, when new owners removed thick and unruly ivy from the exterior for fear of it damaging the structure, that disturbances were noted. Slamming doors, the uneasy sensation of being observed by unseen eyes and objects moving of their own accord led to fear and frustration, although they were seemingly settled by a strong word or two. It was not until some time later that a visitor to the manor produced reams of spirit writing, talking at length about the regret of a former lady of the manor for refusing permission for her maid and her gardener to marry. Later confirmed to be true by a a descendant of the refused lovers who later eloped from the service of Sir Thomas and Lady Denman around the turn of the 18th-19th centuries, it seems the removal of the ivy may have stirred more than just dust.
