Badby Woods A Beautiful Walk with a Haunting History

Hello every1,

I recently visited Badby Woods but had to find an alternative route since the old Tudor-style arch from the gatekeeper's lodge is now blocked off for safety reasons.



Located just south of Daventry in West Northamptonshire, Badby Woods is a beautiful spot for walking, especially in spring when the bluebells are in bloom.

Beyond its natural beauty, the woods are filled with intrigue, particularly the haunting tale of Mrs. Fitzgerald from nearby Fawsley House. The Fawsley Dower House, once a hunting lodge and one of the county’s first red brick buildings, now stands in ruins on private land, visible to walkers in Badby Woods.

In the 1800s, Mrs. Fitzgerald was involved in a tragic affair that ended with her jealous husband murdering her. He concealed her body in the cellar before secretly burying it. He later fled to Canada, escaping justice, while the gamekeeper, Braunston, took the dark secret to his grave. This history has attracted many ghost-hunters, with reports of sightings of Mrs. Fitzgerald's spirit riding a white horse through the woods.

One famous encounter was by lorry driver Brian Birchall in the 1970s, who saw a woman in white on horseback blocking the road. When he asked her to move, she vanished, making him believe he had seen Mrs. Fitzgerald’s ghost.

Today, Badby Woods is cared for by the Woodland Trust, offering trails for those curious about its beauty and spooky history. I can confirm the woods have an eerie atmosphere, although I didn’t catch a glimpse of Mrs. Fitzgerald’s spirit!

Regards

February