The ancient site of Spinney has, not surprisingly, accumulated many tales of the supernatural. Most are little more than tales but nevertheless the house has been quite famous amongst ghost-hunters for many years - possibly due to the records and observations made by Thomas Llewellyn Fuller, who died in 1977. Many of these tales were recorded directly from Mr Fuller by Michael Rouse and are set out in his book.
The following extract is based on information taken from the publication GHOSTS OF EAST ANGLIA by Tony Ellis. Note that some of the historic information is not quite the same as shown in the research of Michael Rouse.
"One mile from Wicken Fen, in the heart of Fen Country, stands a farmhouse called Spinney Abbey. The name was
derived from the old priory which once stood on the site. It is haunted by phantom monks, who are heard singing,
and one has been seen walking along a pathway in the grounds. Mysterious lights and a female figure have also
been reported.
Spinney Abbey was built by Mary de Bassingbourne and Beatrix Malebise for Augustinian
Friars in 1217. In 1406, the then Abbot of Spinney was murdered by one of his
canons, and Oliver Cromwell’s son, Henry, farmed here immediately after the
Restoration of the Monarchy, and was said to have met one of Charles II’s men
with a pitchfork, whilst they were travelling throughout the area on their way
from Newmarket.
There are still some fragments of the original abbey to be found. The pig sty
is said to be built in the old ruins, and although the pigs are usually quite
happy and content, occasionally they get boisterous. It is also said that in
the early hours of the morning, on occasions, horses in the stables make a terrific
noise for no apparent reason. The ghost who walks along the path in the
early hours of the morning is believed to be the monk who murdered the Abbot
in 1406. He wears a brown habit and the hood fully covers his face so that no
features are discernible."
This Spectred Isle, Martin Lightburn
The Good Ghost Guide, John Brooks 1994 (Jarrold Publishing; ISBN 0711706697)
The A-Z of British Ghosts, Peter Underwood 1992. (Bounty Books; ISBN 1851521941)