In the picturesque English village of St Osyth, a house with a dark and chilling past has found new Australian owners, Amy Waine and Jarrad Cutting. The property, known as ‘The Cage,’ is infamous for being one of England’s most haunted houses, and its alarming history has been enough to deter most potential buyers and even visitors.
Amy and Jarrad, who have a keen interest in the paranormal were undaunted by the home’s reputation. They managed to secure the property for less than its £250,000 (A$500,000) asking price, as it had languished on the market for many months. The real estate agent handling the sale was reportedly relieved ‘to get rid of it.’
The Cage’s sinister reputation dates back to its origins as a medieval prison. In 1582, it was the site where 13 women accused of witchcraft were held before their trial. Three of these women, later known as the ‘Witches of St Osyth,’ were executed.
Over the centuries, the building also served as a holding place for plague victims, local troublemakers, and drunks. A more recent suicide is also believed to have added to the property’s ghostly population.
The experiences of previous owners have only added to The Cage’s notoriety. Vanessa Mitchell, who bought the property in 2005, reported a series of terrifying encounters, including seeing a ghostly man vanish into mist, discovering unexplained bloodstains, and being physically shoved to the ground while pregnant.
Her young son and even her plumber also experienced disturbing phenomena, contributing to Vanessa’s decision to leave the house after a short period.
The locals in St Osyth also have their own tales about The Cage, with reports of sightings and strange occurrences even when the house stood empty. The village postman, for instance, claimed to have seen someone in the window during a time when no one was living there.
Despite its past, Amy and Jarrad are determined to break the pattern of short-term habitation, which seems to average around four years for previous occupants.
They have yet to move in properly, as the house requires significant renovations. Interestingly, the previous owners had begun refurbishing the property but stopped abruptly, leaving new fixtures unconnected and the electricity cut off. This has led to speculation that the renovations may have stirred up paranormal activity.
Even during their daytime visits, Amy and Jarrad have reportedly encountered unsettling moments. Amy described an oppressive atmosphere and the sensation of an unseen presence, while Jarrad felt disoriented and uneasy. They said they’ve even captured strange images on their equipment, though they’re keeping the details under wraps for now.
For a couple who have built their careers exploring haunted locations, owning The Cage presents a unique opportunity to conduct extended paranormal investigations and test their theories. While they acknowledge the fear that comes with their new home, they also feel excitement about the possibilities it holds.
As they plan to continue travelling and maintain their home in Adelaide, Amy and Jarrad hope that the spirits of The Cage will enjoy some quiet periods between their visits. But the question remains: will they be able to withstand the haunting history of The Cage, or will they too find themselves leaving before the four-year mark?
We’d love to hear from you, our YourLifeChoices readers—would you dare to spend a night in a haunted house like The Cage? Share your thoughts and any ghostly encounters of your own in the comments below.
Also read: Have you visited Australia’s most haunted destinations?
