Earl Charles Spencer reveals eerie story about Princess Diana's childhood home

It's certainly a house fit for a princess

Princess Diana Althorp
(Image credit: Tim Graham Photo Library via Get)

Earl Charles Spencer has revealed the eerie story about Princess Diana's childhood home, as he showed a glimpse inside the property.

Earl Charles Spencer is no stranger to sharing glimpses of the childhood home he once shared with Princess Diana. And in his latest social media post, he has given us a look at the stunning gardens that surround it.

althorp

An eerie story accompanied Earl Spencer's latest post, giving fans a fascinating insight into the rich history of the Grade I listed stately home.

'At the back of the park at @AlthorpHouse – this is where the ancient settlement of 'Ulla's Drop' was, that gave "Althorp" its name. It was apparently wiped out in the 1340s, by the Black Death. You can see shapes on the ground where the medieval houses once stood', he wrote.

Fans on Twitter were captivated by the story, with one writing, 'Interesting to take a tour! In these places the energy of the past prevails. It would be a special hike! Interesting, enigmatic.'

Another joked that the house's grounds would be, 'A job for Time Team!'

The extraordinary house was built in 1508, and has been the family seat of the Spencer Family for nineteen generations. Formerly owned by Princess Diana's father Earl John Spencer, it is now lived-in by her brother Charles, the 9th Spencer.

Home to Diana until 1981, when she married the Prince of Wales, Althorp also housesPrincess Diana's island grave, as well as a museum.

A photo posted by on

The cavernous house has 90 rooms, including a library and a billiard room. Not to mention its own picture gallery to house Althorp's extensive collection of European art.

Earl Spencer is dedicated to preserving the memory of his late sister, and shared a moving tribute to her on what would have been her 59th birthday on 1st July.

'Received at @AlthorpHouse today - amazing, and touching', he captioned a picture of a gift he had received from a Diana admirer.

Fans then shared their own poignant memories of the Princess.

Your sister was a one off and will never ever be forgotten. She is greatly missed, especially in these turbulent times and I think of her every day.Happy Birthday Princess Diana,’ wrote one Twitter user.

Thinking of you today and wishing your family peace, comfort and happy memories. I took this photo in London on her 30th birthday,’ another captioned a portrait of a beaming Diana.

Kate McCusker

Kate is a freelance contributor to woman&home, covering everything she loves most: fashion, fiction, and fancy face cream. If she’s not working, she’s probably reading, feeding her online shopping addiction, or judging the taste level of celebrity houses (10/10 for Dakota Johnson, 2/10 for Tan France).

She graduated from Central Saint Martins in 2020 with a BA in fashion journalism, and her byline has also appeared in British VogueThe Times, and Marie Claire.