Ruth's Blog

The story of Sir John Bolle is well known to many of those who have grown up in and around Louth – an adventurer who travelled alongside Sir Walter Raleigh to Spain and who is associated with one of the oldest ghost stories in England.  Despite this, little is known of the woman who fuels the legend of the Green Lady of Thorpe Hall.

In 1596, Sir John Bolle took part in Sir Walter Raleigh’s attack and capture of Cadiz, Spain. During this time, Bolle was assigned to the protection of a prisoner called Donna Leonora Oviedo – the woman who would later become known as the Green Lady.  During her imprisonment, Donna Leonora soon fell in love with Bolle.  Despite her efforts, Bolle did not love her back and confessed to having a wife back in England eagerly awaiting his safe return.

As a parting gift, Donna Leonora gave all her jewellery to Bolle amongst other gifts such as gold plates, a bed, a bedcover, and more in an ornate wooden chest.  Finally, she gave John Bolle a portrait of her wearing a green dress asking that he hang it in his home to remember her.  On Bolle’s departure Donna Leonora retired to spend the rest of her days in a convent

It is thought that the ghost of Donna Leonora wanders the grounds of Thorpe Hall dressed in the green dress she is depicted wearing in her portrait in search of the man she loved.

You can see in Louth Museum the sequinned velvet bedcover given to John Bolle by Donna Leonora Ovideo, and an oil painting of the man himself.