The peer emerged only at night, when he roamed the close walks, repentant and sad.

Lady Montagu would then steal out to him, dressing all in white to such good purpose that the desired rumours of a ghost soon flew about the neighbourhood.
The curse of Cowdray, which, if genuinely pronounced, has certainly been wonderfully fulfilled, dates from the gift of Battle Abbey by Henry VIII.

to Sir Anthony Browne, the father of Queen Elizabeth's host and friend.

Sir Anthony seized his new property, and turned the monks out of the gates, in 1538.

Legend says that as the last monk departed, he warned his despoiler that by fire and water his line should perish.