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Mary, Queen of Scots

Residual Haunting • 16th century (Died 1587)

The executed 16th-century Scottish queen, Mary Stuart, who spent her final night at the Haycock in February 1587.

👻 Residual Haunting 📅 16th century (Died 1587) 🏰 Haycock Manor Hotel

The Story

The spirit of Mary, Queen of Scots, is said to haunt the Haycock Manor Hotel, where she reportedly spent her last night of freedom before being taken to Fotheringhay Castle for her execution in February 1587. Her spectral figure is seen wandering the corridors and occasionally guest rooms, often accompanied by soft voices or the faint glow of a candlelight in the air. The atmosphere turns noticeably cold when she appears, and some witnesses report a profound sadness or pressure in the air as she passes. Described as a tall woman in Elizabethan-era attire, sometimes recognizable by a dark dress and a white coif or veil consistent with portraits of Mary. She may appear headless in rare reports (an allusion to her beheading), but more commonly her face is seen – somber and silent. This haunting is typically considered residual: Mary’s ghost doesn’t interact but seems to replay her last movements.

Historical Evidence

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Mary Stuart was escorted to her execution at nearby Fotheringhay Castle and, per legend, spent a night under guard at this inn. The trauma and significance of that final journey are believed to have imprinted her presence here.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

Oldest rooms and corridors
Suite historically linked to Mary's stay
Hallways of the original 16th-century wing

👁️ Common Sightings

Apparition of a regal woman in Tudor-era dress
Soft voices or whispers
Sound of rustling skirts
Faint glow of candlelight
Sudden cold spots
Feelings of sadness or pressure

Paranormal Investigations

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The Haycock’s hauntings, particularly those attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots, have drawn significant interest, especially after its restoration in 2021. Many guests deliberately request the “Queen’s room” in hopes of encountering her. Her story is a centerpiece of the hotel’s haunted reputation and is featured in regional ghost tours.