The Giggling Woman

The Haunting

The Fisherman’s Cot, built in 1933 as a private fishing lodge for nearby Bickleigh Castle, has gained a reputation for paranormal activity centered around a female spirit known locally as “The Giggling Woman.” This haunting has been reported consistently since the mid-20th century, making it one of Devon’s more documented inn hauntings.

The Manifestations

Guests and staff have reported hearing distinctive soft, feminine laughter echoing through the inn, particularly during the evening and night hours. The giggling is described as gentle rather than malevolent, though it can be unnerving for those experiencing it unexpectedly. The sound appears to move through the building, being heard in:

• The bar area, especially near closing time
• Guest corridors and hallways
• Individual guest rooms, particularly on the upper floors
• The restaurant area when empty

Witnesses describe the laughter as having an almost childlike quality, though clearly belonging to a young woman. The giggling episodes typically last for a few moments before fading away, often leaving guests questioning whether they actually heard anything at all.

Physical Manifestations

Beyond auditory phenomena, guests have reported several physical experiences:

Bed Disturbances: Multiple guests have described feeling as though someone has sat down on the edge of their bed, causing a noticeable depression in the mattress. This usually occurs when they are lying in bed but not yet asleep, and is sometimes accompanied by the characteristic giggling.

Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature have been reported in various areas of the inn, particularly in guest rooms where the giggling has been heard.

Footsteps: Light, feminine footsteps have been heard in corridors and upper floors, often followed by the signature laughter.

Historical Context

The Fisherman’s Cot’s relatively recent construction (1933) makes it unusual among reportedly haunted British inns, most of which date back centuries. Built on the banks of the River Exe in the historic village of Bickleigh—a settlement recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086—the inn occupies a location with deep historical significance.

The village of Bickleigh has witnessed centuries of human activity, from its Saxon origins (recorded as “Bicanleag” in 904 AD) through its development around the medieval Bickleigh Castle and the 14th-century stone bridge that spans the River Exe. While The Fisherman’s Cot itself lacks the ancient history typically associated with hauntings, its position in this historically rich landscape may contribute to the reported phenomena.

Theories and Speculation

The identity of The Giggling Woman remains unknown, though local folklore has offered some compelling theories about her origins. Unlike many pub hauntings that can be traced to specific historical events or documented deaths, no definitive historical record connects a specific individual to the phenomena at The Fisherman’s Cot.

Several theories have been proposed by locals and paranormal researchers:

The Drowned Daughter Theory: The most persistent local theory suggests that the giggling woman was the daughter of a former owner who tragically drowned in the River Exe. This theory would explain both her youthful nature and her apparent attachment to the inn, as well as her non-threatening presence—she may have been particularly happy at the location during her lifetime.

Residual Energy: Some suggest the manifestations may be residual hauntings—emotional imprints left by a former guest or resident who experienced particular joy or happiness at the location. The consistent description of gentle, non-malevolent laughter supports this theory.

Historical Layering: The site’s position in historic Bickleigh, near the ancient bridge and castle, may contribute to supernatural activity, with the inn acting as a focal point for older spiritual energy in the area. The proximity to the River Exe, long considered a boundary between worlds in Celtic tradition, may enhance this effect.

Modern Haunting: The 20th-century timeframe of the reports suggests this may be a relatively recent spiritual presence, potentially connected to the inn’s early years of operation as a private fishing lodge.

Documentation and Witness Accounts

While no formal paranormal investigations have been conducted at The Fisherman’s Cot, the consistency of reports over several decades lends credibility to the accounts. Guest testimonials and staff observations have been informally documented, creating a body of anecdotal evidence that spans multiple generations.

The reports share consistent elements: the distinctive giggling sound, the non-threatening nature of the presence, and the tendency for manifestations to occur during evening and nighttime hours. This consistency across different witnesses and time periods supports the authenticity of the haunting claims.

The Mystery Continues

The Giggling Woman remains one of Devon’s more intriguing modern hauntings. Her identity may never be definitively established, but her presence continues to be felt by guests at The Fisherman’s Cot. Unlike many paranormal encounters that inspire fear, this spirit seems to bring a sense of gentle amusement to the historic riverside inn, her laughter echoing through the halls as a reminder that not all ghostly encounters need be frightening.

For those staying at The Fisherman’s Cot, the possibility of hearing her distinctive giggle adds an element of mystery to their visit to this charming corner of Devon, where ancient history and modern hospitality converge on the banks of the River Exe.