Wadham Strangeways

The most documented and historically significant spirit haunting The Bull Hotel is that of Wadham Strangeways, a gentleman whose tragic death during the tumultuous events of 1685 forever bound his soul to this historic Bridport coaching inn. His story is one of loyalty, tragedy, and an eternal vigil that continues to this day.

The Fatal Day

In the summer of 1685, the West Country was thrown into chaos as James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, landed at Lyme Regis with a small force, determined to claim the throne from his uncle, King James II. What followed became known as the Monmouth Rebellion, a desperate attempt that would end in disaster for all involved. When Monmouth’s makeshift army reached Bridport, seeking to raise support and gather intelligence about royal forces, the town became a battleground.

Wadham Strangeways, a local gentleman of some standing, found himself caught in the violent skirmish that erupted in the streets around The Bull Hotel. As enemy forces led by Colonel Venner engaged with Monmouth’s supporters, Strangeways positioned himself at an upper window of the inn, musket in hand, ready to defend the establishment and its occupants. From this vantage point, he could observe the approaching royal forces and provide covering fire for those below.

Tragically, during the fierce exchange of musket fire that followed, a stray shot from Venner’s forces found its mark. Wadham Strangeways crumpled where he stood, struck down whilst bravely defending his position. Historical records confirm that he died almost instantly from his wounds, his blood staining the wooden floorboards of the room that would later be sealed up in recognition of the tragedy that had occurred within its walls.

The Sealed Room and Eternal Watch

Following Strangeways’ death, the room where he made his final stand was sealed, its windows blocked up to prevent further disturbance. Local records suggest that unusual phenomena began almost immediately after his passing, with servants and guests reporting the sound of heavy footsteps pacing back and forth in the supposedly empty chamber. The decision to permanently seal the room was made not merely out of respect for the dead, but in response to the increasingly disturbing supernatural activity that plagued the upper floor.

Despite the physical barriers erected to contain his spirit, Wadham Strangeways’ presence has never been fully subdued. Witnesses describe seeing the unmistakable figure of a well-dressed gentleman in 17th-century attire, complete with doublet, breeches, and the wide-brimmed hat typical of the period. He appears most frequently at the sealed windows, still clutching his musket, his face turned towards the street as though watching for the approach of enemy forces that will never come.

Modern Encounters

Hotel staff working in the upper floors, particularly during the quiet early morning hours, report an overwhelming sensation of being observed by unseen eyes. The feeling is so intense that many refuse to work alone in certain areas of the building. Guests staying in rooms adjacent to the sealed chamber frequently complain of sleep disturbances caused by the rhythmic sound of boots pacing overhead, accompanied by the occasional metallic click that paranormal investigators believe to be the phantom sound of a musket being loaded and prepared for firing.

During paranormal investigations, electromagnetic field detectors have registered significant anomalies in the vicinity of the sealed room, with temperature readings often dropping by several degrees without explanation. Some psychically sensitive individuals report sensing feelings of duty, determination, and an unshakeable resolve to protect the inn and its occupants, suggesting that Strangeways continues his vigil even in death.

The Gentleman’s Honour

What makes Wadham Strangeways’ haunting particularly poignant is the apparent nobility of purpose that drives his spectral manifestations. Unlike malevolent spirits that seek to frighten or harm, his presence seems motivated by the same sense of duty and protection that led him to take his fatal position at the window over three centuries ago. Staff members describe feeling watched over rather than threatened, as though an unseen guardian continues to ensure the safety of all who shelter within The Bull Hotel’s ancient walls.

The ghost of Wadham Strangeways serves as a powerful reminder of the violent historical events that shaped Bridport and the West Country, his eternal presence ensuring that the sacrifice he made during those turbulent days in 1685 will never be forgotten. His story embodies the tragic human cost of political upheaval and the enduring power of honour and duty that transcends even death itself.