The Bereaved Mother of Mulberry Green (Grey Lady)

The Tragic Legend

The most prominent and enduring legend at The Green Man centres on the heart-wrenching tale of a bereaved mother, a story that has become deeply embedded in the folklore of Old Harlow. According to local tradition passed down through generations, this sorrowful tale dates back to the 18th century, during the inn’s bustling coaching days when Mulberry Green served as a vital stopping point for travellers journeying between London and East Anglia.

The story tells of a woman, likely a servant or local resident, who became desperate for a child of her own. In those times, when social constraints were rigid and opportunities for unmarried women limited, she entered into an illicit affair with a local blacksmith whose forge operated adjacent to the inn. The presence of a blacksmith’s workshop near The Green Man is historically plausible, as coaching inns routinely required such services for horseshoes, repairs, and metalwork essential to the constant flow of horse-drawn traffic.

The Fire and Loss

The tragedy that would forever mark both the woman and the inn occurred when she gave birth to a baby daughter. According to the legend, the infant perished in a fire shortly after birth, though accounts vary as to the exact circumstances. Some versions suggest the fire occurred in the woman’s modest quarters, possibly within the inn itself or in nearby lodgings, whilst others hint at a more sinister narrative involving the infant’s illegitimate status and the social pressures of the era.

The 18th-century timber-framed structure of The Green Man would have been particularly vulnerable to fire, with its exposed wooden beams, thatched or early tile roofing, and the constant presence of open flames for heating and lighting. Such buildings often housed multiple families and workers in cramped conditions, making fires both common and devastating when they occurred.

Manifestations and Sightings

Ever since this tragic event, the grieving mother’s spirit—often described as the ‘Grey Lady of Mulberry Green’—is said to wander the ancient coaching inn, perpetually searching for her lost child. Witnesses over the centuries have described a woman in period dress, typically wearing grey or soot-stained clothing that speaks to her association with the fire that claimed her child.

Visual Encounters

Guests and staff have reported fleeting glimpses of a female figure moving through the inn’s corridors, particularly in the older sections of the building where original features remain. She is most commonly sighted on the main staircase and in the upstairs corridors, especially near rooms 6-8, with Room 6 earning particular notoriety as the most haunted accommodation. The apparition typically appears as a misty or semi-transparent figure, often seen at the foot of beds or passing through doorways.

The Grey Lady’s appearance is consistently described as that of a woman from the Georgian era, wearing a long grey dress that appears to be stained with soot or ash—a chilling reminder of the fire that defined her earthly tragedy. Her expression, when glimpsed, is one of profound sorrow and searching, as though she continues her eternal quest for her lost daughter.

Auditory Phenomena

Perhaps more unsettling than the visual sightings are the sounds associated with the bereaved mother’s presence. Guests frequently report hearing soft sobbing or weeping at night, particularly in the early hours when the inn falls silent. These sounds often seem to emanate from the corridors or adjacent rooms, yet investigation reveals no earthly source.

Even more haunting are the occasional reports of faint baby cries or the sound of a lullaby being hummed—phenomena that reinforce the belief that both mother and child may haunt the premises. These auditory experiences often coincide with sudden drops in temperature, creating an atmosphere of profound sadness that guests describe as almost overwhelming.

Environmental Changes

The Grey Lady’s presence is frequently accompanied by sudden cold spots that seem to move through the inn, defying explanation by natural airflow patterns. Guests report an oppressive feeling of sadness that can descend without warning, particularly in areas where sightings have been most frequent. Some describe a sensation of being watched or a gentle touch, as though the spirit seeks comfort or acknowledgement of her eternal grief.

Historical Context and Plausibility

The story of the bereaved mother gains credibility from its alignment with the historical context of 18th-century Old Harlow. During this period, The Green Man was thriving as a coaching inn, handling multiple daily services to and from London. The presence of a blacksmith’s forge near the inn is historically documented, as such establishments were essential to the coaching trade.

Social conditions of the era also lend weight to the tale. Unmarried mothers faced severe social stigma and limited options, whilst illegitimate children often faced uncertain futures. The pressures and secrecy surrounding such relationships could easily have contributed to tragic outcomes, particularly in an era when medical care was primitive and living conditions often precarious.

Modern Recognition and Investigation

The Green Man’s haunted reputation has attracted regional paranormal groups and was included in an Essex Haunted Pubs tour in 2020. A local Harlow ghost club reportedly conducted an overnight investigation in 2018, during which they claimed to have recorded Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) of a woman’s voice speaking words that sounded like “my baby.”

During paranormal investigations, dowsing rods have reportedly reacted strongly in Room 6 and near an old fireplace, areas that correlate with the most frequent sightings. Whilst The Green Man has not featured in major national television productions, its ghostly legend is acknowledged on the hotel’s social media presence and has been mentioned on BBC Essex Radio.

The inn reportedly displays a plaque that recounts the legend for visitors, indicating that the establishment embraces rather than shies away from its supernatural reputation. This openness has made it a destination for those interested in the paranormal whilst maintaining its appeal as a historic accommodation.

The Enduring Mystery

The tale of the bereaved mother of Mulberry Green endures because it speaks to universal themes of loss, love, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. Whether one believes in the supernatural or not, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the human tragedies that have unfolded within the walls of this historic inn over its seven centuries of existence.

For guests staying at The Green Man, the legend adds an atmospheric dimension to their experience of this Grade II listed building. Some visit specifically hoping for an encounter with the Grey Lady, whilst others find comfort in the thought that even in death, a mother’s love transcends the physical world, keeping her spirit bound to the place where she last sought her beloved child.