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The White Lady Bride

Intelligent Haunting • 19th Century (speculated)

A mysterious woman in a white wedding gown, known as the 'White Lady Bride', startles staff and guests by appearing and vanishing in hallways and on the staircase. She is thought to be the sorrowful spirit of a 19th-century bride who died tragically.

👻 Intelligent Haunting 📅 19th Century (speculated) 🏰 The Rose And Crown Hotel Colchester

The Story

The apparition of a 'White Lady Bride' is another prominent haunting at The Rose & Crown. This ghostly figure, dressed in a flowing white lace wedding gown, complete with a red flower in her hair and pearl jewelry, has been sighted multiple times over the decades. The most famous account dates to the 1950s, when a night porter named Frank witnessed her on the staircase. She glided closer before drifting down the hall and disappearing. A decade later, another porter, unaware of Frank's experience, reported seeing the exact same detailed apparition. Local rumor suggests she may be the spirit of an unfaithful farmer’s wife from the 19th century who met a tragic end, possibly explaining her forlorn and searching presence. She is often sensed near Room 204, the Honeymoon Suite, as if still searching for her groom.

Historical Evidence

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The primary evidence consists of eyewitness accounts from staff members, most notably the detailed and corroborated sightings by two night porters decades apart. The consistency in the description of her attire and appearance lends weight to these claims. In 2022, the Essex Ghost Hunters society conducted an overnight vigil and reportedly made contact via an Ouija board with a spirit calling herself 'Elizabeth', who is speculated to be the bride.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

  • Main staircase
  • Upstairs landing
  • Hallways
  • Room 204 (Honeymoon Suite)

👁️ Common Sightings

  • Woman in a flowing white lace wedding gown
  • Red flower in her hair and pearl jewelry
  • Figure gliding or drifting before vanishing
  • Sorrowful and curious demeanor
  • Sudden cold drafts on the main staircase

Paranormal Investigations

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The Rose & Crown featured on the local TV series *Ghostly East* in 2019, where investigators recorded unexplained footsteps and a voice. More specifically relating to the bride, the Essex Ghost Hunters society's 2022 investigation reported Ouija board contact with a spirit named 'Elizabeth', potentially linking to the White Lady Bride. The hotel's haunted reputation ensures it is a frequent stop for paranormal groups.

🏰 Stay at This Haunted Hotel

The Rose And Crown Hotel Colchester

Colchester, Essex

Experience The White Lady Bride's haunting firsthand by staying at this historic Portions dating back to c.1400 AD (over 600 years old) hotel.

👻 Quick Facts

Type: Intelligent Haunting
Era: 19th Century (speculated)
Active Areas: 4
Hotel: Portions dating back to c.1400 AD (over 600 years old)

🕯️ Paranormal Tips

Best time for encounters: Late evening or early morning hours
Bring: Digital camera, voice recorder, and an open mind
Be respectful: These are believed to be real spirits with their own stories
Ask hotel staff: They often have their own encounters to share

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