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Winifred (Ghost Girl)

Child Spirit • Mid-19th Century (Victorian Era)

Winifred, the spirit of an 8-year-old girl, is the hotel's most famous ghost. Dressed in an old-fashioned frock, she's known for her playful yet temperamental nature, hiding items and smashing glasses if ignored. Staff treat her as part of the family, and her portrait is said to calm her.

👻 Child Spirit 📅 Mid-19th Century (Victorian Era) 🏰 Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

The Story

Winifred is believed to be the spirit of an 8-year-old girl who died of tuberculosis at the inn during the mid-1800s. She often appears as a child in a simple old-fashioned frock, with her hair in ringlets, sometimes clutching a small doll. Despite her sweet appearance, she is known for having a temper. She might sulk and create havoc, such as smashing glasses, if she feels ignored or dislikes changes in the hotel. However, she also has a playful side, known for hiding guests' belongings only for them to reappear later, or for childish giggles heard in empty rooms. Hotel staff have developed a fond, almost familial relationship with her, sometimes saying "Goodnight, Winny" to appease her. The portrait of a Victorian girl hanging in the hotel is widely believed to be Winifred and is said to have a calming effect on her spirit when she’s upset.

Historical Evidence

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Local historical records support the death of a young girl at the inn during the Victorian era. The presence of her portrait, which staff and some guests believe is her likeness, reinforces her story. Decades of consistent reports from staff and guests detail poltergeist activity, childish sounds, and interactions attributed to her. The hotel openly acknowledges her presence.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

Bar area (especially near her portrait)
Restaurant area
Function room
Old cellar (now storage)
Dining room corners

👁️ Common Sightings

Childish giggles and wails
Glasses smashing or moving
Small objects hidden and reappearing
Tugging on clothes
Small shadow figure (on thermal camera)

Paranormal Investigations

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Investigated by a Kent ghost group, who reported a shadow figure near her portrait and EVPs of a child's voice. Featured on paranormal blogs. The hotel acknowledges her with a named cocktail and occasional charity ghost nights.

🏰 Stay at This Haunted Hotel

Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Dartford, Kent

Experience Winifred (Ghost Girl)'s haunting firsthand by staying at this historic Established in the 14th century as the Bull Inn; the current building is largely 18th-century Georgian. hotel.

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