Unseen Rocker

The Unseen Rocker phenomenon at The Angel represents one of the most charming and consistently documented examples of gentle poltergeist activity in English pub folklore. The manifestation centers on a traditional wooden rocking chair positioned strategically by the ancient fireplace in the pub’s snug - a spot that would have provided the perfect vantage point for an innkeeper to observe both the fire’s condition and the comfort of guests.\n\nThe chair’s movements follow a distinctive pattern that suggests intelligence rather than random supernatural activity. Staff consistently report finding it in gentle motion after closing time, when the pub is empty and all doors are secured against drafts. The movement is always rhythmic and peaceful, never violent or disruptive, as if someone is contentedly settling in for an evening by the fire.\n\nWhat makes this phenomenon particularly compelling is its apparent responsiveness to the inn’s atmosphere and events. The chair seems most active during the quieter winter months, when the fireplace would have been essential for warmth and comfort. Staff have also noted increased activity during times of stress or major changes at the inn, as if the unseen presence is offering reassurance through familiar routines.\n\nThe rocking chair itself has become something of a local institution, with regular patrons developing the charming custom of raising a toast ‘to the Angel’ when they notice its unexplained movement. Rather than feeling disturbed by the phenomenon, visitors often report finding it deeply comforting - a reminder that The Angel has been a place of hospitality and warmth for so many centuries that its very stones seem imbued with the spirit of welcome.\n\nSome paranormal researchers suggest the Unseen Rocker may represent a form of ‘place memory’ - the building itself retaining the imprint of countless evening hours when innkeepers sat by the fire, watching over their guests and maintaining the ancient traditions of English hospitality. Whether attributed to The Old Landlady or another benevolent spirit, the phenomenon has become an integral part of The Angel’s character and charm.