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Understanding This Spirit Type

Intelligent Haunting

A spirit that seems aware and can interact with the living and its surroundings.

What is an Intelligent Haunting?

An intelligent haunting involves a spirit or entity that demonstrates awareness of its environment and the presence of living individuals. Unlike residual hauntings, these spirits can interact, communicate, and respond. This interaction might take many forms: direct responses to questions (such as knocks or through Electronic Voice Phenomena - EVPs), apparitions that make eye contact or follow people, objects being moved in a seemingly deliberate way, or even attempts at more complex communication. These entities are believed to retain some semblance of their former personality and consciousness.

Documented Intelligent Haunting Spirits (41)

Mrs Brooks, The Grieving Mother

Flitwick Manor Hotel

Bedfordshire
Mid-1800s

The spirit of Mrs Brooks, wife of John Thomas Brooks, is believed to haunt Room 7 of Flitwick Manor, forever grieving the loss of her daughter Mary Ann who died tragically in 1848 at age 26.

Betty Price

The George Hotel

Berkshire
Early 17th century

Betty Price was a local woman accused of witchcraft who used The George Hotel's cellars as a hiding place from witch hunters. She drowned during a flood while trapped in the cellar and cursed the inn before her death.

Eliza Kleininger (The Blue Lady)

MacDonald Berystede Hotel & Spa

Berkshire
1886

Eliza Kleininger, a German lady's maid, died in the devastating fire of 1886 while trying to save precious jewelry. Her spirit, known as The Blue Lady, continues to search the hotel for her lost treasures.

The Jarman Murder Victims

The Ostrich Inn

Berkshire
17th century

Over 60 travelers who were brutally murdered by innkeeper John Jarman and his wife using a trap-door bed mechanism. Their restless spirits continue to haunt the inn seeking justice.

Mrs. Jarman

The Ostrich Inn

Berkshire
17th century

The ghost of Mrs. Jarman, wife of serial killer John Jarman, appears wearing the clothes she was executed in, still searching the inn where she committed dozens of murders.

William 'Wild' Darrell

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House

Berkshire
16th century (died 1589)

William 'Wild' Darrell, the last Darrell owner of Littlecote, allegedly murdered a newborn infant in 1575 and was later killed by the child's vengeful ghost while hunting.

Mother Barnes

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House

Berkshire
16th century

Mother Barnes, the midwife who witnessed William Darrell murder the newborn infant, haunts Littlecote House as a shadowy figure searching for justice for the murdered child.

The Grey Lady

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House

Berkshire
16th century

The Grey Lady is believed to be the mother of the murdered infant, eternally searching Littlecote House for her lost child who was killed by William Darrell.

“Ivy” the Green Lady

The Golden Lion Hotel

Cambridgeshire
17th century

The sorrowful spirit of a 17th-century nursemaid and chambermaid to Oliver Cromwell’s family, who became his mistress.

Oliver Cromwell

The Golden Lion Hotel

Cambridgeshire
17th century (Died 1658)

The specter of Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England (1653–1658), who stayed at the Golden Lion during the Civil War.

Unidentified Shadow Figures

Haycock Manor Hotel

Cambridgeshire
Unknown

One or more ghosts of unknown identity appearing as dark, human-shaped shadows in various parts of the hotel.

Dick Turpin

Bell Inn Stilton

Cambridgeshire
18th century (Died 1739)

The ghost of Richard “Dick” Turpin, an 18th-century highwayman who often stayed at The Bell while evading authorities.

“Fred” (Unseen Night Watchman)

The Bull Hotel

Cambridgeshire
Unknown (possibly Victorian)

An invisible presence that roams the hotel’s halls, possibly the spirit of a past staff member or simply an anonymous soul, nicknamed “Fred” by employees.

The Loyal Chambermaid

The Rose and Crown Hotel

Cambridgeshire
19th century (possibly)

The spirit of an unidentified female servant who worked at the Rose & Crown, believed to linger out of dedication to her duties.

The Dutiful Maid

Ye Olde Griffin Hotel

Cambridgeshire
Late 19th century (possibly 1877)

The spirit of a former hotel chambermaid who, as legend says, never stopped taking care of Ye Olde Griffin.

Selina Wadge

The Bodmin Jail Hotel

Cornwall
1852 - 1878 (Executed August 15th, 1878)

Executed in 1878 for the murder of her young son, Selina Wadge's tragic spirit is said to haunt Bodmin Jail, her cries echoing through the corridors as she searches for her lost child. She often appears to children and evokes strong emotions in pregnant women.

Matthew Weeks

The Bodmin Jail Hotel

Cornwall
Executed April 12th, 1844

Hanged in 1844 for the murder of Charlotte Dymond, many believe Matthew Weeks was innocent. His tormented spirit is said to walk the corridors of Bodmin Jail, seeking justice from beyond the grave.

James and William Lightfoot (The Lightfoot Brothers)

The Bodmin Jail Hotel

Cornwall
Executed April 13th, 1840

James and William Lightfoot were hanged side-by-side in 1840 for the murder of Nevell Norway. Their dark and chilling spirits are said to haunt Bodmin Jail, a malevolent presence from the prison's grim past.

Betsy

The Bedford Hotel

Devon
Early 20th century

Betsy is described as the spirit of a young woman in early 20th-century attire, seen roaming the ground floor and other areas of The Bedford Hotel.

The Lady

The Oxenham Arms

Devon
Historical period (unspecified)

A female spirit, known simply as 'The Lady', is reported to haunt The Oxenham Arms, her presence often felt alongside that of the Benedictine monk.

The Drowned Maid

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel

Devon
18th century

The spirit of a distraught and drenched servant girl from the 18th century, allegedly drowned on the grounds, is said to haunt the Lord Haldon Hotel.

The Burly Man

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel

Devon
Historical period (unspecified)

The apparition of a large man with rolled-up sleeves, known as 'The Burly Man', has been reported appearing in the lounge window of the Lord Haldon Hotel.

The Phantom Monk

The Old Church House Inn

Devon
Medieval period (speculated)

A dark, monk-like figure in religious robes is frequently reported at The Old Church House Inn, possibly linked to its ancient religious connections and tunnel to the church.

The Pointing Spirit

The Old Church House Inn

Devon
Unknown

A mysterious disembodied arm is reported at The Old Church House Inn, often seen pointing towards the nearby church, particularly in Room 1.

The Giggling Woman

Fisherman's Cot By Marston's Inns

Devon
Unknown

A young woman in a white dress, known for her constant giggling, is said to haunt The Fisherman's Cot, with her presence felt in guest rooms and common areas.

The Elderly Coachman

The Devil's Stone Inn

Devon
Coaching era (17th-19th century)

The spirit of an elderly coachman, dressed in period attire, is said to haunt the restaurant area of The Devil's Stone Inn, a relic from its days as a coaching stop.

The Grumpy Old Man

The Devil's Stone Inn

Devon
Historical period (unspecified)

An elderly male spirit with a notably 'grumpy' demeanor is reported to make his presence felt in the upstairs areas of The Devil's Stone Inn.

Alice Catherine Millar

Brook Red Lion Hotel

Essex
1638

Alice Catherine Millar was a serving girl allegedly stabbed to death in 1638. Her ghost still haunts rooms 5, 6, and 10.

Val, The Lady in Black

The Rose And Crown Hotel Colchester

Essex
Early 1900s

The spirit of an elderly former landlady, affectionately nicknamed 'Val', is often seen in her black attire, moving between the bar and reception. She is considered a kindly presence, believed to have died in the hotel in the early 1900s and continues to watch over it.

The White Lady Bride

The Rose And Crown Hotel Colchester

Essex
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.

The Bereaved Mother of Mulberry Green (Grey Lady)

The Green Man Hotel

Essex
18th Century (folklore)

The Green Man Hotel is said to be haunted by the sorrowful spirit of a woman, often called the 'Grey Lady of Mulberry Green', who tragically lost her infant daughter in a fire. She is believed to have had an adulterous relationship with a local blacksmith, and her ghost endlessly searches the inn for her lost child.

The White Lady of Eastwell

Champneys Eastwell Manor Hotel & Health Spa

Kent
Uncertain (Possibly Victorian or earlier)

A translucent female figure in a flowing white or grey dress is frequently seen inside Eastwell Manor. Believed to be benevolent but sorrowful, she may be Eleanor of Gloucester or another noblewoman tied to the estate's history. She often manifests quietly, observing the living, and is sometimes nicknamed 'Lady in White' by staff.

The Grey Lady

The Woolpack Hotel

Kent
Uncertain (Possibly 19th Century)

The Woolpack Inn's most famous spirit is the Grey Lady, an elegant, shadowy female apparition in a long grey gown. Often seen in corridors or guest rooms, she is considered a calm and friendly presence, sometimes tidying items or gently touching a shoulder. Her identity remains a mystery, but she is a beloved guardian spirit.

The Napoleonic Soldier

The Chequers Inn (Smarden)

Kent
Early 19th Century (Napoleonic Era)

The spirit of a young military officer from the early 19th century, often seen in a red coat with a grievous wound. He projects sorrow and is usually silent, possibly looking for justice or a stolen locket. His presence is melancholic rather than threatening, often felt intensely in 'Room 6'.

The Smoking Cavalier

Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Kent
17th Century (Cavalier) or Early 19th Century (Georgian)

A tall male ghost, often seen in a frilled shirt, cape, and boots, or as an early 1800s gentleman. Distinguished by the strong smell of cigar or pipe tobacco that heralds his presence. Generally benign, he might be linked to the Civil War or Richard Trevithick. He sometimes tips his hat or raises an ethereal glass.

Lady Olive Baillie

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast

Kent
20th Century

The elegant spirit of Lady Olive Baillie, the 20th-century heiress who restored Leeds Castle, is said to gently roam her beloved home. Seen in 1930s evening wear, often in the library where she died, her presence is warm and protective, as if still hosting or ensuring all is in order. She is not a frightening ghost.

The Grey Lady of Lavenham

The Swan Hotel and Spa

Suffolk
19th century

The Swan Hotel's most famous phantom is the Grey Lady, believed to be a heartbroken 19th-century housekeeper who died tragically. She haunts Room 15 and the older wings of the hotel.

Richard Evered

The Bull Hotel (Long Melford)

Suffolk
1648 (English Civil War)

Richard Evered, the landlord of The Bull Hotel, was murdered on the premises in 1648. His restless spirit is now the inn's most famous ghost, often seen in 17th-century attire, particularly in Room 4.

The Old Dear (Elderly Lady)

The Crown Hotel (Framlingham)

Suffolk
Victorian era (speculated)

An affectionate elderly female ghost, known as 'The Old Dear,' is said to frequent The Crown Hotel, often seen in the lounge or on the staircase, exuding a peaceful presence.

The Grey/White Lady

Seckford Hall Hotel and Spa

Suffolk
Unknown (possibly Tudor or later)

A melancholic female spirit, known as the Grey or White Lady, is frequently reported at Seckford Hall, often linked to lost love or the loss of a child, and seen in corridors or the gardens.

The Remorseful Stepmother

Seckford Hall Hotel and Spa

Suffolk
Unknown (possibly 17th or 18th century)

A dark and tragic tale haunts Seckford Hall's library and staircase: the ghost of a Remorseful Stepmother, forever tormented by guilt over the death of her starved stepson.