Original White Hart Hotel Hotel
Market Place, Ringwood, BH24 1AW
3-star (historic coaching inn)
The Original White Hart is haunted by a mysterious lady in grey, believed to be the spirit of a former chambermaid who once worked at the inn. This spectral figure maintains an eternal vigil over the hotel, particularly favouring the areas near the kitchens and the function room at the rear of the building. Staff and guests have reported numerous encounters with this ghostly presence over the years, describing her as a woman dressed in a grey Victorian-era servant's dress, complete with the white apron typical of domestic staff from that period. What makes this haunting particularly intriguing is the ghost's apparent obsession with cleanliness and order - she seems unable to rest, perpetually attempting to carry out her earthly duties. The Grey Lady is most commonly witnessed in the early morning hours and late evenings, times when chambermaids would traditionally have been most active in their duties. Witnesses describe seeing her moving purposefully through the corridors, sometimes carrying what appears to be linens or a tray, before vanishing into thin air. The function room, now used for private events and gatherings, seems to be a particular focus of her attention, with staff frequently finding chairs rearranged, tables adjusted, and items mysteriously tidied after closing. One recurring phenomenon linked to the Grey Lady is a self-closing door near the kitchen area that refuses to stay open, no matter how many attempts are made to prop it wide. Staff have grown accustomed to this quirk, attributing it to the ghost's desire to maintain proper order - perhaps the door was always meant to be kept closed during her lifetime.
Spirits: The Grey Lady (Chambermaid)