Aldermaston, Berkshire
The primary haunting at The Hind's Head centres on the tragic 1865 incident at the Grade II listed lock-up behind the main building. A man detained for drunkenness attempted to light a fire for warmth in the cramped 7.5-by-6-foot cell but perished when the flames became uncontrollable in the confined space. This tragedy marked the final use of the village jail and gave birth to the ghost story that persists today. Witnesses report subtle manifestations around the lock-up area, including shadowy figures, unexplained warmth, and the scent of woodsmoke despite no fires being lit nearby. The haunting is considered a residual haunting - the psychic imprint of the traumatic event replaying at the location where it occurred. The spirit appears to be trapped in an endless cycle, perhaps still attempting to escape the flames that claimed his life over 150 years ago. This represents the sole documented paranormal tale connected to The Hind's Head, though the historical tragedy that underlies it is well-documented in local records.
Drunk Tank Ghost
The haunting manifestations are subtle but persistent, typically occurring around the lock-up area and the inn's grounds. Witnesses have reported glimpsing shadowy figures moving near the old jail, particularly during colder months when the original tragedy occurred. Staff and visitors have experienced unexplained warmth emanating from the vicinity of the lock-up, as though the ghostly prisoner continues attempting to ward off the bitter cold that drove him to his fatal act. The faint scent of woodsmoke is occasionally detected around the building despite no fires being lit in the area. Paranormal researchers classify this as a residual haunting - the psychic imprint of the traumatic death replaying at the location. The ghost appears non-malevolent but sorrowful, representing a man who paid the ultimate price for seeking warmth on a winter's night. The story has been documented in local folklore and historical records, though no formal paranormal investigations have been recorded.
The tormented spirit of a man who perished in flames whilst detained in the village lock-up in 1865, marking the tragic end to the building's use as a jail.
17th century (built circa 1650)
Coaching inn
The Hind's Head is a Grade II listed building dating back to the 17th century. Originally built as a coaching inn, it has operated under several names throughout its history, including The Pack Horse and The Congreve Arms. The current name derives from the heraldic symbol of the Forster family, who held prominence in the Aldermaston area for over 200 years. The renowned author E.M. Forster is a descendant of this local aristocratic family, and several of the hotel's rooms are named in honour of his celebrated novels. At the rear of the property stands a small, Grade II listed lock-up with a distinctive domed roof, measuring approximately 7.5 feet by 6 feet internally. This village jail served the community from at least the 16th century, when Francis Parkyns was detained there during a dispute with the Forster family. The building's final use in 1865 ended in tragedy when a man detained for drunkenness lit a fire to keep warm and perished in the ensuing blaze, after which the lock-up was never used again. The inn also commemorates the area's aviation heritage, displaying memorabilia from RAF Aldermaston, a former Bomber Command airfield that operated from 1941 to 1950.
17th-century coaching inn with original timber features and traditional construction.
Shadowy figures near the lock-up, unexplained warmth, scent of woodsmoke, residual energy from the 1865 tragedy
Lock-up building, pub grounds, rear courtyard area where the jail stands
Local folklore records various witness observations of shadowy figures and unexplained phenomena around the lock-up, though specific testimonials with dates are not formally documented.
The haunting has been documented in local historical records and folklore collections, with the 1865 tragedy serving as the historical foundation for the ghost story.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-28 to 2025-08-30 • 2 adults
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The Hind's Head offers accessibility parking, assistance dogs are welcome, and there is a WC with step-free access.
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