Market Place, Cambridgeshire
Believed to be haunted by the ghost of a former chambermaid – a young woman who once worked and possibly died at the inn. Some reports also mention general ghostly occurrences in certain rooms (cold spots, unexplained noises), but the chambermaid’s presence is the key fixture of the hotel’s lore.
The Loyal Chambermaid ('Mary'?) (Intelligent Haunting)
The spirit of an unidentified female servant who worked at the Rose & Crown, believed to linger out of dedication to her duties.
Late 15th century (hostelry since at least 1435)
Coaching inn and local tavern
The Rose & Crown has stood for nearly 600 years, witnessing Wisbech’s history from medieval times. It retains elements from multiple eras (Tudor cellars, Georgian front). It was historically the town’s premier inn, hosting nobles, merchants, and even serving as a posting house. Such a long, layered history has inevitably accumulated legends, including its resident ghost.
Tudor and Georgian architecture, with timber frames and later brick facades (Grade II* listed)
Light phantom footsteps in the corridors, especially in the early hours. Unexplained movement of objects like a housekeeping cart found rolled to a different spot, or folded towels mysteriously re-arranged. Occasionally, a vague reflection of a woman in a Victorian maid’s attire has been spotted in mirrors or windows, when no such person is present.
Rooms on the first floor and the main staircase are where the maid’s presence is most often felt. The corridor leading to the older wing of the hotel is another hotspot – cold drafts and a faint scent of lavender (old-style cleaning soap) have been noticed there.
Several online reviews and personal accounts mention friendly but unexplained occurrences. A 2009 guest review mentioned, “It felt like someone entered our locked room at 2 AM – we heard the door, footsteps, then nothing.” A former employee confessed she once followed what she thought was a fellow maid in a grey uniform down the hall, only for the figure to vanish around a corner. During a 2017 paranormal evening event, participants using dowsing rods claimed to make contact with a spirit identifying herself as “Mary,” a young maid who died in the 1850s.
The Rose & Crown has hosted a few paranormal investigation nights. In one such event (circa 2015), ghost hunters recorded high EMF readings on the staircase and captured an EVP of what sounded like a young woman humming a lullaby. The hotel is included in local ghost walks and featured by ParanormalX for its chambermaid ghost. The owners have embraced this by occasionally sharing ghost story leaflets.
📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms rooms on the first floor and the main staircase are where the maid’s presence is most often felt. the corridor leading to the older wing of the hotel is another hotspot – cold drafts and a faint scent of lavender (old-style cleaning soap) have been noticed there. for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
23–24 Market Place, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1DG, UK
Phone: +44 1945 589800
Status: Open
Occasionally hosts paranormal evenings or shares ghost story leaflets.
Historic building, specific accessibility should be confirmed directly with the hotel.
Wisbech Castle & Vaults, Peckover House (National Trust, Wisbech - general historic site, check for specific ghost lore), Elm Vicarage (The Old Shires, near Wisbech - reported bell ringing foretelling death).
Book your stay and experience The Loyal Chambermaid and other supernatural activity firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.