Tavistock, Devon
The Bedford Hotel is reportedly haunted by a spirit named Betsy, described as a young woman in early 20th-century dress with a flowered bonnet. She has been witnessed by hotel staff since the 1990s, particularly on the ground floor, in the restaurant, corridors, and guest rooms. Multiple theories exist about her identity: some suggest she is connected to Betsy Grimbal (who was murdered in nearby Betsy Grimbal's Tower), whilst local folklore tells of a young girl who was befriended, assaulted, and murdered by a Benedictine monk from the ancient abbey that once stood on this site. Staff describe her behaviour as playful rather than malevolent, with reports of rustling clothing sounds and full apparition sightings.
Betsy (young woman spirit with multiple origin theories)
The Chef's Encounter (1990s): The most documented sighting occurred when a hotel chef witnessed Betsy's full apparition on the ground floor. He described being 'scared witless' when he observed a young woman in a dark early 20th-century dress and flowered bonnet walking around the building. The Medieval Murder Theory: Local folklore tells of a young girl who was befriended by a Benedictine monk from the ancient abbey, then assaulted and murdered when the monk feared discovery of his crime. Her remains were allegedly disposed of on the abbey grounds. Connection to Betsy Grimbal: The Paranormal Database suggests this may be the same spirit as Betsy Grimbal, who was murdered by a soldier on the staircase of the nearby abbey gatehouse (now Betsy Grimbal's Tower). Grimbal's ghost appears at times of national disaster and was seen by a police officer in 1966 before the Aberfan tragedy. Ongoing Activity: Multiple staff members report hearing the rustling of period clothing and describe the spirit as 'roaming and playing' throughout the building, suggesting intelligent rather than residual haunting.
Betsy is described as the spirit of a young woman in early 20th-century attire, seen roaming The Bedford Hotel. Multiple theories exist about her identity, including connections to the tragic Betsy Grimbal and darker medieval legends.
Built in the 1800s (19th century)
Constructed on the site of part of an ancient Benedictine monastery; served as a retreat for the Dukes of Bedford.
The hotel stands on the grounds of the former Tavistock Abbey, founded in 974 by Ordwulf and dissolved in 1539 during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The abbey was the second-wealthiest religious house in Devon, with an annual income of £902. The site was granted to John Russell, 1st Baron Russell (later 1st Earl of Bedford) in 1540, beginning a 371-year association between the Russell family and Tavistock. The current hotel building was constructed during the 1800s as a retreat for the Dukes of Bedford, coinciding with their extensive redevelopment of Tavistock town centre. The area underwent significant renovation around 1818-1822, when the elegant Plymouth Road was constructed and the former abbey precinct was transformed into Georgian residential and commercial buildings. A monks' tower from the original abbey remains visible in the hotel's walled garden, and the site is connected to the invention of the Devon cream tea - created by Tavistock Abbey monks in 997 AD to reward workers rebuilding the abbey after Viking raids.
Georgian style hotel built in the 1800s. The building reflects the period's castellated architectural fashion while acknowledging the site's medieval heritage. Features period Georgian windows, stonework using local materials, and maintains elements of the walled garden where the ancient monks' tower can still be seen.
Full apparition sightings of a female spirit in early 20th-century dress, rustling sounds of period clothing, playful behaviour described as 'roaming and playing', manifestations particularly during staff working hours.
Ground floor (primary sighting location), restaurant, corridors, some guest rooms throughout the hotel building.
Primary witness was a hotel chef who saw her full apparition in the 1990s and was 'scared witless' by the encounter. Multiple hotel staff members have heard the distinctive rustling of her clothing and reported her playful presence. Online reports document 'the rustling of her clothing' and notes she was 'once spotted by a chef on the ground floor'.
No formal paranormal investigations documented, but consistent staff reports since the 1990s. Listed in the Paranormal Database as 'Betsy Grimbal' at the Bedford Hotel, with manifestations dating to the 1990s.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near ground floor (primary sighting location) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Offers various packages like 'Dartmoor Leisure Breaks' (dinner & B&B), 'Devon Garden Break', 'Devon Golf Breaks', seasonal (Christmas/New Year/Spring) breaks, and hosts events like 'Jazz Sunday Lunch'. Wedding and conference packages available. [4, 16, 25, 44, 46]
Designated accessible parking (Blue Badge holders), step-free access from car park to ground floor public areas via lift. Accessible toilet on ground floor. Number of ground floor bedrooms available (request when booking as no lift to upper floors). One wheelchair-accessible bathroom with roll-in shower. [10, 22, 23, 24]
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