Benedictine Monk
A ghostly monk from the original 12th-century Benedictine monastery is said to haunt The Oxenham Arms, often associated with the ancient standing stone within the inn.
South Zeal, Devon
The inn is reportedly haunted by three distinct spirits: a ghostly Benedictine monk from its claimed monastery period, a female spirit known as 'The Lady', and Major Pat á Beckett (1929-1941 owner). The monk and lady manifest through disembodied footsteps and rattling noises, particularly near the ancient stone, while Major á Beckett's ghost is detected through phantom pipe smoke at specific times (8:30am and 9pm).
Benedictine Monk, The Lady, Major Pat á Beckett
The Benedictine Monk: The most frequently reported spirit is that of a robed monk figure, whose presence connects to the building's claimed monastic past. Guests staying in what were allegedly the original monk cell rooms (The Belstone Room, The Bovey Room, and The Widecombe Room) have reported the most intense encounters. The monk apparition appears as a shadowy, robed figure moving through the ancient corridors, particularly near the 5,000-year-old South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone in the Snug Bar. Staff report that the spiritual activity intensifies around the stone, suggesting the monk may be drawn to this sacred prehistoric site that predates Christianity. Witnesses describe hearing sandaled footsteps echoing through the inn during the quiet hours between midnight and dawn, accompanied by what sounds like the rustling of heavy robes. Some guests have reported feeling a peaceful but watchful presence, as if the monk continues his protective vigil over this sacred space. The Lady: A female spirit, known simply as 'The Lady,' manifests through more subtle but persistent phenomena. Her presence is often detected through the sound of lighter footsteps, sometimes described as the soft tapping of feminine shoes on the ancient stone floors. Unlike the monk's apparition, she has never been clearly visualised, though some guests report sensing a gentle, melancholy presence in the guest rooms and corridors. Her footsteps are frequently heard in conjunction with the monk's, suggesting they may be connected across the centuries. Given the inn's 500+ year history as a family residence and public house, she could represent any number of women connected to the Oxenham family, the Burgoyne family, or the countless travelers who have passed through these ancient walls. Some staff members report that 'The Lady' seems most active during emotional or significant moments, as if she's drawn to human experiences of joy or sorrow. Major Pat á Beckett: The ghost of Major Patrick Albert Forbes-Winslow á Beckett, who owned The Oxenham Arms from 1929-1941, manifests through one of the most specific paranormal phenomena reported at any British inn. The Major was a heavy pipe smoker who maintained strict daily routines, with morning tobacco at 8:30am and evening smoking at 9pm. For over 50 years following his death in 1941, guests and staff have reported detecting the distinctive aroma of high-quality pipe tobacco at precisely these times throughout the building. The phenomenon occurs most frequently in areas where his famous world's largest matchbox collection was displayed, particularly the upper floor passageways and former Haytor Room. Unlike typical cigarette smoke, witnesses describe rich, complex tobacco aromas characteristic of expensive blends. The scent appears suddenly at the designated times, lingers for several minutes, then dissipates completely. The Major was nephew of Lord Kitchener and transformed the inn into an internationally celebrated destination through his extraordinary collection and eccentric personality. His continuing presence suggests a spirit maintaining familiar routines rather than wandering aimlessly, reflecting his military training and aristocratic upbringing. The Ancient Stone's Influence: Many witnesses note that paranormal activity seems to intensify near the South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, suggesting that this 5,000-year-old sacred site continues to serve as a spiritual focal point. The stone was originally carved as a place of Neolithic worship, and its incorporation into both the claimed monastery and later inn may have created layers of spiritual energy that modern visitors still experience.
A ghostly monk from the original 12th-century Benedictine monastery is said to haunt The Oxenham Arms, often associated with the ancient standing stone within the inn.
The ghost of Major Pat á Beckett, former Royal Horse Artillery officer and nephew of Lord Kitchener, who owned The Oxenham Arms from 1929-1941, manifests through phantom pipe smoke detected at specific times.
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.
Built in the 1100s (12th century), contains a 5,000-year-old prehistoric standing stone
12th-century Benedictine monastery built around the ancient South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone. Became a coaching inn in 1477.
The oldest heritage inn in Devon and Cornwall, Grade II listed with extraordinary historical depth spanning 5,000 years. The site began as a sacred Neolithic location marked by the South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, carved from Dartmoor granite around 3000 BC - predating Stonehenge by 1,000 years. In the 12th century, Benedictine monks constructed a nine-roomed, two-storey granite and oak monastery around this ancient stone, incorporating the pagan monolith into their Christian religious building. However, substantial historical revision notes a lack of documentary evidence for the monastery claims. The Burgoyne Family purchased the estate after the monks departed in the 1300s, adding the beautiful cut-block granite frontage described by English Heritage as 'the most beautiful facade of any building of its period in Devon.' In 1451, Earls William and John Oxenham purchased the Manor, and in 1530 the famous sea captain John Oxenham was born here - becoming Sir Francis Drake's companion and navigator, and the first English captain to sail the Pacific. Licensed continuously as an inn since 1477, the building has maintained its role as both a place of hospitality and spiritual significance for over five centuries. The ancient stone still stands within the Snug Bar exactly as it appeared 4,500 years ago, making this one of Britain's most archaeologically significant hospitality venues.
Ancient stone building, originally a monastery, with features reflecting its long history as a coaching inn. Contains a prehistoric menhir within its structure.
Disembodied footsteps heard in the dead of night, weird rattling noises, a spiritual presence felt near the ancient stone, sightings of a shadowy monk apparition by guests, and phantom pipe smoke detected at specific times (8:30am and 9pm).
Throughout the building, particularly near the ancient South Zeal Menhir Standing Stone, upper floor passageways where matchbox collection was displayed, and former monk cell rooms.
Guests have reported witnessing a shadowy monk apparition and sensing The Lady's presence. Staff and guests have heard footsteps and rattling noises. For over 50 years, multiple guests and staff have reported smelling distinctive pipe tobacco at precisely 8:30am and 9pm, times corresponding to Major Pat á Beckett's smoking routine when he owned the inn (1929-1941).
No specific paranormal investigation history provided in the source material.
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Address:
South Zeal, Dartmoor National Park, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2JT
Phone: +44 1837 840244
Status: Operating
Four-poster beds available.
Contact hotel directly for specific accessibility information, given its historic nature.
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