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The Bull Hotel

Bridport, Dorset

16th century (built circa 1550-1580) Boutique hotel (historic coaching inn) 19 Rooms 3 Ghosts

The Resident Spirits

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The Bull Hotel's reputation as one of Dorset's most haunted establishments stems from tragic events spanning centuries, with multiple spirits said to inhabit its historic walls. The most documented apparition is that of Wadham Strangeways, the gentleman accidentally killed during the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685 whilst defending the inn from an upper window. His presence is most strongly felt in the room where he died, which was subsequently sealed up, though witnesses report seeing his figure still standing vigil at the window where he met his fate. The second major haunting involves the mysterious sounds of a child, heard most frequently in the ladies' toilets on the first floor, where staff and guests report hearing faint cries and whimpering that investigation never reveals a source for. This phenomenon has been consistently reported for decades, with the ethereal sounds often accompanied by sudden temperature drops and an overwhelming sense of sadness that permeates the area. The third regularly encountered spirit is a middle-aged lady dressed in tweed, who has been observed sitting quietly in the reception area, occasionally appearing to converse with an invisible companion. Witnesses describe her as appearing completely solid and real until she suddenly vanishes, often mid-conversation, leaving observers questioning their own senses. The hotel's troubled history extends beyond these primary spirits, with staff reporting unexplained footsteps in empty corridors, doors that open and close of their own accord, and the persistent feeling of being watched throughout the building.

Known Ghosts:

Wadham Strangeways, The Lonely Child, Lady in Tweed

Wadham Strangeways' ghostly presence manifests most dramatically in what was once the sealed upper room, where witnesses describe seeing the figure of a well-dressed gentleman in 17th-century attire standing motionless at the window, musket in hand, as though still keeping watch for approaching enemy forces. Hotel staff have reported the overwhelming sensation of being observed when working alone in the upper floors, particularly in the early morning hours when the building is quiet. Guests staying in rooms adjacent to the sealed chamber have described hearing the distinct sound of heavy boots pacing back and forth, accompanied by the occasional metallic click that some believe to be the sound of a musket being loaded. The lonely child's manifestation is perhaps the most emotionally affecting of the hotel's hauntings, with multiple witnesses describing the heart-wrenching sound of a small child crying or calling out in distress from within the ladies' toilets. Staff members have conducted countless investigations of these sounds, finding the facilities empty yet still detecting an unmistakable presence that seems to retreat whenever approached. Temperature readings in the area often drop significantly during these episodes, and several psychically sensitive individuals have reported sensing overwhelming feelings of abandonment and fear. The lady in tweed presents a more benign but equally mysterious presence, typically appearing during the late afternoon or early evening hours. Witnesses describe her as appearing completely solid and natural, often dressed in a grey or brown tweed suit characteristic of the mid-20th century, sitting peacefully in the reception area with perfect posture and a serene expression. Her conversations with an unseen companion have been partially overheard, with fragments suggesting discussions about weather, local events, and concerns for family members, leading some to speculate she may be a former guest or staff member who formed a strong attachment to the establishment.

Meet Each Spirit

Lady in Tweed

Intelligent Haunting Mid-20th century

A well-dressed middle-aged woman in tweed who appears in the reception area, engaging in conversations with invisible companions.

Most Active Areas:

Reception area Main lobby Hotel entrance +1 more
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The Lonely Child

Intelligent Haunting 17th-18th century

The heartbreaking ghost of a young child whose cries echo through the ladies' toilets, seeking comfort that never comes.

Most Active Areas:

First floor lad... Upper corridors Main staircase ...
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Wadham Strangeways

Residual Haunting 1685

The ghost of Wadham Strangeways, accidentally killed during the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion whilst defending The Bull Hotel from enemy forces.

Most Active Areas:

Former sealed u... Front windows Upper floor cor... +1 more
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Historical Background

Building Age

16th century (built circa 1550-1580)

Original Purpose

Coaching inn and tavern

Historical Significance

The Bull Hotel stands as one of Bridport's most historically significant buildings, serving as a coaching inn since the 16th century. The building played a pivotal role during the turbulent events of the Monmouth Rebellion in 1685, when James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, landed at nearby Lyme Regis in his attempt to claim the throne from his uncle, King James II. During the subsequent skirmishes in Bridport, the hotel became an unwitting stage for tragedy when Wadham Strangeways, a local gentleman, was fatally wounded by a musket shot whilst firing from one of the hotel's front windows. The building's architecture reflects its Tudor origins with later Georgian additions, featuring original oak beams, stone walls, and period fireplaces that have witnessed centuries of history. The hotel's courtyard, now a peaceful dining area, once echoed with the sounds of horses and carriages as travellers sought rest on the important coaching route between London and the West Country. The building's connection to literature is equally notable, with suggestions that Thomas Hardy featured The Bull in his 1880 short story 'Fellow Townsmen', cementing its place in both local history and English literary heritage. Archaeological evidence suggests the site may have been occupied since medieval times, with the current structure built upon foundations that could date back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest continuously operating hospitality establishments in Dorset.

Architecture

Tudor origins with Georgian additions, featuring original oak beams, stone construction, and courtyard layout typical of coaching inns

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Apparitions of historical figures, disembodied children's voices, footsteps in empty corridors, doors opening and closing independently, sudden temperature drops, overwhelming feelings of being watched, musket loading sounds, unexplained conversations

Most Active Areas

Former sealed upper room where Strangeways died, first floor ladies' toilets, reception area, main staircase, function room (former hayloft), and the historic courtyard

Witness Accounts

Multiple hotel staff members have documented encounters over decades, with former landlords and current management confirming ongoing supernatural activity. Guests staying in upper floor rooms frequently report disturbed sleep due to unexplained noises and presences. Psychic investigators who attended previous paranormal fairs held at the hotel confirmed strong spiritual activity throughout the building, with several mediums independently identifying the presence of multiple spirits from different historical periods. Local paranormal investigation groups have recorded electromagnetic field fluctuations and unexplained temperature variations during nighttime investigations.

Paranormal Investigations

The Bull Hotel has hosted several psychic fairs where mediums and paranormal investigators detected significant spiritual activity throughout the building. Various paranormal investigation teams have documented electromagnetic anomalies, temperature fluctuations, and electronic voice phenomena during overnight investigations. The hotel's hauntings have been featured in local ghost walks and paranormal tourism events, with The Bridport Ghost Walk regularly including the hotel as a key stop for its supernatural significance.

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Price Range: Mid-range (£80-£150 per night)
Rooms: 19
Spirits: 3 Ghosts

📅 Sample dates:2025-08-28 to 2025-08-30 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites

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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near former sealed upper room where strangeways died for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
34 East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF

Phone: +44 1308 422878

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Boutique accommodation packages, weekend breaks, special dining experiences in The Monmouth cocktail bar

Accessibility

Limited wheelchair access due to historic building constraints, on-street parking available on East Street

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3 haunted sites and 0 attractions within 10-15 miles

Location Details

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The Bull Hotel & Surroundings Legend

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Apparition

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