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The Lamb Inn

Eastbourne, East Sussex

Medieval (built circa 1180, with cellars dating from 1180) Historic public house (dating from 1180) 8 Rooms 0 Ghosts

The Resident Spirits

The Lamb Inn's paranormal reputation centres on several distinct apparitions witnessed by staff and patrons over decades. The most frequently reported spirit is a tall man with distinctive blonde, curly hair who manifests in the main bar area. Witnesses describe him appearing suddenly before vanishing the moment anyone approaches, creating an unsettling atmosphere among evening customers. In the back bar, an elderly gentleman has been observed sitting motionless in a chair, seemingly oblivious to the living world around him. His presence is so convincing that new staff often attempt to serve him before realising his ethereal nature. The laundry area echoes with the sounds of a crying girl, whose sobs can be heard even when the space is empty. Staff report feeling an overwhelming sadness when entering this area, particularly during quiet afternoon hours. The ancient tunnel system connecting the cellar to St Mary's Church harbours perhaps the inn's most mysterious spirit - a white lady who glides through the subterranean passages. Her appearances often coincide with unusual temperature drops and the sensation of being watched whilst working in the cellar areas.

Known Ghosts:

The Tall Blonde Man, The Old Man in the Chair, The Crying Girl, The White Lady of the Tunnel

Staff working evening shifts report the tall blonde man appears most frequently around closing time, when the bar is dimly lit and only a few customers remain. He typically manifests near the bar area, standing with an expectant expression as if waiting for service. When approached, he dissolves into nothing, leaving witnesses questioning their sanity. One longtime barmaid described seeing him so clearly she began pouring a pint before realising he had vanished. The old man in the back bar chair presents differently - he appears solid and lifelike, dressed in period clothing that varies between sightings. Some describe Victorian-era dress, others more modern attire from the early 20th century. He never acknowledges the living, remaining motionless until witnesses look away and back again to find the chair empty. The crying girl's manifestation is purely auditory, though her distress is palpable. Staff describe the sound as heartbreaking, echoing from the laundry room even when doors are locked. The emotional impact is so strong that some employees refuse to work alone in that section of the building. In the cellars, the white lady appears as a luminous figure moving through the ancient tunnel system. Cellar workers report sudden temperature drops and the distinct feeling of not being alone whilst changing barrels in the thousand-year-old crypt.

Historical Background

Building Age

Medieval (built circa 1180, with cellars dating from 1180)

Original Purpose

Monastic room, later coaching inn and tavern

Historical Significance

The Lamb Inn stands as one of England's oldest public houses, with fascia panels claiming the cellars date from 1180, the main structure from 1240, and the lower bar from 1742. Originally owned by the Rector of nearby St Mary's Church in 1240, the building began its ecclesiastical life as a monastic room. Archaeological surveys have revealed the building's fascinating evolution from religious use to secular hospitality. The Tudor-style timbered building displays classic medieval architectural features including low oak beams, leaded windows, and an impressive inglenook fireplace. The pub was historically known as a coaching inn serving the route through Old Town Eastbourne. A remarkable feature is the thousand-year-old crypt beneath the building, which now serves as beer storage but retains its ancient stonework. The building includes secret passages and a subterranean tunnel believed to connect to The Old Parsonage next to St Mary's Church, highlighting its monastic origins. During the Victorian era, the inn housed The Assembly Rooms upstairs, where Charles Dickens himself participated in amateur dramatic productions. The building survived both world wars and numerous renovations whilst maintaining its medieval character.

Architecture

Tudor-style timber framing with medieval foundations, featuring original oak beams and period inglenook fireplace

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Apparitions appearing and vanishing, disembodied crying sounds, cold spots in cellars, feeling of being watched, temperature fluctuations, unexplained sounds from empty rooms

Most Active Areas

Main bar area (tall blonde man), back bar seating area (old man in chair), laundry room (crying girl), cellars and tunnel system (white lady), thousand-year-old crypt

Witness Accounts

Multiple staff members spanning decades have reported encounters, with the blonde-haired man being the most consistently observed apparition. Customers occasionally report unusual experiences, though staff sightings are more frequent. The pub's management acknowledges the paranormal activity as part of the building's character, even offering guided tours of the ancient crypt by appointment.

Paranormal Investigations

While no major television productions have documented The Lamb Inn's hauntings, local paranormal groups have shown interest in the building's ancient history and reported phenomena. The pub's management maintains an open approach to the supernatural activity, viewing it as part of the building's historical appeal rather than something to be concealed.

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Price Range: Budget to mid-range accommodation and dining (£80-£150 per night)
Rooms: 8
Spirits: 0 Ghosts

📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites

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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near main bar area (tall blonde man) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
36 High Street, Old Town, Eastbourne BN21 1HH

Phone: +44 1323 720545

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Crypt tours by appointment, Folk Club nights, Comedy nights, live music events

Accessibility

Limited accessibility due to historic building constraints, parking available, step-free access to main bar area

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The Lamb Inn & Surroundings Legend

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