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The Filly Inn

Setley, Hampshire

16th century (rebuilt on historic site) Country Inn with accommodation 7 Rooms 1 Ghost

The Resident Spirits

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The Filly Inn is haunted by the restless spirit of a highway robber who met his end at the gallows, despite his attempts at repentance. According to local paranormal accounts and The Paranormal Database, the ghost is believed to be one of three men arrested at the original inn for murder and highway robbery. What makes this haunting particularly poignant is the historical detail that one of the robbers attempted to repent for his crimes before his execution, yet was hanged regardless of his remorse. This tragic element of denied redemption is said to be the driving force behind the supernatural activity that continues to this day. The spirit's manifestations began to be documented in the 2000s, suggesting either a resurgence of activity or increased awareness of the phenomena among staff and guests. The haunting primarily takes the form of poltergeist-like activity, with the entity making its presence known through the dramatic movement of objects around rooms. Witnesses have reported items being thrown or moved without any apparent physical cause, creating an atmosphere of unease that connects directly to the violent emotions and unresolved guilt of the executed highway robber. The activity appears to be residual, replaying the anguish and frustration of a soul who sought forgiveness but was denied the peace that confession might have brought.

Known Ghosts:

The Repentant Highway Robber

The paranormal activity at The Filly Inn centres around the dramatic phenomena of objects being thrown around rooms by an unseen force. Staff and guests have reported witnessing items suddenly being hurled across spaces without any natural explanation, creating an atmosphere of chaos reminiscent of the violent end met by the original inn's criminal occupants. These incidents typically occur without warning, with objects ranging from small personal items to pub fixtures being affected by the supernatural force. The manifestations are interpreted as the work of the repentant highway robber, whose anguish at being denied forgiveness in life continues to express itself through these dramatic disturbances. Witnesses describe a sense of overwhelming emotion accompanying these events, as if the ghost's frustration and despair permeate the atmosphere. The activity appears to be concentrated in the older sections of the building, particularly in areas that might have corresponded to the layout of the original inn. Some guests have reported feeling an oppressive presence before the poltergeist activity begins, describing a sensation of being watched or judged. The throwing of objects is often sudden and violent, suggesting the intensity of the spirit's unresolved emotions. Staff members have learned to recognise the signs that precede these supernatural outbursts, noting changes in temperature and an electrical tension in the air. The phenomena serve as a reminder of the inn's dark past, ensuring that the story of the repentant robber continues to be told through supernatural means.

Meet Each Spirit

The Repentant Highway Robber

Poltergeist 17th-18th century

The tortured soul of a highway robber who sought forgiveness but was hanged regardless, now manifesting through violent poltergeist activity at The Filly Inn.

Most Active Areas:

Original inn lo... Guest rooms Main bar area +1 more
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Historical Background

Building Age

16th century (rebuilt on historic site)

Original Purpose

Coaching inn and tavern

Historical Significance

The Filly Inn stands as a testament to the turbulent history of highway robbery in the New Forest area. Built in the 16th century, this country inn occupies a site with a much darker past. The original Fillie Inne, as it was historically known, was demolished after becoming the scene of a notorious murder and highway robbery that led to the arrest and execution of three men. The original building's association with criminal activity reflects the broader context of 17th and 18th-century England, when highway robbery was rampant along major coaching routes. The New Forest area, with its isolated heaths and dense woodlands, provided ideal cover for highwaymen who preyed on travellers journeying between London and the important ports of Southampton and Portsmouth. The inn's location on what is now the A337, a mile south of Brockenhurst, positioned it strategically along one of these vital coaching routes. Following the demolition of the original structure, the current building was constructed as a traditional country inn, maintaining the hospitality tradition whilst distancing itself from its predecessor's criminal associations. The architectural style reflects typical Hampshire construction methods, with features characteristic of rural inns that served both local communities and passing travellers. The rebuilding represents a conscious effort to transform a site of infamy into one of respectable commerce and hospitality.

Architecture

Traditional Hampshire country inn architecture with period features

What Guests Experience

Reported Activity

Poltergeist phenomena, objects being thrown around rooms, items moved without explanation, oppressive atmosphere, temperature changes, electrical tension in the air

Most Active Areas

Older sections of the building corresponding to the original inn layout, guest rooms, main bar area

Witness Accounts

Multiple staff and guest reports from the 2000s onwards document the throwing of objects and movement of items without natural cause. Witnesses consistently describe the sudden and violent nature of these manifestations, accompanied by emotional atmospheric changes suggesting the presence of a distressed spirit.

Paranormal Investigations

The haunting has been documented by The Paranormal Database as an active supernatural site with manifestations classified as poltergeist activity occurring in the 2000s

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Price Range: Mid-range country inn (£80-£150 per night)
Rooms: 7
Spirits: 1 Ghost

📅 Sample dates:2025-09-08 to 2025-09-10 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites

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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near older sections of the building corresponding to the original inn layout for the best chance of supernatural encounters!

Contact Details

Address:
Lymington Road, Setley, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7UF

Phone: +44 1590 700270

Status: Operating

Special Packages

Country pub dining, New Forest accommodation packages, walking and cycling breaks

Accessibility

Ground floor access available, parking on site, accessible facilities in main building

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3 haunted sites, 0 attractions, and 0 ghost tours within 10-20 miles

Location Details

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The Filly Inn & Surroundings Legend

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