Norwich, Norfolk
The Maids Head is renowned as Norwich's most haunted hotel, home to two well-documented resident spirits. The Grey Maid, believed to be a former chambermaid from the 17th-18th centuries, appears in her mid-to-late 60s wearing an outdated grey maid's uniform from that period. She's frequently seen around the bar area going about her daily chores, always accompanied by the overwhelming smell of musty lavender. The second spirit is Thomas Anguish, a former Mayor of Norwich (1611-1617) who lived in a house that later became part of the expanding hotel. His ghost appears in the courtyard, angrily shaking his head before traveling toward the restaurant area and his former house.
The Grey Maid (elderly woman in 17th-18th century maid's uniform) and Thomas Anguish (former Mayor of Norwich 1611-1617)
The Grey Maid: This kindly spirit appears as a petite elderly woman in a grey maid's uniform dating to the 17th-18th centuries, not used by the hotel today. Staff and guests frequently see her moving silently around the bar and lobby areas, seemingly still performing her duties. The Events Manager Sue witnessed her shuffle past the bar toward reception before vanishing mid-stride, with a colleague at reception also witnessing the apparition. Her presence is always marked by the distinctive smell of musty or stale lavender, and housekeepers have casually remarked 'Oh yes, I see her all the time.' She proceeds to walk around the hotel going about her daily chores before returning to the bar area and vanishing as she walks down the stairs to the basement. Thomas Anguish: The former mayor's spirit is seen in the hotel's courtyard, angrily shaking his head as if deeply upset by something, much like a grumpy old man disapproving of what he observes. He then travels to the restaurant area before turning right toward his former house. His presence can be sensed throughout the hotel corridors, where he appears to be walking and surveying his old domain. He only appears for a few moments before fading away. His restless spirit may be connected to the guilt from the fireworks tragedy that killed thirty-three people during his mayoral celebrations, and his ongoing concern for the city's vulnerable children.
A kindly elderly chambermaid spirit from the 17th-18th century who continues to tend to her duties, appearing in an outdated grey maid's uniform and always accompanied by the scent of musty lavender.
The spirit of Thomas Anguish, who served as Mayor of Norwich from 1611-1617, continues to patrol the hotel grounds. He lived in a house that was later incorporated into the Maids Head and appears deeply troubled by something he observes, perhaps still concerned with the welfare of Norwich's most vulnerable citizens, particularly children.
Dating back to the 13th century (over 800 years old)
Originally bishops' palace, later became taverns and eventually a hotel
Claims to be the oldest hotel in Britain, continuously operating for over 800 years. Originally owned by early bishops in the days of William the Conqueror. The building comprises six interconnected historic structures, creating a unique architectural tapestry. Notable guests include Queen Elizabeth I (1587), the Black Prince (1359), Cardinal Wolsey, and Catherine of Aragon (1520). The hotel was home to Norwich's first Masonic temple and played a significant role in the city's religious and political history.
Eclectic mix of architectural styles reflecting its 800-year history - Tudor façade with 13th-century foundations, Georgian and Victorian additions. Features exposed oak beams, leaded windows, original inglenook fireplaces, and Jacobean oak paneling in the bar area.
Staff and guests regularly experience classic paranormal phenomena including sudden temperature drops, unexplained cold spots, and the overwhelming scent of lavender when the Grey Maid is present. Objects occasionally move on their own, particularly in the bar area where glasses may shift slightly or doors close gently, attributed to the Grey Maid still tending to her duties. Guests report feeling watched or experiencing the sensation of a gentle, motherly presence in their rooms.
The bar area is the Grey Maid's primary domain, where she's most frequently sighted and where her lavender scent is strongest. The courtyard and restaurant area are where Thomas Anguish is most commonly encountered. The oldest parts of the hotel, particularly the 13th-century sections, experience the most supernatural activity. The grand staircase and upstairs corridors also have reports of both spirits being sensed or glimpsed.
Multiple independent witnesses have documented encounters spanning decades. The Events Manager Sue's sighting was corroborated by reception staff. A guest from London detailed in the guestbook seeing 'a kindly old woman in black by their bed, who smiled before fading away.' Staff members across different departments have grown accustomed to the spirits, with housekeeping staff regularly commenting on the Grey Maid's presence. The hotel management openly acknowledges their resident ghosts as part of the building's character.
While not subjected to major television investigations, the hotel's reputation is well-established in paranormal circles. Local ghost tour operators regularly feature the Maids Head as a key stop, sharing the documented encounters with visitors. The hotel's long-standing recognition as one of Norfolk's most haunted locations has made it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts, though the spirits are considered benevolent rather than frightening.
Ready to witness the paranormal activity firsthand? Book your stay and join the ranks of guests who've encountered the supernatural.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near the bar area is the grey maid's primary domain for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
While no specific ghost packages are offered, the hotel provides character rooms and historical feature rooms that showcase the building's heritage. Special dining experiences in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, afternoon tea packages, and wedding celebration options are available.
As a historic 800-year-old building, accessibility is limited. No elevator access to upper floors, with steep narrow staircases typical of medieval architecture. The restaurant and bar areas on the ground floor are accessible. Free on-site parking available (35 spaces) which is valuable given the city center location.
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