Framlingham, Suffolk
Known for paranormal activity including the spirit of a small child linked to a historical fire tragedy, and an elderly woman called 'The Old Dear.' Room 3 is frequently associated with supernatural encounters. Guest accounts and local testimony support these manifestations.
Tragic Child Ghost, 'The Old Dear' (elderly female ghost), Residual Figures
The child ghost (boy, 6-7 years old) is seen in old-fashioned breeches in upstairs hallways or peeking into rooms, looking sad. Sounds of a child's footsteps, giggles, or crying are reported, especially near Room 3. A medium felt 'smoke and a child coughing' near Room 3. 'The Old Dear' (grey-haired lady in a long dark dress) is seen in the lounge or on the main staircase, sometimes watching guests peacefully. Room 3 guests have felt temperature drops, seen shadows, or felt someone sit on the bed; some fled due to child's cries and smell of smoke.
An affectionate elderly female ghost, known as 'The Old Dear,' is said to frequent The Crown Hotel, often seen in the lounge or on the staircase, exuding a peaceful presence.
A young boy, believed to have perished in a 17th-century fire at The Crown Hotel, is said to haunt its upstairs corridors, particularly near Room 3, appearing sad and lost.
Built around 1530 (some sources say established 1553)
Coaching inn (continuously since Tudor times)
Historic coaching inn serving Framlingham's Market Hill for centuries. Hosted merchants and nobility throughout its operation. Local accounts describe a historical fire that affected part of the building with reported casualties. Survived a significant fire in 2012 requiring restoration. Used for inquests and guild meetings throughout its history, serving as a community hub.
Primarily Tudor in oldest sections (exposed beams, low ceilings, Tudor fireplace). Georgian frontage added later. Features a coach entrance arch, timbered courtyard, ancient cellars, and the 'Oak Room' dining area. One room reportedly has original 16th-century flooring and preserved Elizabethan wall paintings.
Child apparition, child's footsteps/giggles/cries, elderly lady apparition, gentle knocking, sudden cold spots (corridor by Room 3, cellar entrance), furniture moving in empty rooms, faint old-time piano music, doors opening on their own, lights flickering.
Room 3 (epicenter for child and Old Dear), upstairs corridor by Room 3, main staircase, lounge (Old Dear's spot), cellar entrance, attic above Room 3 (EVP reported).
TripAdvisor review mentioned 'The Old Dear.' A bartender in 2008 saw an elderly customer in the lounge after closing who vanished. A family's young daughter asked about a 'nice granny' in their room. A construction worker felt a tug on his tool belt and heard a child's giggle in the attic. A traveller in 1989 fled Room 3 after seeing a boy ghost and hazy room.
Subject of ongoing guest reports and local paranormal interest. Informal investigations have documented various phenomena in areas associated with the ghost manifestations. Local ghost tours include The Crown. Management acknowledges the hotel's reputation for unexplained activity.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near room 3 (epicenter for child and old dear) for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
29 Market Hill, Framlingham, Suffolk, IP13 9AP (also cited as IP13 9AD)
Phone: +44 1728 723521
Status: Operating
Standard inn offerings. No specific ghost packages, but staff may share lore.
Limited due to age. Rooms are unique; some have sloping floors. No lift. Pub and restaurant on ground floor.
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Book your stay and experience The Old Dear (Elderly Lady) and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.