Kempston Manor Ghostly Coach
Kempston Manor, a grand Bedfordshire estate, is said to be haunted by the ghostly sounds of a tragic Christmas past. Every year on Christmas Day, the sound of horse's hooves and a child's screams echoes through the manor's empty halls. This unsettling phenomenon is said to commemorate the anniversary of a young child's fatal accident. The child, eager to meet his parents who were returning home for Christmas in a horse-drawn coach, ran out of the manor and was tragically struck by the horses.
The story goes back to the Victorian era when Kempston Manor was a family home. On that fateful Christmas Day, the child's excitement to greet his parents led to a terrible outcome. The family, understandably distraught, must have relived the tragedy every year on the anniversary of the event. Today, the manor serves as office space, but that doesn't deter the spirits. Witnesses describe hearing the unmistakable sounds of hooves pounding the ground and a child's terrified cries. These sounds are a poignant reminder of the accident that befell the young child.
Kempston Manor dates back to the 16th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Lady Snagge Ghostly Apparition
Ladies Walk, Kempston
Ladies Walk in Kempston is a tranquil spot with a dark history. The ghostly Lady Snagge is said to haunt this lane, her ethereal form gliding effortlessly along the pavement. Some believe she's not alone; the phantom of a young woman is also reported to roam these parts, mourning the loss of her boyfriend during the tumultuous Civil War. The exact date of these sightings remains a mystery, but the enduring legend of Lady Snagge continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.
Drummer Boy of Marston Moretaine
General area, Marston Moretaine
Marston Moretaine is a village with a dark history that's still echoing through its streets. On windy days, locals and visitors alike claim to hear the haunting sound of a drumbeat, a chilling reminder of a tragic event that took place during the English Civil War. The story goes that a group of Cavalier soldiers retreated into a tunnel that led from the church to the rectory, but were trapped when Roundhead troops sealed both ends of the passage. As the cavaliers slowly died, the last sound the roundheads heard was the beating of a drummer boy's drum.
The Vanishing Leapfroggers Legend
Devil's Stone, Marston Moretaine
The Devil's Stone in Marston Moretaine marks the spot where a rather unusual game of leapfrog allegedly took place. According to local legend, the Devil himself played a game of leapfrog with three local lads. As they jumped over his back, a hole to hell opened up and they were never seen again. This bizarre tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder if there's any truth behind the story.
Knife & Cleaver Hotel Ghost Encounter
The Knife & Cleaver, Houghton Conquest
The Knife & Cleaver Hotel in Houghton Conquest has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in Bedfordshire. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences that can't be explained. One witness claimed to have seen a spectral hand appear on their shoulder, while others have reported seeing a strange figure lurking around the hotel. Some guests have even had their belongings tampered with, with items thrown or tipped over.
The Phantom Hand of Houghton Conquest
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At the Knife and Cleaver Public House in Houghton Conquest, a rather bizarre incident took place that left a barman shaken. He was busy with his work when his attention was drawn to the bookings diary, which began to turn its pages on its own. As he approached to investigate, a strange hand appeared over his shoulder, prompting him to quickly leave the area. The sudden and unexplained nature of this event must have been quite unsettling for the barman, and it's easy to see why this haunting manifestation has become a topic of interest.
Creeping Man
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Kempston Manor

The Knife & Cleaver
Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire

The White Hart
Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Flitwick Manor Hotel
Flitwick, Bedfordshire

Cromwell Hotel
Stevenage, Hertfordshire