Captain Edward's Ghostly Vigil
Watlington House in Reading is home to a most intriguing presence - that of Captain Edward Purvis. Dressed in his striking red uniform and puffing on a pipe, Captain Edward has been seen gazing out of a window, lost in thought as he surveys the outside world. His ghostly form is a familiar sight to those who have encountered him, and his calm demeanour belies a sense of melancholy that lingers in his presence.
The story of Captain Edward Purvis is tied to the history of Watlington House, which dates back to the 18th century. As a former military man, Captain Edward's life was marked by service and duty. His continued presence at the house is a mystery that has sparked the imagination of many, and while the exact circumstances of his death are unknown, his spirit remains a potent force. Described as a poltergeist, Captain Edward's ghostly activity is characterised by his visual appearances, and those who have seen him report a lasting impression of his dignified and introspective nature.
Watlington House was built in the 18th century, and its history is closely tied to the development of Reading.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Pale Horse Hotel Ghost
Royal Ascot Hotel, Ascot
The Royal Ascot Hotel in Ascot, Berkshire, has a rather unusual and intriguing ghost story attached to it. Back in 1964, workmen were busy demolishing the hotel, which was eventually replaced by a roundabout along the Bracknell Road. It was during this demolition process that they reported some pretty strange occurrences. Apparently, they caught glimpses of a phantom pale horse and heard disembodied footsteps echoing down empty corridors. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, isn't it? What could this ghostly horse and those footsteps possibly be connected to?
Miss Effie of Elm Park
Elm Park football ground, Reading
Elm Park football ground in Reading, Berkshire, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The spirit of Miss Effie, a hamster that was once owned by a former employee of Reading FC, is said to haunt the goal line of the stadium. According to reports, the hamster's owner buried it on the pitch in 1996, and since then, the team's fortunes have changed dramatically. The owner claimed that Miss Effie's spirit had a positive impact on the team, helping them avoid relegation that season.
Ghostly Light Aircraft Sighting
Skies around Woodley Aerodrome, Woodley
The skies around Woodley Aerodrome are said to be home to a ghostly apparition - a light aircraft that materialises on foggy nights. This eerie sighting has been reported by numerous individuals over the years, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this phantom plane. The aerodrome itself has a history dating back to the early days of aviation, but it was closed in 1959, leaving behind a legacy of memories and, apparently, a lingering presence.
Searching Father Apparition
Road along Sandford Mill, Woodley
Along the quiet stretch of Sandford Mill Road in Woodley, Berkshire, a strange and poignant phenomenon has been observed. A glowing light has been seen drifting across the road and floating into the trees. This eerie apparition is said to belong to a long-dead father, forever searching for his daughter who tragically drowned in the nearby lake. The site, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), seems to hold a deep and abiding sorrow, one that transcends the boundaries between life and death.
Jill of Prospect Street
Prospect Street, Reading
Prospect Street in Reading is home to a rather intriguing haunting. A ghost of a six year old girl, affectionately known as Jill, has been reported to roam the area. The circumstances surrounding her presence are quite remarkable. Apparently, Jill's spirit was due to be exorcised at one point, but the owners of the house had a change of heart and called the event off. It's not hard to imagine the reasons behind this sudden change of plans - after all, who can resist the charm of a young girl's ghost?
Dunn's Crossroads Ghost
Three crossroads, Kirkbean
Kirkbean's rural landscape holds a dark secret at a spot where three roads converge. Locals whisper about the restless spirit of a young stableman named Dunn, whose life was cut short in mysterious circumstances. His body was discovered at this very crossroads, sparking a heated debate about the true nature of his death. While the law concluded that Dunn took his own life, many believe he was brutally murdered by the brother of a woman he loved. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the location, with numerous reports of Dunn's ghostly apparition and a white lady, said to be his lost love.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Watlington House

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire