The Woman in Silk Haunting
The Old Rectory in Yattendon, Berkshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A phantom woman, dressed in a black or grey silken dress, would materialise during house parties, causing quite a stir among the guests. This ghostly apparition became a regular feature of social gatherings at the rectory, until she was eventually exorcised. The woman in silk remains a fascinating figure, with her presence adding a touch of the unknown to the rectory's history.
Historical records suggest that the Old Rectory has been a place of significance for centuries. The haunting of the woman in silk is believed to have occurred during the Victorian era, a time when spiritualism and the supernatural were all the rage. While details of the woman's identity and the circumstances of her death are scarce, her ghostly appearances during house parties imply that she may have been a member of the family or a former occupant of the rectory. The fact that she was eventually exorcised suggests that her presence was considered malevolent, or at the very least, a nuisance.
The Old Rectory dates back to the 18th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bushnell's Green Phantom Figure
Bushnell's Green, Bucklebury
Bushnell's Green is a place where the ordinary and the bizarre coexist, at least if reports of a phantom figure are to be believed. This gruesome apparition is said to appear in broad daylight, defying the conventional notion that ghostly encounters only happen under the cover of darkness. Its love of sunlight is unusual, to say the least, and has sparked much interest among paranormal enthusiasts. Despite its fearsome appearance, there is no record of this phantom causing any harm to those who have claimed to have seen it.
The Drifting Figure of Hampstead Norreys
Churchyard, Hampstead Norreys
Hampstead Norreys Churchyard is a place where the veil between worlds seems remarkably thin. This tranquil spot has been home to a most unsettling phenomenon - a figure known as Old Tanner. Described as drifting amongst the gravestones, this ghostly presence has left many a visitor with a lasting impression. The exact date and time of these sightings remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: those who have encountered Old Tanner have not forgotten the experience.
Lady Bolingbroke's Heartbroken Ghost
Manor House, Bucklebury
Bucklebury Manor House stands tall in the Berkshire countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. One of its most poignant tales is that of Lady Bolingbroke, a woman who died of a broken heart after her husband abandoned her for another. They say her spirit still roams the manor, reliving the pain of her final days. Some claim to have seen her ghostly form, a melancholy presence that seems to embody the sorrow that consumed her in life.
Wargrave's Haunted Bull Hotel
The Bull Hotel, Wargrave
The Bull Hotel in Wargrave has a long history of paranormal activity. One of the most enduring tales is that of the crying woman who haunts 'The Tear Room' upstairs. According to legend, this tragic figure was separated from her lover and child by her husband, leading to her untimely death.
Ghostly Horse and Rider
Cock Lane, Bradfield Southend
Cock Lane in Bradfield Southend is home to a rather unusual ghost sighting. A father and daughter duo, driving home from school one day in the 2000s, caught a glimpse of something that would leave them scratching their heads for a long time. As they were cruising down the lane, an image of a horse and rider suddenly materialised from a hedge, calmly crossed the road, and then vanished into thin air. It's a story that's been doing the rounds in local circles, with many left wondering what on earth they saw.
Murderous Landlord Ghost
Hind's Head Inn Inn, Bracknell
The Hind's Head Inn in Bracknell was once a place of unspeakable terror. This was no ordinary pub, for it was here that a ruthless landlord carried out a series of heinous murders, targeting wealthy travellers who had unwisely chosen to rest their weary heads under his roof. His modus operandi was brutal and calculated - he would wait until his victims were fast asleep, then strike, silencing them forever. It was a reign of terror that only came to an end when one brave soul managed to escape and raise the alarm, leading to the landlord's eventual execution.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Rectory

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)