Monks of Bucklebury Fishponds
Fishponds on the Common in Bucklebury is a spot where the past seems to linger. This tranquil area was once a retreat for monks, and it's said that their presence still resonates here. People have reported seeing two phantom figures dressed in habits wandering the edge of the fishponds. It's a curious sighting that has piqued the interest of many, leaving us to wonder if the monks who once used this place for contemplation and rest still roam these grounds.
The history of Bucklebury as a monks' retreat is a significant one. During medieval times, it was not uncommon for monasteries and convents to establish retreats or satellite houses in rural areas. These places offered a peaceful environment for monks to live, pray, and engage in manual work. While we don't have specific details about the monks who might have frequented Fishponds on the Common, it's clear that the area has a monastic past. The reports of phantom figures in habits suggest a strong connection to this history, and it's possible that these apparitions are a manifestation of the lingering spiritual energy from those times.
Medieval monks' retreat
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Chaser of Bucklebury
Devil's Steps, Bucklebury
Deep in the rolling hills of Berkshire lies the picturesque meadow known as Devil's Steps, a place where locals once whispered about a malevolent entity that would chase travellers across its lush green fields. This eerie phenomenon has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, with many wondering if the Chaser was a ghostly apparition or a mere figment of the imagination. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain - Devil's Steps has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in the English countryside.
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.
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 Golden Calf of Grimsbury
Grimsbury Castle, Thatcham
Grimsbury Castle, an ancient hillfort in Thatcham, Berkshire, is said to be connected to a mysterious legend. In the nearby woodland, a golden calf is reputedly buried. The origins of this tale are unclear, but it's thought to be linked to the hillfort's history dating back to the Iron Age. The site has been a subject of interest for local historians and paranormal enthusiasts alike, with many attempting to uncover the truth behind the golden calf.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Fishponds on the common
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire

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

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire