Robert Brookes Ghostly Footsteps
The Old Vicarage in Grantchester is home to a most intriguing haunting. Footsteps echo around the outside of the house and towards the sitting room, believed to be those of Robert Brookes, the poet who once occupied this charming residence. His presence is also felt in the garden, where his shade has been reported by those who have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse. It's as if Brookes still wanders the grounds, lost in thought, his spirit lingering long after his passing.
Built during the Victorian era, the Old Vicarage has a rich history that spans centuries. Robert Brookes, the celebrated poet, lived here and it's said that his love for the location and its surroundings has kept his spirit tied to the place. In addition to the ghostly footsteps, poltergeist-like activity has been reported on the top floor, where literature is often moved from the bookshelves. This activity suggests a more restless presence, one that's perhaps trying to communicate or make its presence known.
The Old Vicarage was built during the Victorian era and was once the residence of poet Robert Brookes.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Lord Byron's Ghostly Swim
Byron's Pool, Grantchester
Byron's Pool, a serene spot in the heart of Grantchester, is said to be haunted by the ghost of none other than the famous poet Lord Byron. It's reported that Byron, who was known to enjoy swimming in the pool during his lifetime, still takes a dip or two in the water. Locals and visitors alike have caught glimpses of a figure that bears a striking resemblance to the poet, leading many to believe that his spirit continues to haunt this peaceful spot.
Harston White Lady Ghost
Area between the Queens Head and Mill Road Public House, Harston
In the quaint village of Harston, Cambridge, there's a stretch of road between the Queens Head and Mill Road Public House that's said to be haunted by a phantom woman, known locally as the White Lady. This ghostly apparition is likely the same suicidal figure reportedly seen elsewhere in the village. The area has a long history, and it's not hard to imagine that the isolation of this rural road might contribute to the eerie feelings reported by those who have encountered the White Lady.
Nun of Alconbury Road
Road in the area, Alconbury
Alconbury Road in Cambridgeshire is home to a rather unsettling phantom - a nun who reportedly steps out in front of oncoming cars, forcing drivers to swerve and avoid a potentially disastrous collision. This eerie apparition has been spotted in the twentieth century and remains a source of fascination for locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The stretch of road where the nun appears is said to be particularly prone to this ghostly encounter, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this spectral presence.
The Pink Light Phenomenon
Guest house in the area, Cambridge
In a quaint guest house in Cambridge, a peculiar incident took place in the 1970s that left a guest with a lasting impression. After switching off the bedside lamp, the room was suddenly filled with an intense pink light. The guest must have been quite startled, as they quickly turned the lamp back on, and to their relief, the pink light vanished just as suddenly as it appeared. It's not hard to imagine the surprise and perhaps even a touch of unease that came with witnessing such an unusual occurrence.
The White Lady of Harston Bridge
Road bridge en route to Haslingfield, Harston
Harston Road Bridge has a haunting reputation thanks to sightings of a white lady leaping to her death. This stretch of road winds its way through the Cambridgeshire countryside, connecting Harston to Haslingfield. Locals and travellers alike have reported catching glimpses of a ghostly figure clad in white, seemingly on the brink of taking the fatal plunge. The reasons behind these alleged suicides remain shrouded in mystery, leaving many to wonder what drives this restless spirit.
Peterhouse Phantom Figure
Peterhouse, Cambridge
Deep within the historic walls of Peterhouse in Cambridge, a sense of unease settles over the Combination Room, a spot where tragedy unfolded back in 1789. It's here that Francis Dawes, the former bursar, took his own life by hanging, a desperate act triggered by an election scandal that led to an unpopular fellow becoming Master of Peterhouse. Over two centuries later, in 1997, staff members began reporting strange occurrences that would leave even the most sceptical minds questioning what really happens when the lights go out. A butler and a waiter claimed to have spotted a white figure drifting between the spiral staircase and the centre of the Combination Room, a sighting that was both unsettling and intriguing.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Vicarage

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire