Skip to main content

Mischievous Poltergeist of O'lafferty's

O'lafferty's Public House, Derby, Derbyshire Poltergeist Victorian

O'lafferty's Public House in Derby has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the country. At the heart of the haunting is a mischievous poltergeist known for switching off barrels and causing general chaos. This entity is thought to have been active since the 2000s and has been the subject of much speculation among paranormal enthusiasts. The pub, once known as The George, has a long history dating back centuries, and it's possible that the poltergeist is connected to a thousand-year-old skull discovered in the basement.

Historically, the pub has undergone several name changes, with 'The George' being one of its earlier names. The discovery of the ancient skull in the basement could be a key to understanding the origins of the haunting. While the exact nature of the entity remains a mystery, its fondness for tampering with barrels and causing mischief has been well-documented. The poltergeist's antics have been described as playful rather than malevolent, leading many to believe that it's more of a nuisance than a threat.

Historical Context

The pub has a history dating back centuries, with earlier names including 'The George'.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
2000s
Postcode Area
DE1

Nearby Haunted Places

Werewolf 0 mi

Speed Wolf of Buxton

A6 northeast of Buxton, Buxton

Buxton's rugged landscape has given rise to a legend that has been etched into local folklore. The Speed Wolf, a creature reportedly resembling a normal wolf but with an uncanny ability to move at fantastic speeds, has been said to roam the A6 northeast of Buxton. Its movements are characterised by great distances covered in a single bound, leaving many to wonder if this entity is purely physical or something more inexplicable. The nearby village of Wormhill, with its dark history of wolf hunting, seems to be connected to this mysterious creature.

Road Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Grey Lady Ghost Buxton

Old Hall Hotel, Buxton, Buxton

Old Hall Hotel, Buxton, is a place where history and paranormal activity intertwine. This hotel, often claimed as England's oldest (built in 1573), has a rich history of ghostly encounters. Staff and ghost-hunters have reported sightings of Mary Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned here. Her presence is sometimes described as a wistful 'Grey Lady', a ghostly figure that roams the hotel's corridors.

Hotel Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Mary Queen of Scots Ghost

Old Hall Hotel, Buxton

The Old Hall Hotel in Buxton is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots, who allegedly stayed in room 26 prior to her execution. This historic hotel has been a popular destination for centuries, and many believe that Mary's presence still lingers. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences and sightings, which some attribute to the Queen's restless spirit. Room 26 is said to be particularly active, with some claiming to have seen Mary's apparition or experienced unexplained phenomena.

Hotel Elizabethan
Read Full Story
Fairy 0.3 mi

Jenny Greenteeth of Buxton

Unidentified pits, Buxton

Deep in the Derbyshire countryside, around Buxton, lies a eerie legend that has been whispered about for generations. They say that if you venture too close to the old pits in Fairfield, you might just catch a glimpse of Jenny Greenteeth, a mischievous fairy with a taste for trouble. According to local folklore, parents would warn their children to steer clear of these pits, lest Jenny Greenteeth snatch them away, never to be seen again. The very thought of her has been enough to keep youngsters in line, and the mystery surrounding this enigmatic figure has endured for centuries.

Rural pits or quarries Early 20th century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Pretty Nun Haunting

Yhelt Cottage, Buxton

Yhelt Cottage in Buxton was once the site of a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. For a couple of years, from 1951 to 1953, the occupants were subjected to a series of poltergeist activities and infrequent visitations by a ghostly presence. This presence was that of a pretty nun in her late twenties, surrounded by a soft, gentle light. The nature of her appearances and the activities that followed were certainly unusual, and they left a lasting impression on those who experienced them.

Private Residence Post-War
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Buxton Opera House Hauntings

Opera House, Buxton

The Buxton Opera House, a stunning Victorian theatre in the heart of this charming Derbyshire town, is said to be home to a mischievous presence. Strange sounds have been reported by staff after the building has closed for the evening, leaving many to wonder if the theatre is indeed haunted. These unexplained noises have become a regular occurrence, and while they can be unnerving, they seem to be harmless.

Theatre Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near O'lafferty's Public House