Bride in the Chest Haunting
Tiverton Castle stands as a testament to the rich history of Devon, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of secrets and stories. One of the most bizarre and tragic tales from its past is that of a newlywed bride who played a game of hide and seek with her guests, only to vanish into thin air. Years later, her mummified body was discovered in a chest in the loft, the spring-mounted lid having tragically trapped her inside. This gruesome find has led to Tiverton Castle being associated with one of the most unusual ghost stories in the UK.
The story of the bride in the chest is a haunting that has been documented in various forms across the UK, but the version tied to Tiverton Castle is particularly noteworthy. While the exact date of the incident is unknown, the fact that the bride's body was found mummified suggests that she may have been trapped for several years. The circumstances of her death are a tragic reminder of the sometimes deadly nature of simple, everyday objects. Despite the castle's long history, this incident remains one of its most infamous and enduring legends.
Tiverton Castle has a long history dating back to the medieval period, serving as a residence for several notable families over the centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Tiverton Lodge Ghostly Breathing
Lodge close to Ashley Court, Tiverton
In the quiet town of Tiverton, Devon, a small lodge close to Ashley Court became the site of a bizarre and intriguing paranormal encounter on 31 December 1964. As the church bells rang in the new year, the occupier of the lodge was startled by the sound of heavy breathing, which lasted for several seconds. The atmosphere was suddenly charged with an eerie presence, enough to unsettle the pet cat, which cried out and fled through the cat flap in distress.
The Rose and Crown Ghost
Rose and Crown Public House, Calverleigh
The Rose and Crown Public House in Calverleigh, Devon, is home to a mischievous ghost known as Cedric. This phantom presence is blamed for hiding objects and creating out of place gusts of wind. Patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences, from items going missing to unexplained breezes that seem to come from nowhere. It's as if Cedric is trying to make his presence known, albeit in a rather playful manner. The ghost's antics have become a talking point among locals and visitors alike, adding a touch of intrigue to the pub's rustic charm.
Laughing Lady of Bickleigh
Fisherman's Cot Public House, Bickleigh
The Fisherman's Cot Public House in Bickleigh is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Patrons and staff have reported hearing the soft, unexplained laughter of an invisible female, which seems to emanate from around the bar area. This eerie phenomenon is said to occur without any apparent cause or connection to the outside environment, where a headless horseman is rumoured to lurk. The laughter is a gentle, soothing sound that has left many wondering about its origin and purpose.
Fisherman's Cot Hotel Ghost Haunting in Devon
Fisherman's Cot, Tiverton
The Fisherman's Cot is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young lady whose raucous laughter can sometimes be heard near the bar. This eerie phenomenon has been reported by patrons and staff, adding to the hotel's mystique. With its rich history and possible connections to former guests or employees, The Fisherman's Cot offers a unique glimpse into Devon's paranormal past.
The Bridge of Blood
Bridge over the River Exe, Bickleigh
Bickleigh Bridge spans the River Exe, a tranquil spot in Devon that belies a dark history. Every year on June 24th, a sinister presence returns to this very bridge, reliving a gruesome crime from centuries past. Alexander Cruwys, a man with a deadly grudge, met his victim here, and it's said that his malevolent spirit still roams, forever trapped in a cycle of guilt and horror.
Vanishing Woman of Forges Hill
Forges Hill, Cullompton
Forges Hill in Cullompton is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained collide. It's said that a woman who stepped out in front of a car vanished just before impact. This eerie event took place in late 2022 and has left many questions unanswered. The site itself is home to a tree steeped in folklore - a tree used for hangings, adding a layer of tragic history to the location. Was the phantom woman a victim of the hangman's noose or a grieving mourner? The truth remains elusive.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Tiverton Castle

Fisherman's Cot
Bickleigh, Devon

City Gate
Exeter, Devon

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa
Okehampton, Devon
The White Hart Hotel
Exeter, Devon