The Murdered Maid of Exeter
Deep in the heart of Exeter, the historic Lord Haldon Hotel stands tall, its elegant facade hiding a dark secret. This is the haunting place of a tragic young maid who met her untimely demise within these very walls. Her story is one of love, betrayal, and murder. The maid, who remains unnamed, fell pregnant after an affair with a local landowner. In a desperate attempt to cover up the scandal, the landowner brutally took her life. Now, her spirit is said to return to the top of the building, a dripping wet apparition, forever trapped in a moment of terror and despair.
Digging deeper into the past, we find that this haunting dates back to the Victorian era, a time of strict social etiquette and severe consequences for those who dared to defy it. The landowner, driven by a desire to protect his reputation, committed a heinous crime that would have far-reaching repercussions. The maid's ghostly appearances are often reported at the top of the hotel, with witnesses describing a soaked figure, as if she has just been pulled from the nearby River Exe. While the exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, the consistency of the reports suggests that this is more than just a mere legend.
The Lord Haldon Hotel has been a prominent landmark in Exeter since its construction in the 19th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Fearn Village Ghostly Apparition
Cottage close to the churchyard, Fearn
In the quaint Highland village of Fearn, a cottage close to the churchyard is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a wronged wife. The story goes that just a few hours after burying his beloved wife, a local farmer was seen flirting with a woman who lived nearby. His romantic advances were abruptly cut short when he spotted his deceased wife watching him through a window. The shock of this encounter was too much for the farmer, who sickened and died just a few weeks later.
Gissons Arms Poltergeist
Gissons Arms Public House, Kennford
The Gissons Arms in Kennford is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with reports of a mischievous poltergeist causing quite a stir. This former landlord seems to have a strong presence, particularly in the evenings, when lights flicker on and off, doors creak open, and music starts playing on its own. Patrons have also caught whiffs of a burning smell wafting through the bar, only for it to vanish a minute or two later. And if that's not enough, some folks have spotted the face of a small blonde girl peeking out of the window towards the car park.
Mad Monk
, Haldon
Deep in the Haldon Hills, where the rugged Devon landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, lies the eerie tale of the Mad Monk. This notorious figure, also known as the Haldon Hills monk, was said to prey on unsuspecting travellers, meeting a grisly end at the hands of a brave sailor who stumbled upon his dark deeds. The monk's malevolent spirit is still said to haunt these rolling hills, with reports of strange noises and unexplained occurrences emanating from the old well where he met his demise.
Mamhead Obelisk Horse Ghost
Area around the obelisk, Mamhead
In the rolling countryside of Mamhead, Devon, there's a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to converge. It's here, near the historic obelisk, that a rather unusual ghostly encounter has been reported. A witness, out walking her dogs on a crisp October day in 2009, suddenly felt and heard the unmistakable sound of a large horse trotting towards her. She quickly moved her dogs to one side, expecting a rider to pass by, but when she turned around, there was no one there.
Cavalier and Nun Apparition at The Cridford Inn
The Cridford Inn, Newton Abbot
The Cridford Inn in Trusham is said to be haunted by two ghostly apparitions. The first is a Cavalier from the Civil War period, and it's not uncommon for visitors to catch glimpses of him wandering the corridors. A more mysterious presence is that of a nun, whose origins are unknown. Despite their differing backgrounds, both entities seem to coexist peacefully in this historic hotel.
Nun of Cridford Inn
Cridford Inn Inn, Trusham
The Cridford Inn in Trusham, Devon, has a reputation for being haunted by a mysterious nun and a Cavalier. This quaint inn, steeped in history, has been a local favourite for years, but its paranormal residents have added an air of intrigue to its charm. The story of these ghostly inhabitants has been passed down through the years, captivating the imagination of many. While there's no concrete evidence of when these sightings first began, the legend has endured, making the Cridford Inn a hotspot for those interested in the paranormal.
Stay Nearby
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