Skip to main content

Sir Francis Drake's Haunted Return

Ship Inn Inn, Exeter, Devon Apparition Tudor

The Ship Inn in Exeter's Martin's Lane has a long history of paranormal activity centred around the ghost of Sir Francis Drake. Legend has it that the inn once banned Drake from entering due to his unruly behaviour when drunk. This might explain why his spirit is said to haunt the premises, perhaps seeking redemption or revenge. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, from unexplained noises to sightings of the famous explorer himself.

Dating back to the 16th century, the Ship Inn has hosted its fair share of notable patrons, including Sir Francis Drake. Historical records suggest that Drake's behaviour became intolerable to the inn's owners, leading to his banishment. It's said that his spirit still roams the inn, drawn back to the place where he once caused a stir. While there are no recorded dates or times for the haunting, reports of paranormal activity have been documented over the years, with multiple witnesses claiming to have seen or heard evidence of Drake's ghostly presence.

Historical Context

The Ship Inn dates back to the 16th century, during the time of Sir Francis Drake's naval expeditions.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Inn
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
EX2

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.1 mi

Friendly Ghost of Cockwood

Anchor Inn Inn, Cockwood

The Anchor Inn in Cockwood is home to a rather unusual ghost - a friendly spirit who is said to roam the premises with his canine companion, also believed to be a ghost. This charming tale was first mentioned in a Telegraph news article, which highlighted the inn's paranormal activity. While there's no concrete evidence on when these ghostly apparitions were first spotted, the story has piqued the interest of many a paranormal enthusiast. The fact that this ghost is described as friendly has only added to the inn's allure, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the supernatural.

Historic Inn Unknown
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 1.4 mi

Dawlish Warren Poltergeist

Mount Pleasant Inn Inn, Dawlish Warren

The Mount Pleasant Inn in Dawlish Warren is home to a mischievous poltergeist known as the Jar Thrower. This troublesome spirit was active in the twentieth century and had a penchant for throwing food stuffs and keys around, making its presence known to guests and staff alike. It seems the poltergeist didn't want to feel neglected, and its antics were a way of getting attention. The inn's history and layout may have contributed to the poltergeist's behaviour, but one thing is certain - the Jar Thrower is a force to be reckoned with.

Inn Twentieth century
Read Full Story
Legend 1.6 mi

Devil's Footprints Haunting

Backenhayes Farm, Exmouth

Backenhayes Farm in Exmouth is home to one of the most intriguing and bizarre paranormal events in English history - the Devil's Footprints. On the night of 8-9 February 1855, after a light snowfall, strange hoof-like tracks appeared on the roof and second-floor window of the farmhouse, stretching for over 100 miles across Devon. These mysterious footprints were attributed to the devil himself, leaving locals bewildered and frightened. The incident has become a legendary part of Devon folklore, with many trying to explain the unexplained phenomenon.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

Belmont House Child Ghost

Belmont House, Exmouth

Belmont House in Exmouth, Devon, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young boy named Fontelautus, the two-year-old son of Rev Jonas. According to reports, two weeks before Fontelautus's death, the cook claimed to have seen a headless child drift through the kitchen and vanish into thin air. This unsettling sighting was followed by a series of eerie events, including the child's nurse, sister, and others hearing his cries coming from the nursery. The disturbance was so great that Fontelautus's grave was actually dug up to verify that he was really dead.

Private Residence Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.7 mi

Exmouth Ghostly Horse Hooves

Town end of St Andrews Road, Exmouth

St Andrews Road in Exmouth can be a pretty ordinary place, but locals and visitors have reported some strange goings-on at the town end of this quiet street. It's thought that this area was once home to a stables or old coaching house, and it's here that people have heard the unsettling sounds of horse hooves, whinnying, and even soft talking. These unexplained noises have been reported over several years, from 2007 to 2009, leaving many to wonder if the ghosts of horses past are still making their presence known.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.7 mi

Mysterious Theatre Laughter

Blackmore Theatre, Exmouth

The Blackmore Theatre in Exmouth, Devon, is a hub for performing arts, but on one Saturday morning in 1998, it was the site of a rather unusual occurrence. A member of staff, working alone at the theatre, was startled to hear the distant sound of audience laughter coming from the auditorium. What's intriguing is that this strange event happened not once, but twice during the staff member's time at the theatre. The laughter was apparently audible, yet there was no one around to have caused it.

Theatre 20th Century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ship Inn Inn