The Rocking Lady of Ferndown
In the quaint town of Ferndown, Dorset, stands the Old Thatch Public House, a venue steeped in history and paranormal activity. It is here that a phantom elderly lady has been seen, sitting in a rocking chair, exuding an aura of eeriness. This ghostly apparition is said to have caused quite a stir, particularly with one former landlord who was so frightened that he ran out of the building in fear. The identity of the rocking lady remains a mystery, but her presence is undeniable.
Delving into the past, the Old Thatch Public House has been a staple of Ferndown's community for many years, serving as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike. While details about the rocking lady's origins are scarce, her impact on those who have encountered her is well-documented. As a visual and possibly audio manifestation, her presence contributes to the pub's reputation as a haunted hotspot. Although the exact date and time of her appearances are unknown, the effect she has on witnesses is clear - a mix of fascination and fear.
The Old Thatch Public House has been a local landmark for many years
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Roman Soldier Ghost
Hillfort known as Riddles Ford, Dudsbury
Riddles Ford, a hillfort in the rolling Dorset countryside, is home to a ghostly presence that's steeped in history. A Roman soldier is said to roam these ancient earthworks, his spirit lingering long after the legions left Britain. The exact circumstances of his haunting are shrouded in mystery, but it's thought he may have been stationed in the area during the Roman occupation. His presence is a fascinating echo of a bygone era, a reminder of the complex and often turbulent history of this corner of England.
Glowing Church Windows
Church, Hampreston
Hampreston Church stands quietly in the Dorset countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. But on certain nights, a strange phenomenon occurs - the windows of this rural church glow with an otherworldly light. Renowned ghost hunter Elliott O'Donnell noted this peculiar haunting, though he cautiously suggested that the glowing windows could simply be a reflection of the moon's gentle beam. Yet, the persistence of this eerie glow has led many to speculate about a more paranormal explanation.
Phantom Black Hound of Philpots Camp
The Big, Philpots Camp
The Big in Philpots Camp, Dorset, is a spot where locals and visitors alike have reported encounters with a phantom black hound. This ghostly canine, also known as the Gytrack or Great-Upon-Little stone, has been a part of local folklore for centuries. Its presence is said to have kept people away from the area at night, with many claiming to have seen the apparition of a large black dog roaming the countryside. The hound's origins are shrouded in mystery, but its impact on the local community is well documented.
The Vanishing Horse and Cart
Bridge, Longham
Longham Bridge in Dorset is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to collide. On a quiet summer's morning, 04:30 hours on 29 July 2012, a driver travelling along the road was startled to see a grey horse and cart positioned to the side of the bridge as he overtook a slow-moving lorry. The image was clear enough for the driver to register it without a second thought - until he reached the bridge and the horse had vanished into thin air. It was as if the horse and cart had been there one moment, and gone the next.
The Large Eye Haunting
Unnamed farmhouse, Holt
In the sleepy Dorset village of Holt, a reportedly abandoned farmhouse has been associated with a most unsettling phenomenon - a pair of eyes as large as basins. Alongside the more conventional disembodied footsteps, this eerie apparition has left a lasting impression on those brave enough to venture near. The farmhouse, possibly dating back to the Victorian era, has a reputation for being a hub of paranormal activity. Its isolated location and somewhat foreboding presence only add to the mystique surrounding this haunted site.
Wimborne Church Ghost
Church, Wimborne
Wimborne's historic St Peter and St Paul's Church is home to a most intriguing legend. Quarter Jack, a ghostly presence, resides within the West Tower where he dutifully chimes the quarter hours. But it's at midnight when things take a curious turn. According to local lore, Quarter Jack descends from his lofty perch and takes a nocturnal stroll through the market town, perhaps ensuring the town's residents are settling in for the night.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Thatch Public House

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire