Skip to main content

Martha Gunn's Royal Pavilion Ghost

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex Apparition Georgian

Deep within the opulent walls of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, a ghostly figure flits about, inspecting banquet tables with an air of quiet elegance. This is the spirit of Martha Gunn, an older-looking grey lady who was seen by a witness between the two world wars. The witness gave chase but was unable to catch the entity, and it was only after delving into old documents that they discovered the identity of the ghost. Martha Gunn was a celebrated 'dipper', operating a small wooden hut on wheels that took people down to the sea in 18th-century Brighton.

Imagine strolling through the lavish rooms of the Royal Pavilion, once the playground of the Prince Regent, who would later become King George IV. It's here that Martha Gunn's ghost is said to roam, alongside the monarch himself. As a 'dipper', Martha provided a vital service to the people of Brighton, offering them a chance to experience the thrill of the sea. Her legacy lives on in the form of her ghostly apparition, which continues to fascinate visitors to this day. The Prince Regent's own ghost is also reported to walk the halls of his former home, adding to the rich history and paranormal activity of the Royal Pavilion.

Historical Context

The Royal Pavilion was built in the 18th century as a seaside retreat for the Prince Regent.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Palace
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Between the two world wars (Gunn)
Postcode Area
BN1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

The Bright Light of Brighton

Pavilion Tavern, Brighton

Deep in the heart of Brighton's historic centre, the Pavilion Tavern stands tall, its rich history and vibrant atmosphere drawing in locals and tourists alike. Yet, on one fateful evening in 1997, a strange and unexplained phenomenon left a lasting impression on a witness. A large ball of light was seen passing along a wall on the upper floor of the building, its sudden appearance and disappearance leaving onlookers perplexed. With no apparent light sources in the room other than a small lamp, the incident remains a baffling mystery to this day.

Public House Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Brighton Theatre Ghost Girl

Nightingale Theatre, Brighton

The Nightingale Theatre in Brighton is home to a tragic and long-standing haunting. This building has a dark history dating back to the late nineteenth century when it was an hotel. It's said that a young fourteen-year-old girl named Emily Coalthorpe lost her life within these walls. Since then, her ghost has been spotted by numerous people, particularly on a staircase that has become a focal point for paranormal activity.

Theatre Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Brighton Ghost Train Footsteps

The Ghost Train, Brighton

The Ghost Train at Brighton Pier is a hotspot for paranormal activity, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Disembodied footsteps echo through the deserted site, sending shivers down the spines of those brave enough to venture near. It's not just the eerie sounds that make this place unsettling, but also the strange phenomenon of torch batteries dying at an alarming rate. This unexplained occurrence has left many to wonder if there's more to the Ghost Train than meets the eye.

Amusement Ride Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Phantom Actress of Brighton

Theatre Royal, Brighton

Theatre Royal in Brighton is home to a rather famous ghostly inhabitant. This historic theatre, a staple of the city's entertainment scene, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Sarah Bernhardt, the celebrated nineteenth-century French actress. According to reports, Bernhardt's ghost has a habit of striding down corridors, pushing people out of the way if they get in her path. Her ethereal form is said to disappear into a wall that was once a doorway leading to her dressing room, now bricked up. It's a curious phenomenon that has been observed by many, leaving onlookers with a glimpse into the theatre's rich history.

Theatre Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Jemmy Botting's Haunted Hangman

The Coal Shed restaurant, Brighton

The Coal Shed on Boyce's Street in Brighton is home to a rather unsavory specter - that of Jemmy Botting, a hangman who claimed to have executed 175 people during his career. His ghost is said to haunt the restaurant, while the sound of his wheelchair can be heard rattling along the street on dark, windy nights. It's a chilling reminder of the brutal nature of his work and the contempt in which he was held by the local community.

Historic Restaurant Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Medieval Monk Vanishing Ghost

Meeting House Lane, Brighton

In the heart of Brighton's historic Meeting House Lane, a peculiar phenomenon has been observed. A medieval monk, said to have been killed for his illicit love affair with a local woman, has been seen vanishing into thin air through a brick wall. This bizarre occurrence has left many to ponder the circumstances surrounding the monk's demise and the possible reasons behind his restless spirit.

Alleyway Medieval
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Royal Pavilion