Charlie Spider Marshell Ghost
The Bear in Stock is home to a mischievous spirit known as Charlie 'Spider' Marshell. Legend has it that Charlie's favourite trick was to climb the chimney in the bar, only to reappear in a fireplace in another part of the pub. This clever stunt must have been performed countless times, as it became a popular local tale. But one day, Charlie never reappeared, leaving behind only his ghostly presence. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, all connected to Charlie's antics.
Historical records indicate that Charlie Marshell's haunting has been a part of The Bear's folklore since the nineteenth century. It's said that Charlie was a cheeky chap who loved playing tricks on patrons. His ghostly manifestation is characterised by unexplained movements and sightings, particularly in the bar area. Witnesses claim to have seen Charlie's apparition, and some have even reported encountering him in the chimneys and fireplaces. While there's no concrete evidence to prove Charlie's existence, his legend has become an integral part of The Bear's history and charm.
The Bear has been a local landmark since the 16th century, with a rich history of serving travellers and locals alike.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Breathing Phantom of Broomwood Lane
Broomwood Lane, Stock
Broomwood Lane in Stock, Essex, is a seemingly ordinary road, but it's home to a rather unusual ghostly phenomenon. In the mid 1980s, a young cyclist was riding along this lane when he was startled by extremely loud, heavy breathing sounds right next to him. The cyclist looked around, but there was no one in sight, so he quickly pedaled away, leaving the strange noise behind. The breathing sounds were reportedly so loud that it's little wonder the cyclist was spooked.
The Legless Margaretting Phantom
Margaretting Road between village and Galleywood, Margaretting
On a quiet stretch of Margaretting Road, a motorist was left shaken after a bizarre encounter with a seemingly legless male figure. The incident occurred on a June evening in 2023, when the driver was travelling between the village and Galleywood. As the motorist rounded a bend, a fast-moving figure with dark hair and wearing an oversized grey tee-shirt shot across the road at incredible speed, vanishing over a ditch. The driver slowed and stopped to look, but there was no sign of the mysterious figure.
Ramsden Heath Rugby Ball UFO
Skies over Hanningfield Reservoir, Ramsden Heath
Over the tranquil skies of Hanningfield Reservoir in Ramsden Heath, a bizarre sighting took place on a February evening in 1985. A witness reported a zigzagging object, larger than an aircraft, shaped like a rugby ball and surrounded by red and orange lights. This unusual UFO sighting has remained a fascinating incident in the annals of paranormal history.
Mysterious Black Dog of Ingatestone
Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone
Ingatestone Hall has been the site of a rather unusual and intriguing encounter. In the eighteenth century, Bishop Petre was making his way along the Lime Walk when he was suddenly set upon by a group of attackers. Just as they were about to overpower him, a large black dog appeared seemingly out of nowhere and chased them off. The bishop was left shaken but unharmed, and as he brushed himself down, he realised the dog had vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Ghosts of Ingatestone Hall
Ingatestone Hall, Ingatestone
Ingatestone Hall, a stunning example of Tudor architecture, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Katherine Grey. Her spirit is reportedly seen strolling along the picturesque lime walk, a serene and beautiful feature of the hall's gardens. The hall itself has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, and it's here that Lady Katherine's presence is most often felt. Caretakers have reported strange sightings of Sir William Petre, the hall's former owner, within the building's walls.
The Star Public House Poltergeist
The Star Public House, Ingatestone
The Star Public House in Ingatestone, Essex, has a notorious reputation for paranormal activity, particularly a poltergeist that was reported back in 1956. Two sisters had booked a room for the night but didnt stay long after checking in. They claimed the lights in their room were turning on and off by themselves, and what really freaked them out was the door that just kept opening and closing on its own. It was an unsettling experience that led them to quickly pay their bill and leave.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Bear

The Blue Boar Hotel
Maldon, Essex

Down Hall Hotel
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

The Green Man
Harlow, Essex

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent