Skip to main content

The Cavalier of Colchester

Mermaid Public House, Colchester, Essex Apparition English Civil War

The Mermaid Public House on Mersea Road in Colchester has a dark history that's said to be reenacted by a ghostly figure. This spot is home to the spirit of a man known as the Cavalier, who met his untimely demise in the back garden of the pub. According to reports, he was executed with a shot to the back, and it's said that his presence still lingers within the building. People claim to have seen him standing at the top of the stairs, a sight that's sure to send shivers down the spine.

Historical records indicate that the Cavalier was a Royalist supporter during the English Civil War. It's believed that his execution took place in the 17th century, a time when Colchester was a significant location for the conflict. The Mermaid Public House, unfortunately, is no longer operational, but its haunted reputation lives on. Although the exact date and time of the haunting are unknown, the Cavalier's ghostly apparition remains a popular topic among paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike.

Historical Context

English Civil War era

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
No Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
CO2

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

Angel Public House Ghost

Angel Public House, Braintree

The Angel Public House in Braintree has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity. While a vague form has been reported on the staircase, it's the presence's unsettling effect on dogs and the unexplained footfalls around the building that have really captured people's attention. It's said that the ghostly presence is more of a mischievous spirit, causing a stir without being overtly malevolent. Guests and staff have shared stories of feeling uneasy, and dogs have been known to become agitated, as if sensing something they can't quite explain.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

The Man in Dark Grey

Kings Head Public House, Braintree

The Kings Head Public House in Braintree, Essex, has been the site of numerous paranormal occurrences since 2009. One of the most intriguing sightings is that of a man in dark grey who seems to watch customers from the bar, only to vanish when looked at directly. This ghost, affectionately nicknamed 'Frank', appears to be a regular presence in the pub, with reports of footsteps on the second floor, unexplained shadows in the men's toilets, and doors opening and lights turning off on their own.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0 mi

Flying Objects Poltergeist

Anchor Public House, Canewdon

The Anchor Public House in Canewdon, Essex, has a reputation for being one of the most bizarrely haunted pubs in the UK. It all started around 2004 when staff and patrons began reporting strange occurrences that couldnt be explained. Remote controls and kitchen knives were seen flying through the air, a baby was heard crying, and the scent of perfume wafted through the rooms. It was as if the pub had become a hotspot for poltergeist activity, with objects moving on their own and unexplained noises filling the air.

Public House Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

Ghost of O'Neill's Public House

O'Neill's Public House, Colchester

O'Neill's Public House in Colchester has a long history dating back to its previous incarnation as the Waggon & Horses. It's here that a rather enigmatic figure has been spotted by patrons and staff alike. This ghostly old man is easily recognisable by his peaked cap and has been known to make his presence felt in various ways. He's been seen walking through walls and has even been reported to turn taps off in the cellar. It's a curious thing, this ghostly activity, and one that has piqued the interest of many a paranormal enthusiast.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

The Beehive Ghostly Encounters

Beehive Public House, Great Waltham

The Beehive Public House in Great Waltham is home to a couple of intriguing paranormal residents. A grey cat has been spotted on several occasions, running down a corridor and disappearing into a wall in the bathroom. This feline phantom is quite the enigma. Then there's Old Ruffy, the affectionate name given to the pub's poltergeist, which used to have a mischievous habit of breaking glasses. It's a strange and quirky combination of ghostly activity that's captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

Maldon Ghostly Footsteps

King's Head Public House, Maldon

The King's Head Public House in Maldon, Essex, has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity. On Christmas 1946, a couple's festive stay at the pub was disrupted by unexplained phantom footsteps outside their room and an unseen force that held their bedroom door closed. This unsettling experience added to the pub's tradition of being haunted by a young boy. The King's Head, now sadly closed and part of a shopping centre, remains a fascinating case of reported ghostly activity in the UK.

Public House Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Mermaid Public House