Skip to main content

Ghostly Footsteps at Colchester Hostel

Hostel of the Good Shepherd, Colchester, Essex Apparition Post-War

The Hostel of the Good Shepherd on East Hill in Colchester has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. Footsteps and shuffling sounds were heard coming from empty rooms, leaving residents and staff with a sense of unease. Despite an exorcism being performed at the site, the strange noises persisted, fuelling speculation about the hostel's paranormal activity. It's said that the unsettling sounds were a regular occurrence in the 1970s, long before the hostel eventually closed its doors in 1984.

Historically, the Hostel of the Good Shepherd was a place of refuge and care for those in need. The haunting manifestations, though unexplained, seem to be linked to the hostel's past use. The fact that the paranormal activity continued even after an exorcism had been carried out suggests that the cause of the haunting was perhaps more complex than a simple case of malevolent spirit. The exact nature of the haunting remains a mystery, but it has become an integral part of Colchester's ghost story heritage.

Historical Context

The Hostel of the Good Shepherd operated as a refuge and care home before closing in 1984.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Hostel
Activity Types
Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
No Public Access
Date / Era
1970s
Postcode Area
CO1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.2 mi

Charlotte's White Robe Apparition

Charlotte's Well, Colchester

Tucked away in a hidden part of the grounds, Charlotte's Well has a haunting story to tell. This charming well was built for a woman named Charlotte, who apparently loved it so much that she could never bear to leave. Locals claim that since her passing, Charlotte has been spotted wandering around the bathing pool and wooded areas, dressed in a flowing white robe. Her ghostly apparition was reportedly seen strolling through the woods during the winter of 1977, a sighting that has contributed to the well's reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

Historic Well and Grounds Medieval
Read Full Story
Post-Mortem Apparition 0.2 mi

The Dark Smiling Figure of St Botolph's Priory

St Botolph's Priory, Colchester

St Botolph's Priory in Colchester has a long history of paranormal activity, but one of the most intriguing accounts is that of a dark smiling figure seen by a young girl in 1993. While playing with friends around the gravestones, the girl caught sight of a dark figure standing by a tomb. What's remarkable about this encounter is the figure's unsettling smile, which seemed to be directed at her before it vanished into thin air. This brief yet intense experience has left a lasting impression on those who have heard the story.

Historic Priory Medieval
Read Full Story
SHC 0.2 mi

The Colchester Soldier Ghost

Mill Street, Colchester

Mill Street in Colchester, Essex, is home to a rather bizarre and unexplained ghost sighting. On 19 February 1888, a soldier's body was discovered in a hay loft, with much of his corpse charred by fire. However, the surrounding area was untouched by the flames, and his legs and boots were also undamaged. This strange occurrence has led to reports of paranormal activity in the area, with many wondering what could have caused such a peculiar event.

Street Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Colchester Cavalier Ghost

East Street around Siege House, Colchester

East Street in Colchester seems like an ordinary street but it has a rather extraordinary secret. A ghostly cavalier has been spotted walking down this street, vanishing into thin air when he reaches Siege House. Its quite a surreal experience for anyone who catches a glimpse of him. The cavalier has been seen on various occasions, with reports dating back to the 1990s. Some areas of Siege House are said to be particularly haunted, with staff preferring to work in pairs for safety.

Historic Street English Civil War
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Colchester Barracks Invisible Attack

Barracks, Colchester

Colchester Barracks has a long history of paranormal activity, with reports dating back to April 1911. On that occasion, three soldiers were mysteriously struck unconscious by an unknown force while on duty at night. The incident was a shocking and inexplicable event that left many questions unanswered. Years later, in 1975, a corporal reported hearing a loud banging noise coming from a door, which shook violently. When he flung the door open, he was met with an eerie silence - there was no one there. This unsettling event repeated itself several times in quick succession, leaving the corporal and likely others with a sense of unease and confusion.

Military Barracks Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Alice Mellor's Ghostly Presence

Red Lion Hotel, Colchester

The Red Lion Hotel in Colchester's bustling Lion Walk Shopping Precinct is home to a rather unsettling presence. Alice Mellor, a woman who met her demise in 1633, is said to haunt one of the hotel's rooms. Her ghost was reportedly so terrifying that the room was sealed up and forgotten about for many years. Thankfully, it seems that her malevolent energy has subsided, as no recent sightings have been reported. However, the hotel does share its space with another restless spirit - a monk who tragically lost his life in a fire.

Hotel Pre-1972
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hostel of the Good Shepherd