The Rolling Barrel Ghost
The White Hart Public House in Basingstoke, Hampshire, has a rather curious ghost story to tell. Successive landlords have been woken up in the dead of night by the unmistakable sound of barrels being rolled outside, only to find nothing amiss when they investigate further. It's as if the night-time atmosphere is being pierced by a fleeting echo from the past, leaving one wondering what could be causing such a strange occurrence.
Digging deeper into the history of this public house, it's clear that the White Hart has been a staple of the local community for many years. While the exact date of the haunting is unclear, reports of the rolling barrel sound and sightings of spooky figures, one male and one female, have been documented over the years. A few staff members have claimed to have caught glimpses of these ghostly apparitions, adding to the mystique of this enigmatic haunting.
The White Hart Public House has been a local landmark for many years, serving as a gathering place for the community.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Basingstoke Purple UFO Sighting
Skies over the town, Basingstoke
Basingstoke's evening sky turned into a scene from a science fiction film on August 4, 2007, when a purple pear-shaped object was spotted hovering above the town. Kris Reed, a keen observer from his home, was the first to witness this unusual sighting. The object lingered for a bit before moving away, leaving behind a noise that was likened to the hum of a washing machine. Interestingly, another resident reported seeing a large red ball moving slowly across the sky on the same night, adding to the mystery of the sightings in Basingstoke.
Jane Austens Ghostly Coach - Oakley Hall Hotel
Oakley Hall Hotel, Basingstoke, Basingstoke
The Oakley Hall Hotel has a fascinating history as the former home of Jane Austen's friends. It's said that their spirits are still present in the grand building. One of the most intriguing tales surrounding this hotel is the ghostly coach that reportedly arrives at the front entrance, carrying an ominous message - bad news for those who encounter it.
The Searching Woman of Oakley
Sheardown Lane, Oakley
Sheardown Lane in Oakley, Hampshire, is where you'll find the haunting of the Searching Woman. This ghostly apparition has been known to appear to horse riders, running up to them with an unnerving intensity. She stares carefully at her victims before suddenly turning and vanishing into thin air. Although she was once a more frequent sighting, reports of her appearances have dwindled over the years.
Headless Horseman of Angledown
Angledown Barrow, Litchfield
Deep in Hampshire's countryside lies Angledown Barrow, a site steeped in paranormal legend. This ancient earthwork has been the reported location of a bizarre and terrifying apparition - a headless horseman, eerily clutching his severed head under one arm. The story goes that this ghostly figure materialised when a group of treasure hunters attempted to excavate the barrow, rumoured to contain a golden image. Their quest for riches was abruptly halted by the unsettling manifestation, a stark warning to leave the site and its secrets undisturbed.
Mysterious Straw Fall
General area, South Wonston
South Wonston in Hampshire was witness to a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon on 28 July 1992. Locals reported seeing clouds of straw that then fell over the village, leaving residents scratching their heads. This strange event was possibly connected to a similar occurrence in Basildon, Essex, on the same day, where straw also fell from the sky. The incident remains a mystery, with no clear explanation for the sudden and unexplained appearance of straw in the village.
Ghosts of Haymarket Theatre
Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke
The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke is said to be haunted by the ghosts of old performers, but their identities remain a mystery. This historic theatre has hosted countless shows over the years, and it's possible that some of its former stars have lingered on, unable to take their final bow. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint exactly who these ghosts might be or why they're still here, their presence is reportedly felt by those who work or visit the theatre.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near White Hart Public House
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire