Tom's Fairies of Godshill
Deep in the heart of the New Forest, near the charming village of Godshill, lies an area known as The Ridge, where a most unusual and intriguing phenomenon has been reported. Artist Tom Charman claimed to have encountered a group of fairies and elementals, which he described as ranging in height from just a few inches to two and a half feet tall, dressed in smart attire. These entities were said to possess the extraordinary ability to create objects simply by thinking about them, and even crafted self-portraits using stone.
During the early 20th century, specifically between the 1900s and 1930s, Tom Charman found inspiration in these mystical beings, which sparked his creativity and influenced his art. The fact that multiple accounts of these encounters exist, although not extensively documented, lends credibility to the claims. It is worth noting that the New Forest has a rich history of folklore and myth, with tales of supernatural creatures dating back centuries, making it a fascinating location for those interested in the paranormal.
The New Forest has a long history of mystical and supernatural tales, dating back to the medieval period.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Old Lady of Fordingbridge
Hourglass Restaurant, Fordingbridge
The Hourglass Restaurant in Fordingbridge is home to a rather charming ghost - the shade of an old lady. This spectral presence is said to warm herself by sitting by one of the restaurant's original fireplaces, which date back to the fourteenth century when the building was a farmhouse. It's a peaceful, gentle haunting that adds to the restaurant's already warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Phantom Cavalier Inn Ghost
Tutor Rose Inn Inn, Fordingbridge
The Tutor Rose Inn in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Cavalier, adding to its already rich history. This phantom figure is not alone, as reports also mention a ghostly woman who is often seen ascending the staircase. Footsteps echoing up and down the stairs are also commonly heard, suggesting that this female apparition might be responsible. The inn, unfortunately, is no longer in operation as of 2025, but its paranormal legacy lives on.
Monks of Breamore Churchyard
Churchyard, Breamore
Breamore's picturesque churchyard is said to be haunted by a pair of ghostly monks. These cloaked figures are reported to walk through the grounds before vanishing into thin air. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this haunting. While details are scarce, the apparition of these monks has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Woman in Poke Bonnet Haunting
Breamore House, Breamore
Breamore House, a beautiful country estate in Hampshire, is home to a rather intriguing and somewhat unsettling phenomenon. The ghostly apparition of a woman wearing a poke bonnet is said to appear to the current owner of the property shortly before their passing. This restless spirit, believed to be a victim of a long-forgotten owner, has been a part of the house's history for many years, sparking curiosity and concern among those who have encountered her.
The Lady in a Long Dress
Eyeworth Pond, Fritham
Eyeworth Pond in Fritham, Hampshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman wearing a long dress. This phantom has been seen on multiple occasions, with one of the earliest reported sightings dating back to January 1987. A photograph taken that year appears to show a strange, grey, ghostly figure emerging from the undergrowth. Fast forward to early 2014, and a photographer claimed to have captured an image of the ghostly woman walking along a path leading to the pond in the early hours of the morning.
Ghost of Alice Lisle
Moyles Court, Ellingham
Moyles Court in Ellingham, Hampshire, is home to the restless spirit of Alice Lisle, a woman who met a tragic end in 1685. Alice was hanged on the grounds of treason for assisting two fugitives, although her defence argued that she had done nothing more than act as any good Christian would. It's said that for many years after her death, the rustling of her silken dress and the sound of her footfalls echoed down the corridors of Moyles Court, a haunting reminder of her presence.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Ridge

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire