Highwaywoman Catherine Ferrers
In the rolling countryside around Markyate Cell, a notorious ghostly figure rides forth, recreating the mischief she caused in life. Catherine Ferrers, a 17th-century highwaywoman, is said to appear topless, riding her horse and swinging from tree branches with reckless abandon. Her spectral presence is a harbinger of chaos, as if the very spirit of lawlessness has been unleashed upon the Hertfordshire landscape.
Historical records reveal that Catherine Ferrers lived a life of crime, targeting unsuspecting travellers on the roads of Hertfordshire. Her exploits have become the stuff of local legend, and it's little wonder that her ghostly apparition continues to captivate those drawn to the paranormal. While details of her death are sketchy, it's clear that Ferrers' restless spirit refuses to be bound by the conventions of the living. Witnesses claim to have seen her ghostly form riding through the countryside, leaving a trail of wonder and unease in her wake.
17th-century highway robbery and crime in Hertfordshire
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Rye Bed and Breakfast Ghost
Bed & Breakfast Bed & Breakfast, Rye
In the charming town of Rye, East Sussex, a rather unsettling encounter took place at a local bed and breakfast during the summer of 2002. A couple, whose names have been withheld, had a harrowing experience that would leave them shaken. They reported seeing an old man dressed in black standing over their bed, his expression angry and agitated. Initially, both dismissed the apparition as a dream, but it wasn't until they spoke to each other the following morning that they realised they had both seen the same ghostly figure.
The Monk of Great Gaddesden
Roman Road and Devil's Bridge, Great Gaddesden
Roman Road in Great Gaddesden is a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal seem to collide. This ancient thoroughfare, which has been traversed by countless travellers over the centuries, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk who once lived at a nearby Benedictine monastery. The monk's presence is felt by locals and visitors alike, adding a layer of intrigue to this otherwise rural stretch of road. The Devil's Bridge, which spans the road, has gained a somewhat 'occult' reputation, although it's unclear what exactly sparked this association.
The Phantom Monk of Nettleden
Roman Lane, Nettleden
Roman Lane in Nettleden is a rural road with a spooky reputation, thanks to the reported sightings of a phantom monk. This eerie apparition is thought to be connected to the nearby Ashridge House, a historic estate with a rich history dating back to the medieval period. Locals have dubbed the lane 'Spooky Lane', and it's easy to see why - the combination of the lane's isolated location and the ghostly monk's unexplained appearances has led to a lingering sense of unease among those who venture here.
Monks of Cross Keys
Cross Keys Public House, Harpenden
The Cross Keys Public House in Harpenden is a place where the past lingers, quite literally. This Hertfordshire pub stands on a site that was once home to monks, and it's said their ghosts still roam the premises. The first reported sightings date back to the 1960s, a time when the pub was already established. Since then, the paranormal activity has continued to manifest in various ways. In 2011, a team from Paraception UK was called in to investigate after the landlady reported hearing loud bangs and experiencing unexplained occurrences.
St Albans Poltergeist Haunting
White Hart Public House, St Albans
The White Hart Public House in St Albans has a reputation for being haunted by a mischievous poltergeist. Heavy barrels in the cellar were found moved on multiple occasions, with no one admitting to being responsible. It was as if an invisible force was at work, leading to the entity being blamed for the strange occurrences. This unexplained activity has left many to wonder if the White Hart is indeed home to a malevolent presence.
The Caped Phantom of Hemel
Redbourn Road, Hemel Hempstead
On a dark and deserted stretch of Redbourn Road in Hemel Hempstead, a chilling sighting has left witnesses shaken. It's here that a caped figure, clad in a wide-brimmed hat, has been seen crossing the road in front of unsuspecting drivers. One witness, driving home on 19 April 2009 at 00:30h, was the first to report this bizarre apparition. The figure vanished from their rear-view mirror, leaving the driver with a lasting sense of unease. A second witness, three years later, described the figure as feeling utterly 'wrong', so much so that the police were called to the scene.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area around the priory

The Brocket Arms
Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire

Flitwick Manor Hotel
Flitwick, Bedfordshire

Cromwell Hotel
Stevenage, Hertfordshire

The White Hart
Ampthill, Bedfordshire