The Ivy Haunting Donisthorpe
Donisthorpe Mills on Bath Lane in Leicester was once home to a rather unsettling presence. In the early 1980s, a nightshift worker took a short break outside for a cigarette, only to encounter a short, grey-haired woman dressed in dark clothing, whose face was covered in warts. This chance meeting left a lasting impression on the worker, who ensured that he never ventured out alone again. The woman, known as Ivy, became a local legend of sorts, with her appearances seemingly confined to the yard of the mill.
Interestingly, by June 2009, Donisthorpe Mills was slated for demolition, which raises questions about the potential connection between the haunting and the site's history or its industrial past. Although details about Ivy's origins or motivations remain scarce, her impact on those who claimed to have seen her is undeniable. The fact that a nightshift worker was sufficiently spooked by her appearance to alter his behaviour underlines the intensity of the experience.
Donisthorpe Mills operated as an industrial site, likely with a history dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Black Annis of Leicester
Dane Hills, Leicester
Dane Hills, a scenic area on the outskirts of Leicester, is said to be haunted by the legend of Black Annis, a malevolent old hag with iron claws. This fearsome creature was believed to dwell in a cave hidden amongst the hills, which are now thought to be buried under the city. According to local lore, Black Annis used her razor-sharp claws to skin children, striking fear into the hearts of those who lived in the surrounding areas. Some believe that this ancient entity may be connected to Danu, a mysterious figure from a bygone era, whose stories have been lost to the passage of time.
Cat Anna Castle Legend
Castle ruins, Leicester
Leicester Castle, a once-majestic fortress, now stands in ruins, its crumbling walls whispering tales of a bogyman-like witch known as Cat Anna. Said to reside in the castle's cellars, Cat Anna's legend has been etched into the annals of local folklore. Her story is often linked to that of Black Annis, a notorious witch from Leicestershire's rich history of myth and legend. While details of Cat Anna's exploits are scarce, her reputation as a mysterious and feared figure has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Wygston House Cavalier Ghost
Wygston House, Leicester
Wygston House in Leicester has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of a ghostly apparition dating back to pre-twentieth century times. The phantom, often described as a Cavalier, is said to appear at a window of the building once a month. Some have attempted to explain the sighting as an optical illusion created by the moon, but the true nature of this apparition remains a mystery. Interestingly, a headless Cavalier has also been reported at the location, although this figure reportedly ceased to appear after being shot at by a curious visitor.
Shape-Shifting Ghost Leicester
Freewheeler Club, Leicester
Deep in Leicester's Churchgate, the Freewheeler Club stands as a hub for nightlife. But back in 1972, it was home to a rather unsettling presence. Staff reported seeing a strange ghost that would change shape, its forms shifting and morphing in ways that defied explanation. An exorcist was called in to try and put an end to the haunting, but the details of their intervention remain shrouded in mystery.
Leicester Guildhall Ghosts
Guildhall, Leicester
The Leicester Guildhall, a stunning example of medieval architecture, is said to be haunted by a multitude of ghostly entities. Grey monk or white lady, opinions are mixed about the identity of the phantom reportedly lurking in the library. But that's not all - a tormented Cavalier has been spotted in the Great Hall, while a phantom policeman and ghostly dog have been seen in other parts of the building. And if that's not enough, a black cat has been reported in the Great Hall, and a pair of legs has seemingly manifested from a portrait of Henry Earl of Huntington.
Theatre Ghost Child
Haymarket Theatre, Leicester
The Haymarket Theatre in Leicester has a long history dating back to the 19th century, but it's the sightings of a small boy in a sailor's suit that have captured the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts. This Edwardian child has been seen several times, usually during rehearsals, and is believed to be the spirit of a young boy who drowned in a well on the land before the theatre was built. His presence is a poignant reminder of the theatre's complex history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Donisthorpe Mills
