Mary Queen of Scots Ghost
The Talbot Hotel in Oundle is home to a rather regal and restless spirit. This historic hotel contains the staircase from Fotheringay Castle, the very place where Mary Queen of Scots met her demise. It's said that her ghost has accompanied the staircase to its new home, and guests have been experiencing some rather unusual occurrences. Pictures have been known to move on their own, and one guest was awoken by an unseen presence sitting on their bed. The gaunt face of a woman has also been spotted staring out from the hotel's windows, leaving many to wonder if it's the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots herself.
February is a particularly active time for paranormal activity at The Talbot Hotel, which is fitting given that it's the month of Mary's execution. The hotel's staircase has a rather storied past, having been salvaged from Fotheringay Castle, where Mary was beheaded in 1587. It's little wonder that her spirit is thought to be connected to the hotel. Guests and staff have reported a range of strange happenings, from objects moving of their own accord to unexplained apparitions. While the exact nature of these events is impossible to say, they all contribute to the hotel's reputation as one of England's most haunted hotels.
Mary Queen of Scots was executed at Fotheringay Castle in 1587.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Drumming Well Haunting
Drumming Well, Oundle
Drumming Well, tucked away in the quiet Northamptonshire town of Oundle, is home to a most unusual and intriguing paranormal phenomenon. For centuries, a mysterious loud drumming sound has been heard emanating from the well, seemingly a prelude to significant historical events. This strange occurrence has been documented as far back as the Great Fire of London, and continued to manifest on the eve of other momentous occasions, including the death of Charles II and Oliver Cromwell. The well, now covered, remains a source of fascination for those drawn to the unexplained.
Oundle Poltergeist Haunting
Drapery shop, Oundle
In the quaint market town of Oundle, a most unsettling poltergeist activity was reported at a now-defunct drapery shop on West Street. The Seamark family, who resided above the shop, were subjected to a barrage of unexplained noises, including rapping, tapping, and shuffling sounds, predominantly between the hours of 2 and 4 am. These nocturnal disturbances were not limited to the Seamark's residence, as strange noises were also audible from the neighbouring shop, including the alarming sound of a window shattering, although no damage was found the following day.
Monk with Whip Haunting
Barnwell Castle, Barnwell
Barnwell Castle is a place where the atmosphere can shift in an instant. On windless days, strong gusts of wind suddenly blow through, leaving visitors wondering what's behind the strange occurrence. Locals blame a murdered monk, who is said to walk this area with a whip, causing the unusual wind patterns. The monk's presence is a mystery, but the unexplained wind gusts are a phenomenon that has been observed by many.
Lady Mildmay's Generous Ghost
Apethorpe Hall, Apethorpe
Apethorpe Hall has been home to a most unusual resident for many years. Lady Mildmay, a well-known benefactress in the neighbourhood, is said to return to the hall in spirit form. Her ghostly visits are characterised by a remarkable act of kindness - she is known to give money to anyone who approaches her. It's a phenomenon that has puzzled and delighted locals for generations, and one that continues to attract visitors to this historic country house.
Mysterious Black Rain
Bulwick Rectory, Northampton
Bulwick Rectory in Northamptonshire is a place where the ordinary and the bizarre collide. On a day that started like any other, the residents were in for a shock. A loud rumbling sound had shaken the building for an hour, leaving everyone on edge. But it was what happened twenty four hours later that would be etched in their memories forever - black rain fell on the rectory, defying all logic and explanation.
The Short Figure of Northampton
High Street, Northampton
High Street in Northampton can be a bustling place, especially during summer months. It's here that a child witness claimed to have seen a short, angry man with piercing eyes, dressed in a black ring-master style suit, back in 1978. What's intriguing is that despite his apparent fury, everyone else around seemed completely unaware of his presence. The witness recalled walking amongst shoppers when they spotted this unusual figure.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Talbot Hotel

The Haycock Manor Hotel
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The Bell Inn
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The Bull Hotel
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire