The Phantom Woman of Woodstock
The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. This historic building, once known as Fletcher's House, has been the site of numerous paranormal sightings, but with a twist - a phantom woman has been spotted lurking about, but only by men. She tends to appear near the original staircase and in the upper rooms, leaving one to wonder what her presence might signify. Was she a former occupant, a servant, or perhaps a lady of the house? Whatever her story, her appearances have been reported by multiple male witnesses, adding credibility to the claims.
Built in the 18th century, Fletcher's House has a rich history, and it's no surprise that it's developed a ghostly inhabitant over the years. The fact that the phantom woman is only seen by men is an interesting aspect of this haunting, and one that has sparked much speculation. Some believe that she may be the ghost of a former female resident, who for some reason, is only visible to men. Others think that she might be a residual presence, imprinted on the building's energy. Whatever the explanation, the Oxfordshire Museum's phantom woman remains a fascinating and unexplained phenomenon.
The Oxfordshire Museum was once Fletcher's House, a 18th-century residence.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Footsteps at Bear Hotel
Bear Hotel, Woodstock
The Bear Hotel in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is home to a rather restless spirit. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences in Room 16, where the ghostly footsteps of Elizabeth Downing can be heard pacing across the floor. It's said that when Elizabeth's ghost is close enough to a light switch, lights mysteriously turn themselves on. This eerie activity has been documented in the late twentieth century, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly presence.
Woodstock's Haunted Cavalier Ghost
The Bear Hotel, Woodstock, Woodstock
The Bear Hotel in Woodstock has a long history dating back to the 13th century. It's said that the ghost of a Cavalier from the Civil War roams its corridors. Guests staying in older rooms have reported seeing a man dressed in boots and a lace cravat, who suddenly vanishes if approached. This eerie encounter is just one of many paranormal experiences that have been recorded at this historic inn.
The Royalist Poltergeist
Manor House, Woodstock
Manor House in Woodstock was once the scene of a most unsettling haunting back in 1649. Several Parliamentary Commissioners who stayed in this building were subjected to a barrage of unexplained occurrences. They were thrown out of bed at night, glass was hurled at them, and candles were mysteriously blown out. It was as if an invisible force had taken a dislike to these visitors. The Commissioners endured these terrifying events throughout October and early November of that year.
Shipton Smoking Train Ghost
on, Shipton
Shipton in Oxfordshire is home to a rather eerie ghostly sighting known as the Smoking Train. On a chilly winter's evening, 22 December 2009, at around 21:30, a lone angler was fishing beside a railway bridge when he witnessed a steam train materialise seemingly out of thin air. The train glided silently past him, its carriages giving off an ominous appearance as if they were engulfed in flames, with black smoke billowing out of the windows. What made this sighting all the more unsettling was that the train vanished into thin air as it continued down the track, leaving the witness stunned and bewildered.
Kirtlington Pond Ghost
Village pond, Kirtlington
Kirtlington Village Pond has been the site of some pretty strange goings-on, centred around the ghost of James Dashwood. This spirit caused quite a stir locally, but was eventually bound to the pond. The story goes that if the pond ever dries up, Dashwood will be released from his watery prison. It's a fascinating tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Lady Blacket's Haunting
Church, North Leigh
North Leigh's St Peter's Church is home to a rather unusual haunting. Two medieval effigies lie within the church, those of Sir William Wilcote and his wife Lady Elizabeth Blacket. According to local legend, these two were once depicted with their hands clasped together, but over time they've drifted apart. It's said that when the distance between them becomes too great, Lady Blacket will return to haunt the village. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.