The Haunted Wardrobe of Carterton
Carterton Manor in Oxfordshire was once home to a rather unusual and terrifying haunting. It started in 1937 when the doors of a large wardrobe began opening and closing on their own, even breaking string that had been tied around them to keep them shut. The wardrobe had been purchased by Mrs Barclay three years earlier, but it wasn't until the start of 1937 that the strange occurrences began. Shortly after, a phantom man started appearing around the house - an old, bent-over figure wearing a deerstalker hat.
In an attempt to rid herself of the unwanted visitor, Mrs Barclay placed an advert in 'The Morning Post' newspaper on 19 August 1937, seeking someone to take the haunted wardrobe off her hands. Fortunately, a buyer was found and once the wardrobe was removed, the manor was never troubled again. The fact that the haunting stopped as soon as the wardrobe was gone suggests a strong connection between the two, leaving one to wonder if the phantom man was somehow connected to the wardrobe or its previous owner.
Carterton Manor has been a private residence for many years, with its exact history not well-documented.
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Nearby Haunted Places
The Pushing Force of Hempton
Main road through village, Hempton
Hempton village in Oxfordshire is home to a rather unusual and unexplained phenomenon. Cyclists and passersby have reported being pushed by an invisible force while making their way through the village on the main road. This strange occurrence has been happening for several decades, with multiple people claiming to have been victimised by this mysterious pushing force. It's not clear what or who is behind these events, but the locals have grown accustomed to the strange happenings.
The Watchful Hotel Ghost
Talbot Hotel, Bampton
The Talbot Hotel in Bampton has a long history of hospitality but its staff and guests have also had to get used to an unusual kind of service from beyond the grave. A former member of staff, Horace, still turns up on occasion to keep an eye on the newer employees. It's not clear what his role was when he was alive, but his presence is still felt today. Horace's haunting manifestation is a relatively harmless one, but it can still be unsettling for those who encounter him.
The Beer Barrel Ghost
Manor House, Bampton
In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Bampton stands a manor house with a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. They say that clergy once attempted to exorcise a stubborn shade, only to find it surprisingly strong and resistant to their efforts. The ghost proved so troublesome that the only way to subdue it was to confine it to a large barrel of beer, which was then stored in the cellar of the house for many years. Although the barrel's present whereabouts are unknown, the legend of Mrs Whittaker's ghost lives on.
The Grey Lady Haunting
Mill and Old Swan Public House, Minster Lovell
The Mill and Old Swan Public House in Minster Lovell is home to a rather restless spirit known as the Grey Lady. This former landlady seems to have a hard time leaving her old stomping ground and has been spotted wandering the premises. But she's not the only ghostly presence here. Staff have reported all sorts of strange occurrences, from a knife flying across the restaurant to footsteps and bangs coming from a locked room. And then there's the mysterious man who stood by the bar after closing time, only to vanish into thin air.
Tanfield's Fiery Coach Haunting
Roads in the area, Burford
In the sleepy Oxfordshire town of Burford, a spine-tingling legend has been doing the rounds for centuries. They say that the malevolent spirits of Sir Laurence Tanfield and his wife, the Lady Tanfield, roam the local roads in a blazing coach, striking fear into the hearts of anyone who dares to catch a glimpse. According to local lore, simply observing the coach is enough to bring bad luck or even death - not exactly the kind of thing you'd want to stumble upon on a dark and stormy night.
The Weeping Lady of Minster Lovell
White Hart Public House, Minster Lovell
Deep in the heart of Oxfordshire, the historic White Hart Public House in Minster Lovell is home to a mournful presence. A Victorian lady, Rosalind, is said to have taken her own life by hanging herself from the staircase. Her spirit, now known as the Weeping Lady, is believed to shed tears as a sign of remorse for her rash actions. Her face, hidden behind a veil, adds an air of mystery to this tragic tale.