John Thurlow Reade's Ghostly Apparition
On the historic Icknield Way in Ipsden, Oxfordshire, a chilling encounter took place in 1827. It's said that John's ghost appeared to his mother at the very spot now marked by a white memorial stone. The remarkable thing about this sighting is that John had just died in India at roughly the same time his mother saw him. This eerie coincidence has led to the Icknield Way being recognised as a hotspot for paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions, phantom coaches, and other unexplained phenomena.
The story of John Thurlow Reade's ghostly apparition is deeply rooted in local history. The Icknield Way, an ancient road that stretches across Oxfordshire, has a long history of reported paranormal sightings. In addition to John's apparition, there have been sightings of shucks, Roman soldiers, and even Boadicea's legion. While the exact circumstances of John's death and his mother's sighting are unclear, the enduring legend has cemented the Icknield Way's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity in England.
The Icknield Way is an ancient road dating back to the Iron Age.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Murdered Shepherd Boy Haunting
Watch Folly Tree, Ipsden
Standing tall in the Oxfordshire countryside, the Watch Folly Tree marks a gruesome spot where a shepherd boy met his untimely demise at the hands of a gang of footpads. Legend has it that if you're unlucky enough to sleep under its branches, you'll be haunted by a vivid dream of the crime taking place. The tree, an ancient oak, stands sentinel southwest of the village of Ipsden, its gnarled limbs a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded here.
The Four Nuns of Checkendon
Checkendon Court, Checkendon
Checkendon Court in Oxfordshire is home to a most intriguing and peaceful haunting. A small procession of nuns has been seen silently drifting along the footpaths surrounding the court. This ethereal sighting has been reported to occur during the mid-twentieth century, although the exact dates are unclear. The nuns appear to be engaged in a quiet, contemplative activity, as if lost in thought or prayer. Their presence is a gentle reminder of the court's rich history and the possible connections to the local Catholic community.
The Sheep Rustler's Ghost
Hangman's Stone, Upper Lambourn
Perched in the rolling hills of Upper Lambourn, the Hangman's Stone stands as a grim reminder of a centuries-old tale of justice. This ancient stone, set amidst the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a sheep rustler who met a grisly end. According to local legend, the thief had been using a cord to lead his stolen sheep when, in a twist of fate, the cord wrapped around his own neck as he slept, strangling him. Since then, his phantom has been seen wandering the area, a spectral presence that continues to fascinate and unsettle locals and visitors alike.
The Sitting Woman of Witheridge Hill
Witheridge Hill, Highmoor Cross
Witheridge Hill stands quietly west of Highmoor Cross village, its rolling landscape a haven for those seeking solitude. Yet, for some, this peaceful spot can turn unsettling. Perched upon a wall here, a phantom woman has been seen, her worry etched across her pallid face. The image is fleeting, leaving one to wonder about the story behind her troubled expression.
The White Lady of The George Hotel in Oxfordshire
The George Hotel, Dorchester on Thames
The George Hotel in the charming town of Dorchester on Thames is home to a rather melancholic spirit. Guests and staff have reportedly seen a white lady wandering through the hotel's corridors, her eyes fixed longingly on a particular four poster bed. Some claim she's searching for someone, while others believe she's simply lost and alone.
The Crying Woman of Dorchester
on, Dorchester
In the heart of Dorchester, Oxfordshire, a hotel has been the site of a rather unsettling paranormal occurrence. Back in 1968, a distressed woman dressed in white was seen crying in the hotel, her presence seemingly centred around the end of a four-poster bed. Her apparition has left many questions unanswered, and her mournful display continues to fascinate those interested in the paranormal.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Icknield Way

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire