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Bristol Poltergeist Haunting

Lamb Inn Inn, Bristol, Somerset Poltergeist Georgian

The Lamb Inn in Bristol was once the epicentre of a most unsettling poltergeist haunting. For a year, from 5 November 1761 to November 1762, the inn was plagued by a malevolent spirit that became infamous for its brutal behaviour. The poltergeist was known to throw glasses, disturb occupants with constant tapping and rapping, and most alarmingly, beat the children. This reign of terror finally came to an end when the family sought the help of a cunning woman, who diagnosed a curse and provided a counter-ritual to restore peace.

Historical records reveal that the haunting took place at a time when superstition and folklore were still deeply ingrained in everyday life. The fact that the family turned to a cunning woman for help highlights the beliefs of the era. The poltergeist's activities were characterised by physical disturbances, a common trait of this type of haunting. The involvement of multiple witnesses and the duration of the haunting lend credibility to the account. Although the exact location of the Lamb Inn is now lost to history, with Lawford Street and West Street no longer standing, the legend of the Bristol poltergeist endures.

Historical Context

18th-century Bristol, a time of growing industrialisation and urbanisation.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Inn
Activity Types
Physical Auditory
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Moderate
Accessibility
No Public Access
Date / Era
5 November 1761 - November 1762
Postcode Area
BS1

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