The Three Cornered Hat Phantom
The Old Groom House, nestled near the serene River Deben in Suffolk, is home to a rather unsettling presence. A figure clad in a distinctive three-cornered hat has been spotted in the garden and even in the bedrooms, where it has startled those in bed by bending over them. This eerie apparition, seen in the twentieth century, seems to roam the property with an air of mystery, leaving residents and visitors alike to wonder about its origins and intentions.
Delving into the history of The Old Groom House may provide some clues about the phantom's presence. Although specific details about the house's past are scarce, the fact that the figure has been seen in a three-cornered hat suggests a possible link to a bygone era, perhaps the 18th century when such headwear was fashionable. The fact that multiple people have witnessed this apparition in various locations within the property lends credibility to the accounts, and it's clear that this haunting has left a lasting impression on those who have experienced it.
The Old Groom House has been a private residence for many years, with its exact history and past occupants unknown.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Headless Horseman of Icklingham
Icklingham Way, Icklingham
Icklingham Way in Suffolk is home to a chilling legend. On dark nights, a headless figure on horseback is said to appear, retracing the route of a gruesome death that took place centuries ago. The story goes that the Archbishop of Sudbury, or possibly another high-ranking religious figure, was decapitated near this very spot by his enemies. This traumatic event has left a lasting impression on the local community, with many claiming to have seen the ghostly apparition of a headless horseman.
Icklingham Unearthly Forms Haunting
Site of possible small Roman town, Icklingham
In the quiet Suffolk countryside near Icklingham, a field once held a dark reputation for strange happenings. Before Roman stone coffins were unearthed in 1871, locals spoke of 'unearthly forms' appearing in a gap at the edge of the field after dark. These sightings were blamed for a tragic accident that claimed a man's life when his horse threw him off. The incident left an indelible mark on the area, fuelling whispers of paranormal activity.
Icklingham Hill Ghostly Apparition
Hill near Deadman's Grave, Icklingham
On a dark hill near Icklingham, a ghostly procession is said to appear, comprising a man and his horse. This eerie sighting has been linked to a long-standing local legend, where the spirit of a man and his horse, supposedly buried beneath the hill, were blamed for worrying other horses after dark. The area, now a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has a rich history that might be connected to this haunting. Locals have shared stories of how the ghostly apparition would prevent horses from using tracks through the area, creating a sense of unease among travellers.
The Sad Nun of Hengrave
Hengrave Hall, Hengrave
Hengrave Hall, a grand country house in Suffolk, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a lonely nun. Her presence is marked by sightings of a figure with her head hung low, walking across the grounds. The origin of this mysterious nun is unknown, but her melancholy demeanour has captured the imagination of many. As you wander through the estate, you might catch a glimpse of her, a fleeting apparition that seems to embody the sadness of her untold story.
Dunwich Church Prophecy
All Saint's Church, Dunwich
All Saint's Church in Dunwich stands as a haunting reminder of a prophecy fulfilled. The church's tower, once a proud landmark on the Suffolk cliffs, met its demise in a most unusual circumstance. According to local lore, an old book contained a story that foretold the tower's downfall at the end of the 'greatest war in history'. And indeed it did, four years after the First World War came to an end. Today, only a buttress remains, a testament to the power of prophecy and the transience of human endeavour.
Mermaid of Fornham Well
Well in the village, Fornham All Saints
In the quaint village of Fornham All Saints, Suffolk, there's a rather intriguing tale that has been passed down through the years. It's said that a mermaid lurks at the bottom of a well in the village, waiting for unsuspecting children who might get too close to the water's edge. According to the old story, this mythical creature is ready to drag them down into the depths, a cautionary tale no doubt told to keep youngsters from playing too close to the well. While it may seem like a simple village legend, the story has persisted, sparking curiosity about the mysterious well and its supposed inhabitant.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Old Groom House

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk

Bull Hotel
Long Melford, Suffolk