Disappearing L'il Butch Phantom
Rougham's abandoned airfield in Suffolk is home to a bizarre and intriguing haunting. Towards the end of the Second World War, a B-24 bomber called L'il Butch was shot down during a bombing run on Germany. Months later, it briefly reappeared at the air base as if it had just landed. This strange phenomenon has been documented as a post-mortem manifestation, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding its disappearance and reappearance.
The historical context of this haunting is rooted in the airfield's past as an Old USAAF base. During World War II, the base was used by American forces for bombing missions. The B-24 bomber, L'il Butch, was part of these operations. What's remarkable about this haunting is that it occurred after the plane's destruction, suggesting some sort of paranormal connection to the location. Today, little remains of the airfield, with an industrial site standing on the area and fields cutting off access to the runways.
The airfield was used by American forces during WWII for bombing missions.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Crown Inn Ghosts
The Crown Inn Inn, Bildeston
The Crown Inn in Bildeston, Suffolk, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the UK. For decades, patrons and staff have reported strange occurrences, including sightings of two Victorian children, a grey woman, and an old man in a three-cornered hat. The children, who were rumoured to haunt the inn, were last seen in 1984, but their presence is still felt. The grey woman is said to be responsible for poltergeist activity in the gentleman's toilets, where cubicle doors have been known to open and shut on their own. It's a strange and unsettling experience for customers, but one that adds to the inn's paranormal charm.
The Angel's Smiling Ghost
The Angel Public House, Lavenham
The Angel Public House in Lavenham, Suffolk, is home to a friendly ghost. Locals and visitors alike have spotted the spirit of Mrs Goodhew, an early landlady of the pub, wandering around the building. She's often seen smiling at anyone who crosses her path before vanishing into thin air. It's a pleasant surprise for those who stumble upon her, and a reminder of the pub's rich history.
The Blonde Lady of Lavenham
Tickled Pink tearoom, Lavenham
Nestled in the charming town of Lavenham, the Tickled Pink tearoom has been a hub of paranormal activity. A ghostly blonde woman has been spotted shrouded in mist at the base of the stairs, sending shivers down the spines of visitors. The eerie atmosphere is further intensified by the sound of children singing Greensleeves, a classic English folk song. The nearby church, which has fallen silent, adds to the mystique as the sound of church bells can still be heard echoing through the tearoom.
Lavenham's Ghostly Swan Hotel Phantom Apparition
Swan Hotel, Lavenham
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The Swan Hotel Ghost
The Swan Hotel, Lavenham
The Swan Hotel in Lavenham, Suffolk, is home to a rather unsettling presence. Room 15 is said to be haunted by the ghost of a housekeeper who took her own life. Staff members are reluctant to enter the room after nightfall, such is the intensity of the haunting. It's as if the housekeeper's spirit is still trapped within the room, reliving the tragic events that led to her death. Guests who have stayed in the room have reported strange occurrences, although details are scarce.
The Man in Long Coat of Buxhall
Rattlesden Road area, Buxhall
Rattlesden Road in Buxhall, Suffolk, is home to a rather eerie sighting. On frosty nights or when snow is on the ground, usually in February, a figure clad in a long coat has been spotted walking along this stretch of road. He's not just a casual stroller, though - he's carrying a lantern at waist height, giving the impression of a man on a mission. The same witness who reported seeing this ghostly figure also mentioned that their dog behaves strangely when taken past the woods close to Cockerells Hall Drive. It's as if the canine has picked up on something its owner hasn't.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old USAAF base

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk

Bull Hotel
Long Melford, Suffolk

The Mistley Thorn Hotel
Mistley (near Manningtree), Essex