Skip to main content

Mysterious Burning Death Ipswich

St Clement, Ipswich, Suffolk SHC Georgian

St Clement in Ipswich, Suffolk, is where a bizarre and unexplained death took place in 1744. Grace Pett's body was found burnt beyond recognition in her home, with no signs of a fire having been noticed by the other people living there. It's a case that has puzzled investigators for centuries, with many questions still unanswered. What could have caused such a sudden and intense heat that it reduced Grace Pett's torso to ashes, without anyone else in the house being aware of the fire?

This incident occurred in the 18th century, a time when forensic science was still in its infancy. The lack of understanding about the circumstances surrounding Grace Pett's death has led to much speculation over the years. The fact that she was discovered in a burnt state, with no apparent fire having occurred, has led some to consider the possibility of a spontaneous human combustion, or SHC. While this theory is still widely debated, it remains one of the most intriguing unexplained deaths on record.

Historical Context

18th century Ipswich was a bustling market town

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Private Residence
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Property
Date / Era
1744
Postcode Area
IP1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.1 mi

Mordrid Phantom Girl

Large retail building, Ipswich

The White House Estate in Ipswich, Suffolk, is home to a mischievous phantom known as Mordrid. Staff at this large retail building have named the ghostly presence after a young girl with brown hair who loves to play in the empty halls. One visitor to the site caught evidence of Mordrid's antics on camera, recording the sound of footsteps and even managing to film a door closing on its own after asking the ghost to shut it. It's clear that Mordrid is a friendly and curious spirit who enjoys interacting with visitors.

Large Retail Building Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Phantom Stagecoach of Barham

Lane near Church, Barham

In the quiet lanes of Barham, Suffolk, a strange sighting has been reported by locals and travellers alike. A phantom stagecoach is said to make an appearance along a rural lane near the village church, and what's remarkable is that it seems to materialise in broad daylight. The coach is reportedly seen travelling along the lane, leaving many to wonder about its origins and purpose.

Lane Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.3 mi

Ipswich Poltergeist Haunting

Eagle Street, Ipswich

In a small house on Eagle Street, Ipswich, a family lived in fear of a malevolent presence that would become known as Robert, a poltergeist with a penchant for throwing items through the air and scattering an unknown powder around rooms. The local vicar of St Michael's was called in to perform an exorcism on 14 December 1952, a ritual that temporarily paused the entity's antics but didnt bring an end to the disturbances. The haunting had started just after the landlord had issued a summons against the occupants for non-payment of rent, a coincidence that wasnt lost on the family.

Private Residence Post-War
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Little Girl Ghost Stoke Suffolk

by, Stoke

In the sleepy Suffolk town of Stoke, a spine-tingling presence has been felt by those who dare to venture near a certain private residence. The ghostly apparition of a young girl, clad in a plain brown dress, has been spotted making her way along one of the upstairs passages and on the stairs landing. Her ethereal form seems to be accompanied by an unsettling sound - phantom footsteps echoing through the upper part of the building. It's as if she's still very much a part of this world, yet her presence is anything but ordinary.

Private Residence Unknown
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.4 mi

Ipswich Poltergeist Haunting

Coffee shop along St Margaret's Street, Ipswich

St Margaret's Street in Ipswich, Suffolk, was once home to a coffee shop that would become infamous for its poltergeist activity. Over the course of a week in November 1950, eleven members of staff witnessed a series of bizarre events that would leave them shaken. Cups, plates, and a teapot were smashed by an unseen hand, causing quite a stir in the small community. On one occasion, a police officer even watched as a cup rolled down the staircase, a sight that must have left him questioning what he was seeing.

Coffee Shop Post-War
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.5 mi

Theatre Ghost Alfred

The Rep Public House, Ipswich

The Rep Public House in Ipswich, Suffolk, has a long history dating back to its days as a theatre. It's here that the ghost of Alfred is said to reside. He was a frequent visitor when the building was a theatre, and his presence was considered a lucky omen by the performers. Alfred would sit in the fourth or fifth row, silently watching the shows. His appearances were a welcome sight for the troupe, and it's said that his presence still lingers to this day.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Clement