The Vanishing Shoemaker of Leamington Spa
On a stretch of road between Leamington Spa and Coventry, a bizarre incident took place on 3 September 1873, which has become a famous tale in English folklore. It was here that shoemaker James Worson, fueled by drink, took on a bet that he could run non-stop the nine miles to Coventry. As he began his run, he was accompanied by a linen draper named Barham Wise, who had made the bet, and a photographer named Hamerson Burns, who followed in a wagon. Worson's run was going well until he stumbled and fell, letting out a terrible cry, and then vanished into thin air before he hit the ground.
This intriguing story, often attributed to Ambrose Bierce, raises more questions than it answers. Was it a clever hoax or a genuine paranormal event? The story has been widely retold and is still discussed today. The incident is particularly noteworthy as it was witnessed by multiple people, adding credibility to the account. Despite the passage of time, the mystery of James Worson's disappearance remains unsolved, leaving behind a haunting legend that continues to fascinate those interested in the paranormal.
The incident occurred during the Victorian era, a time of great change and interest in the supernatural.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Royal Leamington Spa Ghostly Footsteps
Rail station, Royal Leamington Spa
Royal Leamington Spa railway station has been at the centre of some pretty strange occurrences. It all started with reports of disembodied footsteps, slamming doors, and electrical disturbances. These bizarre happenings were so persistent that they even made it into the news. In a rather unusual move, the station then hired a 'supernatural liaison officer' to deal with the situation. It's not every day you hear of a railway station needing a ghostly point man, but it just goes to show how seriously they took these unexplained events.
Brookhurst Haunted Demolition
Brookhurst, Leamington
Brookhurst was a house with a reputation for being downright spooky. It's said that workmen tasked with demolishing the place back in 1960 reported that something was trying to stop them. Imagine being in the middle of a demolition job and feeling like you're not alone - it's a pretty unnerving experience. The house had a history of strange occurrences, from unexplained noises like the sound of a large bird flying around to phantom footsteps and doors that seemed to unlock themselves.
Ghost of Mr Boulton Royal Leamington Spa
Jack & Jill Inn Inn, Royal Leamington Spa
The Jack & Jill Inn in Royal Leamington Spa is home to a rather intriguing ghost. Locals and visitors alike have spotted the apparition of a man believed to be Mr Boulton, a former owner of the pub. He's seen sitting on the patio roof and moving around the cellar, with a misty, reflective appearance, much like a reflection in a window. It's a curious sight, to say the least, and one that's been reported by multiple people over the years.
Warwick University Ghost Light
Warwick University, Warwick
Deep in the heart of Warwick University's campus, a strange and intriguing phenomenon has been reported. In 1994, a couple of witnesses claimed to have seen a slow-moving, bright ball of light floating across one room, through a wall, and into the next. The light was completely silent, leaving onlookers with more questions than answers. What was this mysterious orb, and what was its purpose? The JM3 Building, where the sighting took place, has since become a point of interest for those fascinated by the paranormal.
Guy's Cliffe Phantom Woman
General area, Guy's Cliffe
Deep in the Warwickshire countryside, the area around Guy's Cliffe is said to be haunted by a phantom woman. Locals have shared tales of a ghostly figure wandering a lane in this picturesque neighbourhood. The story goes that this spectral presence has been spotted by numerous people over the years, leaving many to wonder about the identity and motivations of this mysterious apparition.
Sir Guy's Haunted Manor
Guy's Cliffe manor house, Weston
Guy's Cliffe manor house in Weston, Warwickshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sir Guy, a medieval knight who returned from the Crusades a changed man. His experiences on the battlefield had a profound effect on his mental state, leading him to abandon his life as a noble and live as a hermit in his garden. Locals claim that his spirit still roams the grounds, a reminder of the turmoil that Sir Guy faced in his final years.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Road between Leamington Spa and Coventry

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Coombe Abbey
Binley, Warwickshire

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Fawsley Hall Hotel
Fawsley, Northamptonshire