Lying Landlord Legend
The Anchor Inn in Warwick has a dark history tied to one of its former landlords. This is a place where the past comes alive with a rather unsavoury tale of grave robbing and deceit. A landlord, who was evidently not as honest as he should have been, got involved in looting the dead bodies from the Battle of Edgehill. His dishonesty was eventually exposed and he was put on trial but he continued to lie through his teeth. It was during this trial that the Devil himself appeared and took the man straight to hell. This legend has been passed down through the years and remains a fascinating, if somewhat macabre, part of the inn's history.
The Battle of Edgehill took place in 1642 and was a significant conflict during the English Civil War. It's little wonder that the aftermath of such a bloody battle led to instances of grave robbing. The landlord's actions were certainly reprehensible but the supernatural twist of the Devil's intervention adds a layer of intrigue to this already dark tale. While there's no concrete evidence of paranormal activity at the Anchor Inn related to this legend, the story itself is a compelling part of the inn's heritage and a reminder of the area's complex history.
English Civil War era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Gaveston's Ghostly Apparition
Blacklow Hill and area around Gaveston's Cross, Leek Wootton
On Blacklow Hill, near the sleepy village of Leek Wootton in Warwickshire, a chilling legend has been etched into local folklore. This is the site where Piers Gaveston, a favourite of King Edward II, met his untimely demise in 1312. As night falls, the air is said to fill with strange sounds, and at the stroke of midnight, the faint tolling of bells echoes through the darkness, signalling the approach of a ghostly apparition - a man on horseback, forever trapped in a macabre procession.
Piers Gaveston's Ghostly Procession
Blacklow Hill, Warwick
Blacklow Hill in Warwick is a spot where history and the paranormal collide. This is where Piers Gaveston, a favourite of King Edward II, met his grisly end in 1315. According to historical records, Gaveston was stabbed with a sword and then beheaded. Locals believe that his execution procession still ascends the hill, reenacting the tragic events of that fateful day. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, but it's the eerie feeling of being watched that draws many to this site.
Edgehill Battle Reenactment
Edgehill Battle site, Kineton
The Edgehill Battle site near Kineton in Warwickshire is a place where the past seems to collide with the present. On 23 October and 23 December 1642, a bloody battle of the English Civil War took place here and it is said that the fighting repeated itself for several successive nights in 1642, in front of dozens of witnesses. Although the visuals of the battle are not forthcoming in recent times, the sounds of battle have been reported, particularly on 23 October. It's as if the site still resonates with the intense emotions and chaos of that fateful day.
The Smelly Nun of Digby Court
Digby Court, Warwick
Digby Court in Warwick has a rather gruesome reputation thanks to reports of a ghostly nun who looked like a corpse and reeked of death and decay. This eerie presence was said to haunt the property back in the 1820s, making it a place to be avoided for many years. The image of this nun is one that has stuck with locals and visitors alike, a haunting figure that commands attention and inspires a mix of fear and fascination.
Warwick Ghostly Footsteps
Doll Museum, Warwick
The Doll Museum on Castle Street in Warwick is home to a most intriguing haunting. Footsteps have been heard climbing the stairs, believed to be those of Thomas Oken, a former occupant of the building. It's thought that Oken's enduring popularity with the townsfolk may be the reason he hasn't moved on. His presence is felt by visitors and staff alike, adding a touch of the paranormal to this unusual museum.
The Ghost of Chesford Bridge
Chesford Bridge, Kenilworth
Chesford Bridge, a seemingly innocuous crossing point, has a dark history that refuses to stay buried. It's said that the ghost of Ann Hawtrey, a woman hanged for murder in the eighteenth century, haunts this very spot. According to local legend, Ann was accused of killing her mistress and met a grisly end at the hangman's noose. Her spirit, however, didn't rest. Instead, it took up residence near the scene of the crime, doomed to relive the tragedy for eternity.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Anchor Inn Inn

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Fawsley Hall Hotel
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