The Smelly Nun of Digby Court
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.
Historical records suggest that Digby Court remained unoccupied for a long time, possibly due to the unsettling presence of the ghostly nun. While there's limited information on the specific events leading up to the haunting, it's clear that the property's reputation was significantly impacted. The manifestation of the nun, characterised by her corpse-like appearance and overpowering smell, indicates a potentially intense and frightening experience for those who encountered her.
The haunting dates back to the 1820s, a time of significant social and economic change in England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Lying Landlord Legend
Anchor Inn Inn, Warwick
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.
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.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Digby Court

Coombe Abbey
Binley, Warwickshire

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Fawsley Hall Hotel
Fawsley, Northamptonshire