Skip to main content

Maria Heathcote's Haunted School

Southbroom House, Devizes, Wiltshire Apparition Victorian

Southbroom House in Devizes, Wiltshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Maria Heathcote. This historic building, now a school, has a reputation for paranormal activity. Some believe that Maria Heathcote's spirit once roamed the halls, although details about her life and death are scarce. The haunting is characterised by unexplained occurrences that have been reported by students and staff over the years.

Historically, Southbroom House dates back to the Victorian era, a time when the building served as a private residence. The house has undergone significant changes, eventually being converted into a school. While there are no concrete records of Maria Heathcote's existence or the circumstances surrounding her death, local legend has it that her ghost haunts the premises. Witnesses have reported strange sightings and experiences, contributing to the school's reputation as a haunted location.

Historical Context

The building dates back to the Victorian era, serving as a private residence before being converted into a school.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
School
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
SN10

Nearby Haunted Places

Poltergeist 0.3 mi

Devizes Castle Hotel Poltergeist

Castle Hotel, Devizes

The Castle Hotel in Devizes, Wiltshire, has been at the centre of a bizarre poltergeist activity report. On 15 March 2011, a glass flew off a shelf and smashed on the ground, leaving staff and guests alike scratching their heads. This unusual incident wasnt a one-off; staff have experienced objects vanishing and reappearing in different locations, adding to the mystique of this hotel. The old ballroom, with its rich history, has also been the source of strange music, further fuelling speculation about the hotels paranormal activity.

Hotel Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

The White Wedding Bride

Three Crowns Inn Inn, Devizes

The Three Crowns Inn in Devizes is home to a heartbreaking and intriguing haunting. A bride dressed in white has been seen here, her spirit said to have lingered since a tragic event. According to local legend, she was jilted at the altar and took her own life in the very building where her wedding was meant to take place. Her ghostly form is described as pallid, a stark contrast to the vibrant white wedding dress she wore on that fateful day.

Historic Inn Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

The Phantom Landlady of Devizes

Royal Oak Public House, Devizes

The Royal Oak Public House in Devizes, Wiltshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A former landlady reported all sorts of strange occurrences, from disembodied footsteps to eerie shadows and unexplained voices, all coming from the kitchen. It seems the phantom woman has been making her presence known for quite some time. A photograph taken during a DJ session even captured the ghostly figure, adding some visual proof to the claims of paranormal activity.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

The Smoker of Devizes

Upstairs Downstairs Antiques, Devizes

Upstairs Downstairs Antiques in Devizes has been plagued by a mysterious presence. The Paranormal Site Investigating team was called in to investigate reports of phantom footsteps after hours and an inexplicable smell of smoke. It seems that the shop's staff and customers have been experiencing some strange occurrences. Footsteps can be heard coming from upstairs when the shop is closed, and the smell of smoke wafts through the air, leaving everyone wondering what's behind it.

Antique Shop Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

Cunningham Matriarch Ghost

Museum, Devizes

Devizes Museum in Wiltshire has been home to a rather unexpected resident since the Cunningham family donated their family home to the local council. An elder Cunningham matriarch has been manifesting in the building, leaving visitors and staff wondering whether she's here to approve or protest their charitable act. The atmosphere in the museum can be quite pleasant, but some people have reported feeling a strange presence, as if they're being watched by an unseen pair of eyes.

Museum Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

Monk of Highworth

Sheep Street, Highworth

Sheep Street in Highworth, Wiltshire, is home to a rather intriguing sighting. A monk in a habit has been seen drifting down the street towards St Michael's Church. The figure is thought to have emerged from the ruins of an old monastery a short distance away. Some believe the monk might be a former verger, adding a layer of complexity to the story. Whatever the truth may be, this ghostly apparition has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Street Medieval
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Southbroom House