Skip to main content

Poltergeist Vicarage Haunting

Vicarage, Ham, Wiltshire Poltergeist Post-War

In the quiet village of Ham, Wiltshire, a most unusual poltergeist resided at the local vicarage. This entity had a rather peculiar aversion to prayer, causing quite the stir in January 1948. The Rev Beard, who lived in the vicarage, took to the press to express his frustration with the ghostly presence and the numerous telephone calls he received from curious individuals wanting to know more about the haunting. It seems this poltergeist was a bit of a handful, and its dislike of prayer was just the beginning of its antics.

Further investigation into the haunting reveals that the Rev Beard's complaints were not just about the entity's behaviour, but also about the attention it brought to his home. The press coverage and subsequent public interest made it difficult for the reverend to carry out his duties in peace. While the entity's aversion to prayer was its most notable feature, it's likely that the poltergeist's activities went beyond this single trait. Unfortunately, detailed accounts of the entity's other behaviours are scarce, but its impact on the vicarage and its occupants was significant enough to warrant media attention.

Historical Context

The haunting occurred in the post-war period, a time of great change and upheaval in the UK.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Private Residence
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
No Public Access
Date / Era
January 1948
Postcode Area
SN15

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

The Legless Man of Ham

Unidentified route through village, Ham

In the quaint village of Ham, Wiltshire, a rather gruesome accident took place in the mid nineteenth century. A man fell into a hole and, in a horrific twist of fate, managed to snap his legs off. What's even more remarkable, or perhaps unsettling, is that his ghost is said to haunt the village, walking from the scene of the accident to his home using bean-sticks as makeshift crutches. This eerie apparition has become known as the Legless Man of Ham, a haunting that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Village Road Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.9 mi

The Bearded Man of Wolfhall

Site of Wolfhall, Grafton

Wolfhall, a name that echoes through the annals of history, stands no more, yet its legacy lives on in the whispers of paranormal enthusiasts. This Wiltshire site, once a grand residence, is said to be haunted by the ghost of an aging man with a beard. The location's rich history, being the birthplace of Jane Seymour, adds a layer of intrigue to the haunting. Although the original structure has long since disappeared, the legend of the bearded man continues to captivate those interested in the supernatural.

Historic Site Tudor
Read Full Story
Apparition 5.1 mi

Wild Will Darrell's Ghost

Littlecote Park, Littlecote

Littlecote Park is home to a particularly unsettling ghost story. It's said that Wild Will Darrell, a man with a dark past, now haunts a spot known as Darrell's Stile. According to local legend, Darrell brutally murdered his newborn child, and shortly after, his body was found in the park with a broken neck. The locals believed that the murdered child's ghost was responsible for making Darrell's horse bolt, leading to his tragic demise. Now, Darrell is said to roam the park, eternally paying for his heinous crime.

Historic Park Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 5.2 mi

The White Figure of Imber

Area around New Zealand Farm, Imber

Deep in the Wiltshire countryside, near the tiny village of Imber, lies an area of outstanding natural beauty and reported paranormal activity. It's here, around New Zealand Farm, that a couple made a chilling encounter in the foggy past. They were making their way back to their farm when the mist rolled in, obscuring their path. As they struggled to find their bearings, a silent figure in white passed by them, leaving more questions than answers.

Rural Area Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 5.5 mi

The Tragic Mother and Child

Littlecote House Hotel, Littlecote

Littlecote House Hotel in Wiltshire is home to a heartbreaking ghost story. A woman in a pink dress has been spotted walking the corridors, cradling her newborn baby in her arms. The child's fate is a tragic one - it was brutally murdered by its father, 'Wild' Will Darrell, just moments after birth. The baby was thrown into a nearby fireplace, leaving the mother to scream in horror. This devastating event has left a lasting impact on the hotel, with many reporting sightings of the distraught mother and hearing her anguished cries.

Hotel Tudor
Read Full Story
Curse 5.7 mi

The Falling Branches Curse

Elm tree near the Manor House, Littlecote

Standing tall near Littlecote Manor in Wiltshire is an ancient elm tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. Locals believe this tree holds a dark and foreboding secret. According to legend, when a branch falls from the tree, a member of the Popham family, former owners of the manor house, will meet a tragic end. This eerie phenomenon has been observed over the centuries, striking fear into the hearts of those who know its history. The tree seems to be watching over the manor, its every move a potential harbinger of doom.

Country House Tudor
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Vicarage