Ghost of King Charles II
Deep in the Wiltshire countryside, the historic Rectory at Manningford Bruce is said to be haunted by the ghost of King Charles II. It's a chilly winter's night in 1934 when a woman sleeping in a room where the king was reputed to have stayed awoke to a startling sight - a man resembling Charles II playing cards with several other men. The sudden apparition must have left her shaken, but what could have drawn the king's spirit to this quiet Rectory?
The story of King Charles II's stay at the Rectory is rooted in history, but details are scarce. What we do know is that the king was known to have roamed the countryside after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Fast forward to 1934, and it seems his spirit still lingered. The woman's account remains one of the most compelling, with no explanation for the apparition's presence. Was it a fleeting visitation or a lingering presence?
King Charles II's reign 1660-1685
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Woman with Pig
, Manningford Abbots
Manningford Abbots Rectory in Wiltshire is home to a rather unusual ghost story. A former occupier of the rectory reported seeing a woman driving a pig over the lawn. She turned briefly to call for her husband, and when she looked again the woman and hog had vanished. This bizarre sighting has left many wondering about the story behind the woman and her porcine companion.
Golden Coach Haunting
The Hatches, Manningford Bruce
The Hatches in Manningford Bruce, Wiltshire, is a spot where locals claim to have seen a rather unusual sight on New Year's Day. A golden coach, pulled by a team of four headless horses, is said to appear here. The image is quite vivid and has been passed down through local folklore. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of this ghostly carriage, it's a story that's been told and retold for generations.
The Grey Lady of All Cannings
The Old Rectory, All Cannings
The Old Rectory in All Cannings, Wiltshire, is home to a beautiful and intriguing ghost. This grey lady with a stunning face has been seen by several people over the years, often manifesting as a wraith. One notable sighting was of her standing at the foot of a bed, a classic ghostly apparition that has captured the imagination of many. Her presence is a gentle one, not associated with any malevolent activity, making her a fascinating encounter for those interested in the paranormal.
The Cavalier of Woodborough
Road between village and Allington, Woodborough
On a dark night in 1971, a driver was making their way home along the road between Woodborough village and Allington when they encountered a rather unusual sight. A man dressed in Cavalier-style clothing was standing on the road, accompanied by a large black dog. The driver, understandably startled, quickly sped away rather than investigating further. This brief encounter has become a well-known local ghost story, with many wondering who the Cavalier was and what he was doing out on that rural road so late at night.
Phantom Coach of Upavon
Bridge, Upavon
Upavon Bridge in Wiltshire is home to a rather eerie phenomenon - the sound of a phantom coach occasionally crossing the bridge. Although the coach is heard, it is not seen, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this ghostly occurrence. The bridge itself is a simple crossing point, but its rural setting and the lack of traffic at night make it the perfect place for such a haunting to be noticed.
The Cursed Old Woman of Manningford
Hare Street, Manningford
Hare Street in Manningford is home to a rather unsettling legend. Some believe a phantom woman, often referred to as the Old Woman, is doomed to roam these roads for eternity. According to local lore, she made a Faustian bargain, selling her soul to the Devil, and now she's cursed to walk the earth. The circumstances of her supposed transgression are shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain - her presence is still felt by those who claim to have seen her.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Rectory
