HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Exeter
Devon's Capital City boasts a rich history dating back over 2,000 years.
Situated on the River Exe, Exeter lies approximately 36 miles northeast of Plymouth and 65 miles southwest of Bristol.
The city showcases stunning architecture and heritage attractions. Exeter Cathedral, with its Gothic splendor, dominates the skyline. With its rich history, ancient buildings, cobbled streets, and medieval remnants, it has it's share of ghostly tales.
The Turks Head
One of Exeter’s oldest bars, The Turk’s Head, is rumoured to host the afterlife presence of a famous wordsmith—none other than author Charles Dickens himself.
With a legacy spanning over 700 years, this establishment has seamlessly transformed from a humble inn into a beloved pub, faithfully preserving its rich heritage.
The renowned author Charles Dickens when alive, frequented The Turk’s Head for a tipple or two. In the aptly named “Dickens Corner,” a thin, bearded man in Victorian dress sporadically appears, only to vanish before your eyes. Perhaps Dickens himself still lingers, observing the locals just as he did in life.
The Guildhall 'Sainsburys'
Sainsbury’s Guildhall, formerly known as The Elephant Inn, is located in the Guildhall area of Exeter. The story goes that an American GI’s restless ghost haunts this supermarket. Apparently, after his lover’s husband discovered their affair, the man sought revenge by brutally murdering the soldier. Visitors have reported strange footsteps, cold spots, and items mysteriously disappearing and reappearing.
Exeter Cathedral (St. Peter's)
The site where Exeter Cathedral stands today was once home to Roman buildings. A legionary fortress was constructed here between 50–75 AD, and a Roman bathhouse was discovered in 1971.
It was founded in 1050 and rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic style around 1400. Notable features include its longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world. The two Norman towers remain from the original structure.
Exeter Cathedral, with its history steeped in ghostly tales, is home to eerie encounters. Witnesses have reported seeing a phantom nun near the South wall of the nave, who mysteriously vanished through a wall. Additionally, the cathedral’s cloisters are said to be frequented by spectral monks.
Great Fulford Manor
Great Fulford has been the home of the Fulford family for over 800 years.
This magnificent grade I listed home lies within the historic parish of Dunsford, near Exeter and is listed within the Doomsday Book.
The current house was built in the early 1500s and is known as a semi-fortified mansion.
The property changed hands many times during the English Civil War, starting off as a Royalist Stronghold and captured by parliamentary forces in 1642, handing back and forth until 1646.
However, due to it's long history and the conflicts that have taken place over the years, the house has been through remodelling, repairs and renovations.
Doors slamming of their own accord, and family members waking in the night and finding themselves pinned to their beds.
On our previous investigations at this isolated location we have experienced ghostly shadows hushed conversations and chilling temperature drops.
The Ballroom being particularly menacing, and very active.
At Ghostly Nights we're privileged to be able to offer a ghost hunt here.
Prospect Inn
The Prospect Inn is situated on Exeter Quay and was originally known as the 'Fountain Inn'.
Richard Sercombe, a ferryman from Trinity parish in 1803, likely opened the Fountain Inn. Part of the premises was once the ferryman’s cottage. Interestingly, Chevalier House on Fore Street also traded as the Fountain Inn in the late 18th century.
There have been incidents of Poltergeist activity making it's presence known in the pub. Since 1870, witnesses have reported seeing a young child on Christmas Eve. Clutching a rag doll, she roams the upstairs areas of the inn. Her appearances are fleeting, leaving observers stunned as she vanishes without a trace. The mystery of why she haunts the Prospect Inn remains unsolved.
The Ship Inn
Dating back to at least the 15th century, the Ship Inn is possibly one of the oldest inns in the country.
Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake wrote about the Ship Inn in 1587, praising it as a favorite tavern. However, there’s no concrete evidence of this letter’s existence. During the English Civil War, Royalist Captain Benet quartered his troops at the Ship Inn while Exeter was under siege from General Fairfax.
The Ship Inn is rumoured to be haunted by two distinct spirits:
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The Crying Mother: Along Martins Lane, a mother is said to stand at night, waiting for her daughter who ran away to follow Sir Francis Drake on his last voyage. Her daughter never returned, and her sorrowful presence lingers near the inn.
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Former Landlord’s Ghost: The inn is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a former landlord who tragically committed suicide by jumping out of an upper-story bedroom window. His restless spirit has been encountered by subsequent licensees and visitors alike.
Powderham Castle | Kenton
Powderham Castle is a 600-year-old fortified manor house.
Originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391, the castle has undergone transformations over the centuries. Despite surviving the ravages of the English Civil War, it has remained in the same family.
The estate is now home to Charles, the 19th Earl of Devon.
During renovations in the Guard Tower, workers discovered a secret room with the bones of a woman and a baby. According to mediums, they were bricked up alive and left to die in cold darkness. Their spirits reportedly linger within the castle.
There is also the Grey Lady. This somber apparition is believed to be Lady Frances, who married Viscount Courtenay in 1741. She’s seen strolling between the castle and Powderham Church or flitting about the library, leaving a chilling presence. Her appearances are said to presage family deaths.
The Royal Clarence Hotel
The Royal Clarence Hotel, which was destroyed by fire in 2016, was believed to be haunted by several spirits.
It is often credited as being the second property in England to be called a hotel (after The German Hotel in London, which was described as such in 1710).
Before the Reformation, the land where the hotel stands was part of the accommodation for Exeter Cathedral’s Vicars choral. The hotel was initially known as the Assembly Rooms and after a visit by Adelaide, Duchess of Clarence, in July 1827, it was renamed the Royal Clarence Hotel.
In October 2016, a fire in neighbouring premises severely damaged the Royal Clarence Hotel. It is currently under renovation to create luxury apartments while retaining the original exterior.
The Royal Clarence Hotel has long been associated with ghostly tales.
Visitors and staff have reported strange occurrences, including footsteps, whispers, and apparitions.
Some believe that spirits of past guests or historical figures linger within its charred remains.
St. Nicholas Priory
St Nicholas Priory is Exeter’s oldest building, steeped in history and intrigue. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1087, it began as a Benedictine priory. Over the centuries, it transformed from a religious institution to a rich merchant’s townhouse.
The priory has a remarkable past, spanning nearly 900 years. It was part of the Benedictine monastery and played a significant role in Exeter’s medieval life.
Although the church and chapter house were demolished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, the domestic buildings survived. These structures provide a glimpse into medieval and Tudor architecture.
During the evening, when the priory is closed to the public, colleagues have reported footsteps where nobody walked and doors closing in areas that were shut up.
Ghost hunters and investigators have sighted a ghostly monk wandering the corridors, and some claim to have heard the pitter-patter of little feet above their heads.
Rougemont Castle
Built in the 11th century, Rougemont Castle was constructed into the northern corner of Exeter’s Roman city walls.
Its origins trace back to Exeter’s rebellion against William the Conqueror, with construction starting around 1068.
The castle played a crucial role in resisting William’s siege, thanks to the city wall that had been repaired by King Athelstan in the 10th century.
The large early Norman gatehouse, made from red stone found in the hill, remains the main feature of the castle.
Shakespeare’s play “Richard III” references the castle in connection with King Richard’s visit to Exeter in 1483.
Devon’s county court operated here from at least 1607.
The last people in England to be executed for witchcraft, known as the Devon Witches, were tried and convicted at the Exeter Assizes in 1682.
Rougemont Castle’s place in history is also scarred by its association with witchcraft trials. In 1682 and 1685, the three “Devon witches” were tried here before being executed at Heavitree. They were the last people in England to be executed for witchcraft1. A memorial plaque by the gatehouse commemorates these events.