Cirencester is the largest town in the Cotswolds. This picturesque Gloucestershire market town on the River Churn has a long and interesting history all the way back to Roman times. Here are some of the many notable hauntings that have been experienced there.
Cirencester, a historic market town in Gloucestershire, is renowned not only for its ancient Roman roots but also for its many colourful ghostly tales. Known as the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” this charming town is home to centuries-old buildings, medieval churches and winding streets that hold stories of the supernatural.
Many locals and visitors alike have reported eerie encounters, from spectral monks to ghostly children. suggesting that Cirencester’s past may not rest as quietly as one might expect. These haunted sites and their chilling legends add an air of mystery to the town, making it a compelling destination for those intrigued by history and the paranormal.
Here are some of the most spooky of its haunted sites:
The Black Horse Pub, Cirencester
Castle Street, Cirencester GL7 1QD
The well-known Black Horse Pub has been the site of several ghost sightings. For example, there’s a tale from 1933 about a guest waking up to discover an evil-looking old woman bathed in green light. The following morning, the word “W John” was found scrawled into dark glass. Apparently, the mark existed until 1992, when the window was smashed and had to be replaced.
Mysterious lavender has been smelt by others near the pub’s hearth. The ghost of a former cleaner who liked to spray lavender polish around the fireplace is blamed for the eerie odour.
The Kings Head Hotel
24 Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NW
The King’s Head Hotel is widely believed to be one of the town’s most haunted locations. One employee allegedly quit her job at the inn because she was frightened by a phantom monk who had no face. Unusual paranormal occurrences, such as doors opening by themselves and an armoured figure strolling around the ballroom, have also been reported by guests.
Cirencester Memorial Hospital
Sheep Street, Cirencester GL7 1RQ
Several eerie stories have come in of a little girl dressed all in white standing in an upper window Cirencester Memorial Hosital.
Many people who have seen the girl describe how she makes them smile and waves with her skeletal arm before vanishing in the blink of an eye. Some others who have seen the girl have been overcome with emotion and moved to tears.
Church of St John the Baptist Church
Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NX
There’s a legend that a grey woman who always has a bouquet of flowers in her hand haunts the pretty Church of St John the Baptist Church. Supposedly, she is leading them to the burial of her child, who succumbed to smallpox.
The Fleece Hotel
Market Place, Cirencester GL7 2NZ
The Fleece Hotel is said to be haunted, with staff members reporting seeing a ghostly cavalier and an elderly lady roaming the halls. At the hotel, guests have reported hearing footsteps, seeing boxes fly off desks, and experiencing chairs toppling over.
Have you seen a ghost in Cirencester? Tell us about it in the comments below!
