Flitwick Manor Hotel, in Bedfordshire near notorious Clophill Church, is known for its own hauntings and tales of horror, says RICK HALE
Flitwick Manor Hotel
Church Road, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1AE
Located in the bucolic countryside of Bedfordshire is the solitary and intimate, Flitwick Manor.
A grade II listed Georgian country house that was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1990s after going through extensive renovations and updates.
Flitwick Manor Hotel is well known for its hospitality and picturesque setting.
However, Flitwick has gained another, more spirited reputation, as it is the home to tragedy, suspected murder and ghosts.
History of Flitwick Manor
According to historical records, Flitwick Manor was constructed in 1632 by Edward Blofield.
Having lived in the house for 30 years, Blofield died unexpectedly and left the grand manor and all of his earthly possessions to his young wife, Jane.
Jane, lived alone in the house until she married Samuel Rhodes and the house became the property of the Rhodes family.
When the house was sold to the Brooks family extensive renovations were done to the house to keep up with the times.
When the last of the Brooks family left, Anthony Gilickson a film director lived in the house until the early 1970s.
It wasn’t until 1990, when the house was purchased by a hotel chain and converted into the country hotel it is today.
And many believe it was these renovations that awakened a dormant supernatural entity that brought a feeling of negativity with it.
The Haunting of Flitwick Manor
A commonly held theory among psychical researchers is that making any changes to a property could either awaken psychic phenomena. Or, anger an existing entity.
If there is any truth to this theory than it just might explain the haunting of this seemingly innocent country hotel.
It was during the renovations of Flitwick that a hidden door was discovered that opened into a secret room.
The staff of the hotel believes that when this door was opened a hostile supernatural force was unleashed. And altered the ambience of the hotel.
The Housekeeper
The story of the haunting of Flitwick Manor is believed to have begun over a century ago.
The young son of a former owner fell ill and succumbing to the mysterious illness, died.
The circumstances of his illness and death seemed suspicious to the family and they suspected foul play was the cause.
Suspicion fell on Mrs Banks, a housekeeper who spent a great deal of time with the boy.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have enough evidence to officially charge Mrs Banks with murder. Nevertheless, she was fired and driven out of the manor.
When the workers discovered the hidden door and room, the apparition of the allegedly murderous housekeeper was witnessed in the hotel.
She has been described as a little old lady with white hair that just seems to innocently wander the halls of the corridor.
However, one manager learned that she is anything but innocent.
A former manager reported that one day as he was walking down the second floor corridor the image of an elderly woman suddenly appeared.
The apparition had an angry look upon her face and seemed to walk at an angry determined pace.
He was about to greet her when he received the fright of his life. The little old lady faded away right before his eyes.
When he reported his encounter he was told not to worry. The spirit has been seen for many years.
The Ghost In Room 7
Another female ghost has been witnessed and is believed to be a former owner who watched her daughter die from cancer. This spirit appears primarily in room 7.
The first known encounter occurred when a hotel receptionist attempted to spend the night in the room.
While she slept, she was awakened by the overwhelming feeling that she was no longer alone.
When she looked to the foot of the bed, she saw the transparent form of a young woman sitting by her feet.
Thoroughly terrified by the vision she ran into the hall screaming at the top of her lungs.
When she calmed down, she returned to room 7 to see that every light was on. She refused to stay another moment in the room.
Phantom Footsteps
Both guests and staff have reported hearing footsteps following them around. Accompanied by the unnerving feeling of being watched.
What The Hotel Offers
Situated in the picturesque woodlands and gardens of Bedfordshire, Flitwick Manor Hotel, offers a unique and intimate experience.
Their 17 rooms are elegantly decorated with antiques from the history of the hotel.
Flitwick Manor Hotel is also known for its hospitality and it’s two award winning restaurants sure to delight any diner.
Out and About
Flitwick Manor Hotel is located a short distance from the towns of Flitwick and Woburn.
There you can shop in their many boutiques as well as explore the manor historic listed buildings.
It is about 15 minutes drive from the notorious Clophill Church, which you can read about here.
If it’s family fun you’re looking for, Woburn Abbey and Safari Park is open daily.
If you have ever stayed at, or plan to stay at Flitwick Manor Hotel and had an experience, we invite you to tell us about it in the comments section.
My partner and I stayed in room 4. We woke to find our 3 phones and 2 iPads were completely out of charge.
I stayed at the hotel sometime around 2005/06. It’s the only time in my life I have ever witnessed anything of the supernatural/paranormal. I woke up during the night and the room was freezing cold, I sensed someone standing at the end of the bed but was too terrified to look. Then that “person” sat on the end of the bed. At first it was extremely scary but then after a while I felt confident that who or whatever it was, was not there to harm me. I thought it was actually my grandad’s spirit and he was just there watching over me. Maybe the building is a place where spirits can kind of cross over. Who knows. All I know is, it was the only time in my life (40years) something like this has happened and I’ll never forget it.