HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Bridgwater
Bridgwater, a town with centuries of history, stands at the crossroads of the supernatural and the historical. From its origins in Saxon times, Bridgwater developed into a bustling market town and became a key player during the English Civil War, particularly with its proximity to the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor.
It's cobbled streets, historic buildings, and ancient taverns offer a unique glimpse into the past, but some say Bridgwater is also home to spirits who have not moved on.
The Plough Inn, Near Bridgwater
The Plough Inn, located on the outskirts of Bridgwater, is a charming country pub with a long and storied history.
The building dates back to the 17th century, originally serving as a resting point for travellers and traders moving through the area.
Over the years, the pub has changed ownership, and much of its original structure has been preserved, including the creaking wooden beams and low ceilings that add to its historical charm. In addition to its role as a gathering place for locals, the pub is said to have been frequented by soldiers during times of conflict, including the English Civil War.
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The Plough Inn is infamous for its paranormal activity, with many reports of ghostly encounters from both customers and staff.
One of the most frequent hauntings is that of a former innkeeper, believed to have died in the pub.
His spirit is said to roam the premises, particularly around the bar area.
People have reported hearing footsteps when no one is around, and some guests claim to have felt an invisible presence standing next to them. In addition to sightings of the innkeeper’s ghost, strange sounds such as glasses clinking and faint whispers have been heard, especially during quiet, off-peak hours.
The upper floors of the pub are also said to be a hotbed of activity, with some witnesses describing the sensation of being watched or touched by unseen hands.
The Polar Bear Fish Bar
While it might seem an unlikely spot for paranormal activity, the Polar Bear Fish Bar in Bridgwater holds its own eerie reputation. Originally a tavern, the building dates back to the 1800s, serving as a lively pub before being transformed into a popular fish and chip shop.
The building’s long history is believed to be the source of the supernatural occurrences that are said to take place here. Over the years, employees and customers alike have experienced odd events within it's walls.
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The Polar Bear Fish Bar has its own share of unexplained phenomena.
People working late have reported feeling an unaccountable chill in certain areas of the shop, especially near the back and storage rooms. Some patrons have also mentioned hearing faint footsteps or the sound of soft murmurs when the restaurant is otherwise quiet.
Shadowy figures are said to occasionally flit across the corners of the room, and objects have been known to move on their own. A ghostly figure of a woman in period clothing has been spotted in the back of the shop by multiple employees, vanishing as quickly as she appears.
The Old Vicarage Hotel
The Old Vicarage Hotel, originally a vicarage built in the 18th century, is one of the most historically significant buildings in Bridgwater. With its grand architecture, beautiful gardens, and period furnishings, the hotel still retains much of its former charm.
In the past, it was used as a place of rest for clergy and distinguished visitors before being converted into a hotel. However, some say that the building still carries the spirits of its past residents, and its long history is thought to be steeped in paranormal activity.
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At The Old Vicarage Hotel, paranormal activity is often reported, with both guests and staff experiencing strange occurrences. The most commonly seen ghost is that of a woman dressed in Victorian clothing, who is said to haunt the upper floors and corridors.
Several guests have reported seeing her figure out of the corner of their eye, disappearing when they turn to look directly.
The hotel is also known for its eerie noises; late-night footsteps echo through the halls, and doors often creak open and shut with no apparent cause.
Guests in the library and dining areas have reported hearing the faint sound of someone humming, but no one has ever been seen.
Cold spots are frequently felt in certain rooms, with many visitors describing an overwhelming sense of unease when entering these areas.
Sedgemoor Battlefield
Just a short distance from Bridgwater lies the historic Sedgemoor Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685. This battle marked the final confrontation of the Monmouth Rebellion, a failed attempt to overthrow King James II. Thousands of men were involved in the bloody conflict, with many losing their lives on the battlefield. The land itself is forever marked by the violence of that day, and its significance in British history adds to the heavy atmosphere that lingers there today.
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Sedgemoor Battlefield is a place where the echoes of the past are still felt.
Many visitors to the site report a sense of unease and an overwhelming feeling that they are being watched.
Some have even described hearing the sounds of distant marching, as though the soldiers of the Monmouth Rebellion are still on the move.
The ghostly sounds of battle are said to sometimes ring out in the stillness of the night, with the clashing of swords and the cries of the fallen filling the air.
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Other witnesses have claimed to see shadowy figures walking the battlefield, especially near the area where the final skirmish took place. Cold spots are frequently felt, and some even say that they have encountered the apparitions of soldiers, appearing briefly before vanishing into thin air.
The Three Lions Pub
The Three Lions Pub, located in the heart of Bridgwater, has served as a staple of the local community for centuries. The pub is believed to date back to the 1600s, and it has seen its share of historical events, from the English Civil War to more recent celebrations.
The building itself is packed with history, and its rustic charm has drawn locals and tourists alike. However, the pub is not just known for its fine ales and hearty meals—it is also infamous for the ghostly happenings that are said to occur within its walls.
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The Three Lions Pub is notorious for its paranormal activity.
Staff and patrons have reported seeing the ghost of a former landlord, who is believed to have died in the pub.
His apparition is often seen near the bar or in the upper levels, sometimes staring out the windows or walking across the floor.
Unexplained noises, such as glasses being moved or the sound of footsteps upstairs when no one is present, are frequently reported.
Cold draughts are also a common occurrence, even on the warmest days. Several guests have claimed to feel a sudden chill or an unseen presence brushing past them.
The pub’s eerie atmosphere, combined with its ghostly activity, makes The Three Lions one of Bridgwater’s most haunted spots.