The Ancient Ram Inn: England’s Most Haunted Inn

Introduction

Tucked away in the historic village of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, stands one of England’s most notorious haunted locations—The Ancient Ram Inn. With a chilling history dating back to the 12th century, this building has been the site of alleged demonic activity, ghostly apparitions, and even sacrificial rituals. Paranormal investigators, skeptics, and thrill-seekers alike have all left the Ram Inn with spine-tingling tales.

But what is it about this ancient inn that makes it such a hotbed of supernatural activity? Let’s delve into the history, hauntings, and terrifying encounters that have solidified the Ancient Ram Inn’s reputation as one of the most haunted places in the UK.

A Dark and Mysterious History

The Ancient Ram Inn was originally built in 1145 on land that had long been regarded as sacred. It was first used as a housing lodge for the masons and other laborers who were building St. Mary’s Church nearby. However, the land it stands on is believed to have once been a pagan burial site, with evidence suggesting it was used for ancient rituals long before the inn was constructed (Clarke, 2007).

Over the centuries, the inn became a private residence, a public house, and later, one of Britain’s most infamous haunted locations. The sinister history of the Ram Inn includes stories of murder, witchcraft trials, and even human sacrifices, all of which have fueled speculation about why so many spirits remain trapped within its walls.

One of the most unsettling discoveries made at the inn came when the late owner, John Humphries, uncovered the skeletal remains of children beneath the floorboards, along with dagger-like objects, leading some to believe that ritualistic killings took place on the property (Felton, 2015).

The Hauntings of the Ancient Ram Inn

With such a dark past, it’s no surprise that ghostly activity is reported in nearly every room of the inn. Visitors and paranormal investigators have described feeling an overwhelming sense of dread, experiencing physical attacks, and even witnessing full-bodied apparitions. Some of the most infamous hauntings include:

👻 The Ghost of a Murdered Witch

One of the most well-known spirits at the Ram Inn is that of a woman accused of witchcraft during the 16th-century witch trials. She allegedly sought refuge at the inn before being captured and executed. Her spirit is said to haunt the Witch’s Room, where guests report feeling an oppressive energy, sudden drops in temperature, and even waking up with scratches or bruises (Hallowell, 2012).

👻 The Dark Entity in the Bishop’s Room

The Bishop’s Room is considered the most haunted area of the inn, with reports of shadow figures, ghostly monks, and even a demonic presence. Some visitors have been so terrified that they have fled the room in the middle of the night.

Paranormal teams have captured EVP recordings (electronic voice phenomena) of strange growls and whispers in this room, further adding to its chilling reputation.

👻 The Demonic Presence in the Attic

The Ancient Ram Inn is often linked to demonic activity, with many believing that dark rituals were performed on the land centuries ago. One particularly malevolent entity is said to lurk in the attic, where guests have reported being physically attacked, feeling intense pressure on their chest, and even being dragged out of bed (Harper, 2019).

👻 The Ghostly Cavalier and Other Spirits

Other reported apparitions include:

• A hooded monk wandering the halls

• A highwayman believed to have hidden at the inn before his execution

• A young girl named Rosie, whose presence is often felt near one of the fireplaces

With so many spirits residing in the Ram Inn, it’s no wonder it has been the focus of countless ghost hunts, television specials, and paranormal investigations.

Modern-Day Investigations and Visitors' Experiences

Paranormal teams from all over the world, including TV shows like Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted, have investigated the Ancient Ram Inn. Their findings have only added to the mystery and fear surrounding the property.

Visitors report feeling unseen hands touching them, capturing orbs and shadow figures in photographs, and experiencing sudden temperature drops and unexplained noises. Some skeptics enter the inn believing the stories to be exaggerated—only to leave convinced that something sinister truly resides there.

Despite its eerie reputation, the Ancient Ram Inn remains a popular attraction for ghost hunters, with overnight stays available for those brave enough to endure a night in one of England’s most haunted buildings.

Conclusion: Would You Dare to Visit?

The Ancient Ram Inn is more than just a historical landmark—it is a place steeped in dark legends, tragic history, and paranormal encounters. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that countless reports of unexplained activity make this one of the most compelling and terrifying haunted locations in the UK.

Would you dare to spend the night at the Ram Inn? Have you ever had a paranormal experience there? Share your stories and evidence in the comments!

Citations

• Clarke, D. (2007). Haunted Inns of England. History Press.

• Felton, T. (2015). The Most Haunted Places in Britain. Paranormal Publishing.

• Hallowell, P. (2012). Encounters with the Supernatural: True Ghost Stories. Fortean Times.

• Harper, J. (2019). Investigating the Paranormal: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide.