Bridgnorth Ghosts - Bridgnorth, Shropshire
The town of Bridgnorth is in the county of Shropshire in England. The town is split into two by the River Severn with Low Town on the East side of the River and High Town in the West. The town is named after a bridge that once went across the River Severn during the Anglo Saxon period. The daughter of King Alfred the Great, Aethelfleda, known as the Lady of the Mercian’s, constructed a mound on the West side of the River Severn to defend against the attacking Danes in 912. The mound is believed to have been in the same location as Bridgnorth Castle. Aethelfleda ruled Mercia from 911 until her death on the 12th of June 918.
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The manor of Bridgnorth was granted to Roger de Montgomerie after the Norman conquest. In 1101 the manor was granted to the son of Roger de Montgomerie, Robert of Belleme, the 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury, who constructed a castle and church on the site of the modern day town. However, he lost his lands and castles after he joined forces with Robert Curthose and invaded England against Henry I. He was banished from England and returned to Normandy. The town became a Royal Borough and the castle was used to defend attacks from the Welsh. In the 12th century there were five gates to enter Bridgnorth. The only one that survived is Northgate which was rebuilt in brick in the 18th century and then refaced with sandstone blocks in 1911.
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In 1642, Royalist troops led by Sir Robert Howard, were garrisoned at Bridgnorth during the English Civil War and it became one of the main strongholds of the Midlands. Parliamentarian soldiers, led by Oliver Cromwell attacked the town in 1646 and after a three week siege they defeated the Royalists and were ordered to destroy the castle. During the attack, Royalist soldiers retreated to the castle and set fire to some stables on Listley Street near to where the library now stands.
St Leonard’s Church was used for ammunition storage and was set alight, causing a great fire, destroying most of High Town, only a few of the 16th and 17th century buildings survived.
The castle was surrendered to the Royalists the on 26th of April 1646 and was destroyed over the next year. The only surviving part is a tower of the old keep which is said to lean more than the tower of Pisa. You can still see caves that had been dug out at the foot of the cliff in Low Town where the Parliamentarians threatened to blow the castle up with dynamite.
Bridgnorth is a market town that once had a thriving river port. Because of the many sailors using the River, the town had a lot of inns and alehouses, the earliest recorded in 1203.
From 1804 to 1815, Hazeldine’s Foundry in Low Town, built steam locomotives for the new booming railroad network. The most famous locomotive was called, ”Catch Me If You Can", which was the fourth and last steam locomotive designed by the inventor Richard Trevithick. It was the first locomotive to carry paying customers who were charged at one shilling a ride. When Bridgnorth railway was opened in 1862, the River trade began to decline and finally stopped in 1895.
The Governors House, East Castle Street
On East Castle Street stands The Governors House, built in 1633 and named after Sir Robert Howard who lived in the house while commanding the Royalist troops in Bridgnorth during the English Civil War. The grand houses on this road reflect on the wealthy past of the merchants who traded from the River Severn. In 1642, Charles I stayed in the house with two of his sons, when he looked from across from the top of High Town, he commented, “The finest view in all my kingdom".
In 1954 a pistol was found wrapped in a beautiful fabric that was from the 17th century with the initials R H engraved on it. It’s most likely to have belonged to Sir Robert Howard, perhaps he hid it when the Parliamentarians attacked?
Visitors to the house have claimed to have seen the ghost of a little old lady dressed in period clothing, who sits at the top of the stairs. She confronts people asking who they are and what they are doing in the house before she fades away.
The sound of horses galloping down the road have been heard that seem to stop outside the Governors House. After the sound stops, people have reported hearing soldiers getting down for their horses and marching towards the house and then the sound of the door opening. The loud footsteps carry on as if many people have spread out all over the house as if they are searching for someone and then it all stops, silence. When witnesses have looked around afterwards they’ve found the front door to be shut and no trace of anyone entering the property.
On East Castle Street stands The Governors House, built in 1633 and named after Sir Robert Howard who lived in the house while commanding the Royalist troops in Bridgnorth during the English Civil War. The grand houses on this road reflect on the wealthy past of the merchants who traded from the River Severn. In 1642, Charles I stayed in the house with two of his sons, when he looked from across from the top of High Town, he commented, “The finest view in all my kingdom".
In 1954 a pistol was found wrapped in a beautiful fabric that was from the 17th century with the initials R H engraved on it. It’s most likely to have belonged to Sir Robert Howard, perhaps he hid it when the Parliamentarians attacked?
Visitors to the house have claimed to have seen the ghost of a little old lady dressed in period clothing, who sits at the top of the stairs. She confronts people asking who they are and what they are doing in the house before she fades away.
The sound of horses galloping down the road have been heard that seem to stop outside the Governors House. After the sound stops, people have reported hearing soldiers getting down for their horses and marching towards the house and then the sound of the door opening. The loud footsteps carry on as if many people have spread out all over the house as if they are searching for someone and then it all stops, silence. When witnesses have looked around afterwards they’ve found the front door to be shut and no trace of anyone entering the property.
St Mary’s Church
The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built in 1792 on the foundations of the original Norman church. One evening, a lady staying at one of the local bed and breakfasts decided to take an evening stroll around the church. As she approached the graveyard, she noticed a silhouetted figure walking between the graves. She assumed that it was just another person walking about the grounds who looked like she was searching for something but as she got closer, she noticed that she wasn’t touching the floor, she was floating. Even thought the woman was shocked by the sight of this apparition, she kept on watching it until she walked towards the back of the church and faded away.
The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built in 1792 on the foundations of the original Norman church. One evening, a lady staying at one of the local bed and breakfasts decided to take an evening stroll around the church. As she approached the graveyard, she noticed a silhouetted figure walking between the graves. She assumed that it was just another person walking about the grounds who looked like she was searching for something but as she got closer, she noticed that she wasn’t touching the floor, she was floating. Even thought the woman was shocked by the sight of this apparition, she kept on watching it until she walked towards the back of the church and faded away.
Castle Ruins
The ghost in the castle ruins is very similar to the ghost at the Governors House on East Castle Street, invisible and it’s also thought to be from the English Civil War. The sound of a horse galloping on the stone road is heard before the sound of someone running towards the ruin. It is thought to be the ghost of a rider, warning the Royalists of the approaching Parliamentarian army.
The ghost in the castle ruins is very similar to the ghost at the Governors House on East Castle Street, invisible and it’s also thought to be from the English Civil War. The sound of a horse galloping on the stone road is heard before the sound of someone running towards the ruin. It is thought to be the ghost of a rider, warning the Royalists of the approaching Parliamentarian army.
SVR/Tunnel
The Severn Valley Railway heritage line runs from Bridgnorth, passing through some of the most picturesque countryside in Shropshire and Worcestershire and finishes in Kidderminster. There was once a line that run to Wolverhampton that used to run through a tunnel in the cliffs of High Town. The tunnel was closed in 1960s when the railway closed but the ghost of a man has been seen many times in and around the tunnel who is believed to have been hit and killed by a cart during the construction of the railway.
During World War Two, one of the homeguards was patrolling the area when he noticed a man walking from the tunnel that seemed to be surrounded by a strange glow. He walked towards the soldier and then disappeared.
Years later, a Mr and Mrs Reynolds saw the same man emerging from the tunnel and disappeared just as the soldier explained. They believed that seeing him was a sign of oncoming doom.
In 2004, a group of people who were around Northwood Halt near Bewdley said that they could feel the vibrations on the track as if a train was coming but the railway was closed at the time. They suddenly saw a large mist coming towards them in the shape of a train. On the same night, other people reported the same misty shape heading towards Bridgnorth station.
Many people travelling on the trains have reported seeing a man and a little girl dressed in Edwardian costume, standing on the platform waving at passengers but are not around when people have got off the train.
The Severn Valley Railway heritage line runs from Bridgnorth, passing through some of the most picturesque countryside in Shropshire and Worcestershire and finishes in Kidderminster. There was once a line that run to Wolverhampton that used to run through a tunnel in the cliffs of High Town. The tunnel was closed in 1960s when the railway closed but the ghost of a man has been seen many times in and around the tunnel who is believed to have been hit and killed by a cart during the construction of the railway.
During World War Two, one of the homeguards was patrolling the area when he noticed a man walking from the tunnel that seemed to be surrounded by a strange glow. He walked towards the soldier and then disappeared.
Years later, a Mr and Mrs Reynolds saw the same man emerging from the tunnel and disappeared just as the soldier explained. They believed that seeing him was a sign of oncoming doom.
In 2004, a group of people who were around Northwood Halt near Bewdley said that they could feel the vibrations on the track as if a train was coming but the railway was closed at the time. They suddenly saw a large mist coming towards them in the shape of a train. On the same night, other people reported the same misty shape heading towards Bridgnorth station.
Many people travelling on the trains have reported seeing a man and a little girl dressed in Edwardian costume, standing on the platform waving at passengers but are not around when people have got off the train.
The George Hotel
The original George Hotel was on the opposite side of the road and was a coaching inn, until in was demolished to make room for the railway embankment. It was first licensed in 1790 and after it moved over the road to 11 Hollybush Road in 1842, it became the main hotel in Bridgnorth as it was closest to the train station. At one time in the later part of the 20th century it was renamed The Hollyhead Hotel after the owner, a Mr Hollyhead.
During his time at the hotel he had heard that many people had experienced some strange goings on in the property. One of the bedrooms had a reputation for having the feeling of someone being in the room when no one was there and the room would go cold. One man who stayed in the hotel for a number of months claimed that he would often smell the scent of an expensive ladies perfume in the room.
Around 7 years after the Hollyhead’s took over the hotel, they had extensive renovations on the ground floor, which they believed was the cause of more supernatural events to occur. They would often hear a clicking noise from upstairs, like the sound of a light switch being turned on and off continuously. During the renovation a wall was taken down in a passageway and every night when locking up there always seemed to be a cold chill that made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up.
One night after everyone had left the bar, Mr Hollyhead stayed in the bar talking with a friend when he suddenly noticed someone standing behind the bar. When he took a proper look, he saw that the figure was fading. At the same time, his friend cried out saying that he felt like he was burning and believed that he was covered in flames. He beat his hands franticly on his clothing to put the flames out when it suddenly stopped, they both said that they could smell burning.
The original George Hotel was on the opposite side of the road and was a coaching inn, until in was demolished to make room for the railway embankment. It was first licensed in 1790 and after it moved over the road to 11 Hollybush Road in 1842, it became the main hotel in Bridgnorth as it was closest to the train station. At one time in the later part of the 20th century it was renamed The Hollyhead Hotel after the owner, a Mr Hollyhead.
During his time at the hotel he had heard that many people had experienced some strange goings on in the property. One of the bedrooms had a reputation for having the feeling of someone being in the room when no one was there and the room would go cold. One man who stayed in the hotel for a number of months claimed that he would often smell the scent of an expensive ladies perfume in the room.
Around 7 years after the Hollyhead’s took over the hotel, they had extensive renovations on the ground floor, which they believed was the cause of more supernatural events to occur. They would often hear a clicking noise from upstairs, like the sound of a light switch being turned on and off continuously. During the renovation a wall was taken down in a passageway and every night when locking up there always seemed to be a cold chill that made the hairs on the back of the neck stand up.
One night after everyone had left the bar, Mr Hollyhead stayed in the bar talking with a friend when he suddenly noticed someone standing behind the bar. When he took a proper look, he saw that the figure was fading. At the same time, his friend cried out saying that he felt like he was burning and believed that he was covered in flames. He beat his hands franticly on his clothing to put the flames out when it suddenly stopped, they both said that they could smell burning.
The White Lion Inn
The White Lion was first licensed in 1760 and has had many ghost sightings. Upstairs in the pub, people have seen a lady who walks along the corridor, carrying a basket and who wears a bonnet and a black shawl. She is thought to have committed suicide in the property in the 18th century and she left two children behind.
Two children also haunt the pub and it is believed that they could be the children that she left behind. One morning, the landlord went downstairs to clean the pub before opening and after cleaning the bar he went onto another part of the pub to do his daily morning routine. On returning to the bar, he noticed an old penny dating from the early 1900s that wasn’t there when he was cleaning the bar. He put it to one side and didn’t really pay anymore attention to it until the next day when it happened again and the again on the following day, each time with a different penny. A week later, two ladies visiting the pub claimed to be mediums and had picked up on two children. The ladies said that the children were sad because he hadn’t paid attention to them after they had left gifts and he hadn’t thanked them for the pennies.
Customers have said that they've seen an old man sitting at the bar who has a dog at his feet, they say that he’s seen very briefly from the corner of their eye. When described, they all described the exact same thing, wearing a flat cap, with a dog at his feet. It describes an old frequent customer who passed away years ago.
Another ghost that haunts the pub is that of a Lady in White. She wears a long flowing white dress and is reputed to appear before an impending death.
The White Lion was first licensed in 1760 and has had many ghost sightings. Upstairs in the pub, people have seen a lady who walks along the corridor, carrying a basket and who wears a bonnet and a black shawl. She is thought to have committed suicide in the property in the 18th century and she left two children behind.
Two children also haunt the pub and it is believed that they could be the children that she left behind. One morning, the landlord went downstairs to clean the pub before opening and after cleaning the bar he went onto another part of the pub to do his daily morning routine. On returning to the bar, he noticed an old penny dating from the early 1900s that wasn’t there when he was cleaning the bar. He put it to one side and didn’t really pay anymore attention to it until the next day when it happened again and the again on the following day, each time with a different penny. A week later, two ladies visiting the pub claimed to be mediums and had picked up on two children. The ladies said that the children were sad because he hadn’t paid attention to them after they had left gifts and he hadn’t thanked them for the pennies.
Customers have said that they've seen an old man sitting at the bar who has a dog at his feet, they say that he’s seen very briefly from the corner of their eye. When described, they all described the exact same thing, wearing a flat cap, with a dog at his feet. It describes an old frequent customer who passed away years ago.
Another ghost that haunts the pub is that of a Lady in White. She wears a long flowing white dress and is reputed to appear before an impending death.
The Friars Inn/Hen and Chickens
The Friars Inn on Saint Mary’s Street was originally known as The Hen and Chickens was a coaching inn in the 17th century. One night, a barman was fetching crisps from the cellar to stock up the shelves behind the bar, when he suddenly rushed up the stairs, screaming. He emerged looking very pale, as if he'd been scared by something. He was told to take a rest and calm down. While he was sat at one of the tables in the busy bar, he explained that he'd put his arm under a low shelf to fetch the crisps and a hand grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him under, he said it was extremely strong but he managed to escape the struggle. There was no way someone could have been able to hide under or behind the shelves.
People have also witnessed a monk in the bar and a ghost the walks through t a wall I to the building next door.
The Friars Inn on Saint Mary’s Street was originally known as The Hen and Chickens was a coaching inn in the 17th century. One night, a barman was fetching crisps from the cellar to stock up the shelves behind the bar, when he suddenly rushed up the stairs, screaming. He emerged looking very pale, as if he'd been scared by something. He was told to take a rest and calm down. While he was sat at one of the tables in the busy bar, he explained that he'd put his arm under a low shelf to fetch the crisps and a hand grabbed his wrist and tried to pull him under, he said it was extremely strong but he managed to escape the struggle. There was no way someone could have been able to hide under or behind the shelves.
People have also witnessed a monk in the bar and a ghost the walks through t a wall I to the building next door.
The Crown/The Raven
The Crown was first mentioned in records in 1646 and may have suffered damage from the Great Fire during the English Civil War. The pub was first licensed in 1710 and in 1723 it was used for the Courts Quarterly Sessions. Towards the last part of the 18th century The Crown was know as The Crown Inn and Royal Hotel and it had a small theatre at the back of the pub called The Cockpit Theatre which was also used for cock fights. In 1894 the Crown and adjourning hotel, The Raven were purchased by Broadway Brewery and it was joined together and was renamed The Crown and Raven which was the only AA 2 star hotel in the town. In 1968 the hotel was refitted and became just a pub but most of the orig8nal building was demolished to make way for the new Woolworths store. The Crown has 2 entrances, one on High Street and the other on Whitburn Street which was the original entrance for the Raven.
The inn is supposedly haunted by a chambermaid called Evie who discovered that her husband was having an affair. In a rage, she murdered the other woman and was convicted and hanged for the crime.
Many people have experienced the ghost of Evie, when the pub was still called the Crown and Raven, a previous landlord would often hear noises that he couldn’t explain, including footsteps when no one was around and the compressed air would turn on and off.
A past landlady had two German Shepherd dogs who refused to go upstairs into the flat. They would sit outside the door with their fur standing up and would refuse to move.
The landlady once employed a man part time to bottle up in the mornings. One morning she went downstairs and said hello to the man, he replied saying, “good morning, at least you’re more sociable than the other woman who was here this morning”. He told her that a woman came in and just stood behind the bar, when he spoke to her she didn’t reply and just stood there. The landlady couldn’t explain this as the pub was locked up and no one else was there. She once held a séance and the results amazed her. She was given a message from a spirit who said that she was 19 year old chambermaid who was engaged to get married but she found out that he was having an affair so she killed the other girl. She was executed for the murder.
The Crown was first mentioned in records in 1646 and may have suffered damage from the Great Fire during the English Civil War. The pub was first licensed in 1710 and in 1723 it was used for the Courts Quarterly Sessions. Towards the last part of the 18th century The Crown was know as The Crown Inn and Royal Hotel and it had a small theatre at the back of the pub called The Cockpit Theatre which was also used for cock fights. In 1894 the Crown and adjourning hotel, The Raven were purchased by Broadway Brewery and it was joined together and was renamed The Crown and Raven which was the only AA 2 star hotel in the town. In 1968 the hotel was refitted and became just a pub but most of the orig8nal building was demolished to make way for the new Woolworths store. The Crown has 2 entrances, one on High Street and the other on Whitburn Street which was the original entrance for the Raven.
The inn is supposedly haunted by a chambermaid called Evie who discovered that her husband was having an affair. In a rage, she murdered the other woman and was convicted and hanged for the crime.
Many people have experienced the ghost of Evie, when the pub was still called the Crown and Raven, a previous landlord would often hear noises that he couldn’t explain, including footsteps when no one was around and the compressed air would turn on and off.
A past landlady had two German Shepherd dogs who refused to go upstairs into the flat. They would sit outside the door with their fur standing up and would refuse to move.
The landlady once employed a man part time to bottle up in the mornings. One morning she went downstairs and said hello to the man, he replied saying, “good morning, at least you’re more sociable than the other woman who was here this morning”. He told her that a woman came in and just stood behind the bar, when he spoke to her she didn’t reply and just stood there. The landlady couldn’t explain this as the pub was locked up and no one else was there. She once held a séance and the results amazed her. She was given a message from a spirit who said that she was 19 year old chambermaid who was engaged to get married but she found out that he was having an affair so she killed the other girl. She was executed for the murder.
No 11 High Street
Standing on the corner of High Street and Whitburn Street, this building was once a sweet shop with living quarters above the shop.
There was once a cleaning lady who used to clean the living quarters who always felt uneasy when she was in the property. She asked a friend to join her so that she’d feel more secure so the friend joined her and brought her dog along. As soon as the dog entered the building it's fur stood up and refused to go up the stairs into the living quarters.
One time, two decorators were employed to redecorate the living quarters at night. One of the decorators was feeling tired so he decided to rest on the sofa in the living room. He was suddenly woken up by being shaken, which he believed to be his work colleague. He walked around the flat until found the other worker up a ladder on the opposite side of the building, there was no way he could have moved so quick.
It’s believed that a woman committed suicide at some point in history on the first floor.
Saint Leonard's Church and Steps
St Leonard’s Church originates from Norman times. During the English Civil War it was used as an ammunition store and it was blown up which spread a great fire that swept through the town. The Church was rebuilt in 1662 and it was restored in the 19th century.
The ghost of a soldier from the English Civil War is seen often walking along the front of St Leonard's church, many of the residents who live nearby have seen him crossing the road and walking onto the church grounds.
One morning, a couple were visiting St Leonard's Church when they could hear the organ being played. They went into the church and could still hear the music, They walked near the organ and the music suddenly stopped but no one was sat at the instrument.
The ghost of an elderly woman wearing lace up boots and a black hat decorated with fake cherries has been seen near St Leonard’s Steps.
Standing on the corner of High Street and Whitburn Street, this building was once a sweet shop with living quarters above the shop.
There was once a cleaning lady who used to clean the living quarters who always felt uneasy when she was in the property. She asked a friend to join her so that she’d feel more secure so the friend joined her and brought her dog along. As soon as the dog entered the building it's fur stood up and refused to go up the stairs into the living quarters.
One time, two decorators were employed to redecorate the living quarters at night. One of the decorators was feeling tired so he decided to rest on the sofa in the living room. He was suddenly woken up by being shaken, which he believed to be his work colleague. He walked around the flat until found the other worker up a ladder on the opposite side of the building, there was no way he could have moved so quick.
It’s believed that a woman committed suicide at some point in history on the first floor.
Saint Leonard's Church and Steps
St Leonard’s Church originates from Norman times. During the English Civil War it was used as an ammunition store and it was blown up which spread a great fire that swept through the town. The Church was rebuilt in 1662 and it was restored in the 19th century.
The ghost of a soldier from the English Civil War is seen often walking along the front of St Leonard's church, many of the residents who live nearby have seen him crossing the road and walking onto the church grounds.
One morning, a couple were visiting St Leonard's Church when they could hear the organ being played. They went into the church and could still hear the music, They walked near the organ and the music suddenly stopped but no one was sat at the instrument.
The ghost of an elderly woman wearing lace up boots and a black hat decorated with fake cherries has been seen near St Leonard’s Steps.
Granary Steps
During their rounds, two policemen used to meet up each night at the bottom of Granary Steps. One night they heard footsteps coming down the steps and when they looked up, they saw a lady who they described as, good looking, but with a pale waxy face and wearing a long black cape with lace up boots. They were concerned as it was so late, so as she approached them they asked if she was alright and she replied “yes, thank you", and she carried on walking towards Cartway. The next night, the exact thing happened again. This went on for four nights in a row. On the fourth night they decided to follow the woman, she took her usual route and this time they followed her. Once they followed her around the corner, she completely disappeared.
During their rounds, two policemen used to meet up each night at the bottom of Granary Steps. One night they heard footsteps coming down the steps and when they looked up, they saw a lady who they described as, good looking, but with a pale waxy face and wearing a long black cape with lace up boots. They were concerned as it was so late, so as she approached them they asked if she was alright and she replied “yes, thank you", and she carried on walking towards Cartway. The next night, the exact thing happened again. This went on for four nights in a row. On the fourth night they decided to follow the woman, she took her usual route and this time they followed her. Once they followed her around the corner, she completely disappeared.
The Cartway
When Bridgnorth was a trading port, the Cartway was the roughest part of town, it was so bad that gates were installed at the top and bottom of the road to protect the people of Bridgnorth from the rough, drunken sailors. The Cartway boasted over 30 pubs, numerous brothels and boarding houses from the top to the bottom.
When Bridgnorth was a trading port, the Cartway was the roughest part of town, it was so bad that gates were installed at the top and bottom of the road to protect the people of Bridgnorth from the rough, drunken sailors. The Cartway boasted over 30 pubs, numerous brothels and boarding houses from the top to the bottom.
The Black Boy
The Black Boy pub was first licensed in 1790 but it dates back to the 17th century and it is believed that it was named after Charles II. His mother, Henrietta Maria nicknamed Charles Black Boy due to his dark skin and eyes. It was a popular pub with the sailors when Bridgnorth had a port.
Poltergeist activity happens often, many customers have experienced many things including someone who was trying to make a phone call and an invisible force pulled on his arm, pulling the phone away from his ear. A previous landlady witnessed three different ghosts in different parts of the building. One was a lady dressed in a green dress who appears all over the building and in the cellar.
The Black Boy pub was first licensed in 1790 but it dates back to the 17th century and it is believed that it was named after Charles II. His mother, Henrietta Maria nicknamed Charles Black Boy due to his dark skin and eyes. It was a popular pub with the sailors when Bridgnorth had a port.
Poltergeist activity happens often, many customers have experienced many things including someone who was trying to make a phone call and an invisible force pulled on his arm, pulling the phone away from his ear. A previous landlady witnessed three different ghosts in different parts of the building. One was a lady dressed in a green dress who appears all over the building and in the cellar.
Bassa Villa
The Bassa Villa pub was originally called The Beehive in the 16th century, it became The Magpie around 1780 and later was renamed Bassa Villa as it is today. There is a plaque outside of the pub that reads:
“In Medieval times the Low Town part of Bridgnorth was called Bassa Villa – translated from Latin this means ‘The basin of the town. Latterly, this was changed to Lower Town and we all now know it as Low Town”.
Years ago it had a secret hatch for Sunday drinking and there is a supposed secret tunnel that lead from the stables to the river, maybe used for smuggling goods in the past.
Another plaque inside the pub tells the story of two children that died in the 17th century. A brother and sister, William and Charlotte were playing hide and seek and both went into the cellar. The cellar locked behind them and they were trapped with no way of escaping. At the time, the River Severn was flooded and this day it burst it’s banks, flooding the cellar, causing the poor children to drown. The parents commissioned two marble busts of the children to be made which are still in the pubs garden today.
Many people have claimed that they’ve heard the voices of the children and crying coming from the cellar, calling for help. The ghost of a lady dressed in black mourning clothes is seen very often and is believed to be the mother of the children. The walks around the building looking sad and softly whimpering and sometimes laughing, perhaps she’s remembering happier times.
In 2015, a member of staff at Bassa Villa was working in the cellar when the floor gave way revealing a 10 inch hole in the floor. After inspecting the hole, it was recognised as an old well. The landlord had old sewerage plans that date back to the 1850s and there is no mention of the well but a local historian believes that it may have been connected to an old brewery called Castle Gate Brewery. Its wondered now if the children had drowned in the well and not from the floods.
In 2015, the landlord entered the bar one morning to find smashed glass over the floor. When he checked the CCTV footage it showed a glass from one of the shelves being thrown by an unseen hand and it smashing onto the floor.
The Bassa Villa pub was originally called The Beehive in the 16th century, it became The Magpie around 1780 and later was renamed Bassa Villa as it is today. There is a plaque outside of the pub that reads:
“In Medieval times the Low Town part of Bridgnorth was called Bassa Villa – translated from Latin this means ‘The basin of the town. Latterly, this was changed to Lower Town and we all now know it as Low Town”.
Years ago it had a secret hatch for Sunday drinking and there is a supposed secret tunnel that lead from the stables to the river, maybe used for smuggling goods in the past.
Another plaque inside the pub tells the story of two children that died in the 17th century. A brother and sister, William and Charlotte were playing hide and seek and both went into the cellar. The cellar locked behind them and they were trapped with no way of escaping. At the time, the River Severn was flooded and this day it burst it’s banks, flooding the cellar, causing the poor children to drown. The parents commissioned two marble busts of the children to be made which are still in the pubs garden today.
Many people have claimed that they’ve heard the voices of the children and crying coming from the cellar, calling for help. The ghost of a lady dressed in black mourning clothes is seen very often and is believed to be the mother of the children. The walks around the building looking sad and softly whimpering and sometimes laughing, perhaps she’s remembering happier times.
In 2015, a member of staff at Bassa Villa was working in the cellar when the floor gave way revealing a 10 inch hole in the floor. After inspecting the hole, it was recognised as an old well. The landlord had old sewerage plans that date back to the 1850s and there is no mention of the well but a local historian believes that it may have been connected to an old brewery called Castle Gate Brewery. Its wondered now if the children had drowned in the well and not from the floods.
In 2015, the landlord entered the bar one morning to find smashed glass over the floor. When he checked the CCTV footage it showed a glass from one of the shelves being thrown by an unseen hand and it smashing onto the floor.
The Falcon
The Falcon Hotel in Low Town was first licensed in 1820. In 1672 the hotel was owned by a man named John Singe.
A local businessman known as Willie used to take his secretary for lunch at the hotel for many years. He always reserved the same table and always asked the staff to not tell his wife. One day staff felt a n uneasy presence at the table and a glass shattered. Later, they heard the news that Willie had died. Some time after Willie’s death, his wife and family booked the same table that Willie used to book. Staff and regular diners said that they could hear Willie in the background, talking and laughing.
After playing The Falcon one night, a husband and wife duo of musicians stayed over in a room that is situated in the oldest part of the building. When settling down for bed, the husband went to use the bathroom and wife got into bed. He was met with a young girl who walked past him and through a wall. She disappeared in the corridor. His wife saw the girl from the bed too.
The Falcon Hotel in Low Town was first licensed in 1820. In 1672 the hotel was owned by a man named John Singe.
A local businessman known as Willie used to take his secretary for lunch at the hotel for many years. He always reserved the same table and always asked the staff to not tell his wife. One day staff felt a n uneasy presence at the table and a glass shattered. Later, they heard the news that Willie had died. Some time after Willie’s death, his wife and family booked the same table that Willie used to book. Staff and regular diners said that they could hear Willie in the background, talking and laughing.
After playing The Falcon one night, a husband and wife duo of musicians stayed over in a room that is situated in the oldest part of the building. When settling down for bed, the husband went to use the bathroom and wife got into bed. He was met with a young girl who walked past him and through a wall. She disappeared in the corridor. His wife saw the girl from the bed too.
Old Mo
In Medieval times, there was a Franciscan Friary in Bridgnorth. It stood in the poorer part of town between the bank on the River Severn and what is now Friary Street, just north of the bridge, the remains of one of its walls can still be seen amongst some modern housing. Not much is known about the Friary, when it was built and who founded it but it’s believed to have been built after 1224 when the Franciscans first came to England but before 1244 when Henry III ordered a payment of 40 shillings to the friars of Bridgnorth towards the building of their church.
The Friary was ended on 5th August 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The remaining buildings were let out for various uses over the years and by 1824 most of it was occupied by Southwells Carpet Factory. As the factory got bigger, using up more land, coffins and many ancient relics from the Friary were found. The carpet factory was demolished in 1989 for housing on the site.
There's a story of a rogue monk known as ‘Old Mo’, who enjoyed the pleasures of life, much against his order. He would leave the Friary use the many drinking establishment's and visit the brothels. One day the other monks from the Friary decided that his ways must come to an end. One night, they confronted him , they bludgeoned him, poisoned him and then disposed of his body, no one is sure if he was dumped in the river or buried in the Friary grounds but his ghost has been seen all over Bridgnorth.
During World War 2, the old carpet factory was used to build parts for aeroplanes. A man working there one night had a fright when he saw a monk walking towards him, he described him as wearing a long grey habit tied at the waist by a rope cord.
A woman who worked at the factory after the war was locking up late one night, she was the last person in the building. As she was going through the cloakroom of the old part of the factory, she saw a figure walking up the steps dressed in a habit. He moved silently and disappeared in the corridor at the top of the steps.
A man was walking his dog in the early 1950s. As he approached an entrance to the factory that leads to an underground part of the building, his dog started to howl. When the man looked to see what he was howling at, he noticed a glowing figure entering the underground part of the factory that looked like a monk.
The following account is from an man who worked at the Carpet Factory:
“It was November about 6:30pm, I was in the stockroom, I looked up, I see him sort of hovering towards me, a tall chap dressed in a monks coat with the hood up, I didn’t see his face, but I didn’t hang round to say me hellos, I was off on m heels, I went up the Ball and had a few brown ales".
In Medieval times, there was a Franciscan Friary in Bridgnorth. It stood in the poorer part of town between the bank on the River Severn and what is now Friary Street, just north of the bridge, the remains of one of its walls can still be seen amongst some modern housing. Not much is known about the Friary, when it was built and who founded it but it’s believed to have been built after 1224 when the Franciscans first came to England but before 1244 when Henry III ordered a payment of 40 shillings to the friars of Bridgnorth towards the building of their church.
The Friary was ended on 5th August 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The remaining buildings were let out for various uses over the years and by 1824 most of it was occupied by Southwells Carpet Factory. As the factory got bigger, using up more land, coffins and many ancient relics from the Friary were found. The carpet factory was demolished in 1989 for housing on the site.
There's a story of a rogue monk known as ‘Old Mo’, who enjoyed the pleasures of life, much against his order. He would leave the Friary use the many drinking establishment's and visit the brothels. One day the other monks from the Friary decided that his ways must come to an end. One night, they confronted him , they bludgeoned him, poisoned him and then disposed of his body, no one is sure if he was dumped in the river or buried in the Friary grounds but his ghost has been seen all over Bridgnorth.
During World War 2, the old carpet factory was used to build parts for aeroplanes. A man working there one night had a fright when he saw a monk walking towards him, he described him as wearing a long grey habit tied at the waist by a rope cord.
A woman who worked at the factory after the war was locking up late one night, she was the last person in the building. As she was going through the cloakroom of the old part of the factory, she saw a figure walking up the steps dressed in a habit. He moved silently and disappeared in the corridor at the top of the steps.
A man was walking his dog in the early 1950s. As he approached an entrance to the factory that leads to an underground part of the building, his dog started to howl. When the man looked to see what he was howling at, he noticed a glowing figure entering the underground part of the factory that looked like a monk.
The following account is from an man who worked at the Carpet Factory:
“It was November about 6:30pm, I was in the stockroom, I looked up, I see him sort of hovering towards me, a tall chap dressed in a monks coat with the hood up, I didn’t see his face, but I didn’t hang round to say me hellos, I was off on m heels, I went up the Ball and had a few brown ales".