A chilling blend of history, legend, and the supernatural, the Ancient Ram Inn is regarded as one of England’s most infamous haunted sites. Dating back to 1145, this medieval building carries a legacy steeped in tales of pagan rituals, witchcraft, and dark mysteries, drawing both paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics from across the globe.

A Dark and Storied History

• Foundation and Construction: The Ancient Ram Inn was built in 1145 to house masons working on the nearby St. Mary’s Church in the village of Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. It later served as a residence for priests and eventually became a public inn. Its structure, marked by timber beams and uneven floors, retains its medieval atmosphere, adding to its eerie allure.
• Pagan Origins: Legends suggest the inn was constructed over a pagan burial ground, long before the church and inn existed. Some claim it was the site of pagan rituals, including human sacrifices to appease the gods. Skeletal remains of children and ritual daggers discovered beneath the floors lend credence to these dark tales.
• Ley Lines and Mysticism: Paranormal enthusiasts believe the Ancient Ram Inn sits at the intersection of ley lines, which are thought to be paths of concentrated spiritual energy. These ley lines are rumored to connect the inn to Stonehenge and Glastonbury Tor, further amplifying its mystical and supernatural reputation.

Tales of the Supernatural

The Ancient Ram Inn’s haunted reputation is built on centuries of ghostly encounters, strange phenomena, and terrifying experiences. Each room holds its own dark story, contributing to the building’s ominous mystique.

1. The Bishop’s Room
   • Considered the most haunted part of the inn, this room has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests frequently report seeing shadowy figures, hearing whispers, and feeling sudden temperature drops. Some claim to have been pushed or scratched by unseen forces.
   • Malevolent spirits are rumored to haunt this room, driving some visitors to flee in terror.
2. The Witch’s Room
   • Named for a woman who sought refuge at the inn during the 1500s to escape persecution during England’s witch trials. She was later captured, tried, and executed.
   • Her ghost is said to linger, manifesting as cries, screams, or a spectral presence near the fireplace where she reportedly hid.
3. The Attic and Rosie’s Ghost
   • The attic is believed to be haunted by Rosie, the ghost of a young girl allegedly sacrificed during a pagan ritual. Visitors report hearing faint giggles or seeing a fleeting vision of her spirit.
4. The Cellar
   • The cellar is rumored to have been a site of occult practices. Many who enter report feelings of dread, unexplained cold spots, and seeing strange lights. Some have claimed to feel icy hands touch their shoulders.
5. The Barn
   • Now part of the inn, the barn is thought to harbor a demonic entity. Poltergeist activity such as slamming doors, flying objects, and guests receiving scratches is frequently reported.

Chilling Encounters and Evidence

• Apparitions: Over the years, guests and investigators have reported seeing ghostly figures, including a spectral monk, a centurion, and even ghostly livestock.
• Poltergeist Activity: Doors slamming on their own, furniture moving, and objects being thrown across rooms are common accounts.
• Auditory Phenomena: Disembodied whispers, footsteps, loud bangs, and the sound of children crying have been reported, often when the building was thought to be empty.
• Physical Manifestations: Visitors have experienced sudden chills, dizziness, and unexplained scratches or bruises after spending time in the inn.

Modern-Day Infamy

• John Humphries’ Ownership: In 1968, John Humphries purchased the Ancient Ram Inn, unaware of its haunted reputation. Over the years, Humphries claimed to experience numerous paranormal events, including being physically dragged from his bed by an unseen force. His vivid stories and dedication to preserving the inn attracted global attention.
• Paranormal Investigations: The inn has been featured on popular paranormal TV shows such as Most Haunted and Ghost Adventures. Investigators and ghost hunters regard it as a hotspot for supernatural activity.
• Public Tours: Although it is no longer a functioning inn, the Ancient Ram remains privately owned and occasionally opens its doors for tours and paranormal events. Visitors are often drawn by the opportunity to experience its haunted reputation firsthand.

Dark Discoveries

• Child Sacrifices and Rituals: Skeletal remains and ritual artifacts discovered under the floors suggest a history of pagan practices and possible human sacrifices.
• Incubus and Succubus: Several accounts detail encounters with malevolent entities believed to be an incubus or succubus, folklore demons associated with night-time attacks.
• Witch Trials and Executions: The inn’s connection to witch trials has contributed to its dark reputation, with the restless spirit of an executed woman said to haunt the Witch’s Room.

The Mystique of Ley Lines

Believers in ley line energy argue that the inn’s location is a key factor in its paranormal activity. These supposed pathways of spiritual energy, connecting ancient sacred sites, are thought to act as conduits for ghostly phenomena.

Sources

1. Travel Awaits – The Ancient Ram Inn’s Haunted History
2. Spirit Shack – The Haunted Ancient Ram Inn
3. House and History – Exploring the Ancient Ram Inn
4. Spooky Isles – Paranormal Tales of the Ancient Ram Inn