Haunted Plymouth

04/12/2025

24/11/2025

Morley Arms - Plymouth

Located upon the well travelled Billacombe Road, the Morley Arms rear gardens back onto the mouth of the river Plym. This building was constructed in 1762 by the architect Meadows Rendell, originally built to form part of the vast Saltram estate owned at the time by Lord Morley.

In days past quarry workers and travellers alike would have frequented the Inn, which proved to be popular also with individuals travelling along one of the main coaching routes to and from Plymouth. Although it is believed that the Morley Arms had a darker history as it is apparent that during the time of Nelson, Press Gangs carried out their operations from this very inn. At the rear of the property is what remains of a number of stone mooring posts, which were once used to Shaw up sailing ships. Bearing this in mind the venue would have proved to have been a perfect location for the Press Gangs to undertake their dark deeds on the customers passing through the Morley Arms.

I received an email from a past member of staff who had the following to quote in regards to the spirits that dwell in this old inn.

“Whilst in the Morley Arms in Plymstock, I have experienced several unusual happenings! Whilst alone in the pub (before opening time with just the chef and the cleaner present) I saw a young girl run from the direction of the lounge through to the bar and then out into the rear gardens. Even though at the time there were no young girls around the location at all!

Another occurrence happened after the kitchen had closed and I was left alone cleaning up in the kitchen as the chef had finished for the day. One of the waitresses were clearing the tables in the bar area when something slammed quite firmly onto my shoulder, it did feel like a hand. I did turn around instantly and there was no sign of any one there. I immediately went out to the bar to ask who the joker was and the staff member did not know I was talking about.

There is another spooky tale which I have not experienced first hand but it is said that a lady stands at the bar, one of the bar staff actually went to serve this very woman which completely confused the two gentlemen that also happened to be standing at the bar either side of the lady. The bar man asked what was the third drink to be.”

On a final note I to have personally visited this fascinating place on a number of occasions I can honestly say that at times you do sense a certain atmosphere attached to it. Although to date I can confirm that I have not come face to face with any of the Morley’s sprits other than the ones behind the bar.

From the book Haunted Plymouth by Kevin Hynes 2010

31/10/2025

A big thank you to everyone who attended this evening’s Halloween Haunted Plymouth Ghost Walk! The thunderstorm really set the mood for the event! 👻⚡️🎃

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

Would you venture into these woods at night?

“Coffin Wood is situated within the Lydford parish of Dartmoor, it was customary to travel upon tracks and pathways to carry the deceased across the moorland to their burial place at Lydford church. This sombre journey incorporated the deceased being wrapped in a shroud and flung over horse back and taken to the area known as Coffin Wood. This was undertaken as the journey was indeed dangerous and it was deemed an easy option with the deceased being transported upon a horse rather than being placed in a coffin. Upon arrival the deceased would be transferred to a wooden coffin to then be transported the remainder of the journey to their resting place at Lydford.

Even today within this ancient wooded area there have been full blown apparitions of the ghostly procession of shadow like figures following a single horse with an eerie sighting of a figure of someone slung over horse back.

On stormy dark nights it is not uncommon to sight the flicker of lanterns within Coffin Wood and the sound of mumbling voices have been heard.

It was also customary during medieval times that the co**se of the deceased was to travel to its place of resting via river crossings as it was told that spirits could not cross open rivers or streams. It is therefore intriguing to know that Lych way (Lych meaning Co**se in ancient Anglo Saxon tongue) was the route the deceased took.”

From the book 'Haunted Dartmoor' by Kevin Hynes www.hauntedplymouth.com www.kevinhynes.co.uk

31/10/2025

Mount Gould Hospital - Plymouth

‘The original site of Mount Gould Hospital was acquired by Plymouth Borough Council in January 1885. Upon this 20 acre site in 1885 was erected numerous wooden buildings, which were purposely used as an infectious diseases hospital.
In the year 1889 the Infectious Diseases Act became law and it was apparent that the current wooden structure at the time was not up to specification. Therefore a more solid structure was designed and built to replace the original wooden buildings.

Over the past 100 years the site of Mount Gould Hospital has changed quite dramatically, with the likes of new and modern buildings replacing the older ones.

Certain areas of Mount Gould Hospital is reputedly built upon the site of an ancient battle field.

Over many years hospital staff, have encountered strange disturbances of varying intensity, ranging from unearthly sounds, such as groans emanating from a specific area that is quite clearly vacant.

The most common experience to be witnessed by a number of individuals is that of a full blown ghostly sighting of a lady in white.
On one particular evening a male member of staff witnessed first-hand the illustrious phantom appearing and silently glide into a room occupied by a patient. Upon further inspection the room was indeed empty with the exception of the male patient sound asleep. Although there is mysterious twist to this heart stopping encounter as the following day approached, the male patient expectantly passed away before dawn, even though at the time he was in a stable status and was not being treated for a life threating condition.’

From the book ‘Haunted Plymouth’ by Kevin Hynes Copyright 2015

www.hauntedplymouth.com

31/10/2025

Burgh Island is located off the Devon coast facing Bigbury on Sea, the island is linked to the main land by a sandbar.

The island is home to the ancient Pilchard Inn, it is believed that the island is also haunted by none other than Tom Crocker who was leader to a band of vicious pirates in the late 14th century. It was well known that Crocker and his men were indeed responsible for looting and plundering a wide array of ships over many years during the 14th century.
Although Crocker met his demise after a well coordinated attack ordered by the King of England Edward III, this was due to the fact that Crocker had previously attacked an English ship.
His band of men were defeated and surrendered after a brutal fight and Crocker himself was captured and dragged kicking and screaming for his life to the highest point upon Burgh Island from where he was hanged by his neck until he was declared dead. It is said that his restless ghost has been sighted outside the Pilchard Inn and also wandering aimlessly on the shores of Burgh Island!! Crocker's nebulous ghost is said to appear on the anniversary of his death on August 13th every year!!! - KHynes 2025 www.hauntedplymouth.com

31/10/2025