The Ancient Ram Inn

The Ancient Ram Inn in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, claims to be one of England’s most haunted buildings. Dating to 1145, the structure sits on the site of a pagan burial ground and at the intersection of two ley lines. Excavations have uncovered the bones of children, adding dark history to an already fearsome reputation.

History

The building was constructed in 1145, originally serving as a priest’s residence and later an inn. Its location was significant—it was built on an ancient pagan site, possibly deliberately positioned by the medieval church to assert Christian authority over older beliefs.

The building has served various purposes over nine centuries: priests’ quarters, inn, farm building, and now a private residence open to paranormal investigators.

Dark Discoveries

During renovations, previous owner John Humphries discovered children’s bones beneath the fireplace and in other locations around the property. These remains have led to speculation about child sacrifice at the site, though the bones might have other explanations in an area with so long a history.

Broken daggers were found with some of the remains, adding to the sinister implications. Whether these represent pagan sacrifice, medieval violence, or something else remains unknown.

The Haunting

The Ancient Ram Inn is said to harbor multiple spirits. Most feared is an incubus that has allegedly attacked guests in what is called the Bishop’s Room. Visitors have reported being held down, touched, and sexually assaulted by an unseen presence.

A witch is said to have been burned on the site and her spirit remains. A Roman centurion has been seen. A cavalier haunts the grounds. Former proprietor John Humphries documented over twenty distinct entities during his years at the property.

Paranormal investigators report consistent phenomena: extreme temperature changes, equipment malfunctions, physical sensations of being touched or pushed, and apparitions captured on camera and video.

Investigation

The Ancient Ram Inn has been investigated by numerous paranormal research groups and featured in television programs including Ghost Adventures and Most Haunted. The building’s combination of age, dark history, and consistent phenomena make it an attractive target for investigation.

Former owner John Humphries lived in the building for decades, coexisting with its ghosts. He reported daily encounters and claimed the spirits had accepted his presence while remaining hostile to visitors.

Assessment

The Ancient Ram Inn combines documented age, disturbing archaeological finds, and consistent paranormal reports spanning decades. Whether the spirits of sacrifice victims, pagan worshippers, medieval travelers, or something older and darker inhabit the building, investigators consistently report activity that defies explanation.

The inn stands as one of England’s most genuinely unsettling locations—a place where the ancient past seems to reach into the present with malevolent intent.