The Chequers Inn in Maresfield, East Sussex, is not only a historic pub but also a well-known site for paranormal activity. The stories of its ghostly inhabitants are rich in detail and steeped in local legend, making it a fascinating location for those interested in the supernatural. Established in the 15th century, The Chequers Inn has witnessed centuries of history, from the bustling days of coaching traffic in the 18th century to its present-day charm as a beloved local pub.
Located in the picturesque village of Maresfield, The Chequers Inn is surrounded by the serene beauty of the East Sussex countryside. The village itself dates back to the Domesday Book and has a history intertwined with royalty and notable figures, such as Sir John Gage, a prominent Tudor courtier. This historical context adds to the inn’s mystique, as many believe that its rich past contributes to the supernatural occurrences reported within its walls.
Throughout its long history, The Chequers Inn has served as a gathering place for locals and travelers alike. During the English Civil War, it was likely a hub for soldiers and spies, which may explain the presence of its most famous ghost, the Cavalier. This soldier from the Royalist side is often seen near the fireplace in the main bar, dressed in period attire, adding a layer of historical authenticity to his spectral appearance.
Adding to the inn’s eerie charm are the reports of a little girl’s ghost, often seen wandering the upstairs rooms. Dressed in Victorian clothing, she is believed to be searching for something or someone, her laughter and sobbing occasionally heard by guests. This poignant presence is thought to be tied to the tragic stories of children from the inn’s long history.
Furthermore, the ghost of a former landlady continues to manage the inn in the afterlife, particularly in the cellar and kitchen areas. Her stern yet protective presence is felt by staff, who often find objects moved or hear unexplained noises.
The Chequers Inn’s combination of historical significance and rich paranormal lore makes it a unique destination for those intrigued by ghost stories and the mysteries of the past. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or a sceptic, the inn offers a compelling glimpse into the spectral echoes of history that continue to captivate visitors.
Chequers Inn, Maresfield by Oast House Archive is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Source: Geograph
The Cavalier
The most well-known ghost at The Chequers Inn is that of a Cavalier from the English Civil War era. Cavaliers were the Royalist supporters of King Charles I, and their presence in historical sites often indicates connections to the conflicts and tragedies of the war. The Chequers Inn, with its age and historical significance, provides a fitting backdrop for such a spirit.
Sightings and Experiences
The Cavalier has been seen by staff and patrons alike, often appearing near the fireplace in the main bar area. Witnesses describe a man dressed in 17th-century attire, complete with a wide-brimmed hat and flowing cape. His apparition is usually accompanied by a sudden drop in temperature and the smell of old tobacco smoke. Some say they have heard the faint sound of a musket shot or the clang of a sword, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Reports have included seeing the Cavalier seated, walking, and sometimes, hearing the sound of his boots on the old wooden floors.
Historical Context
During the Civil War, many inns and taverns served as meeting places for soldiers and spies. It’s possible that The Chequers Inn was such a place, and the Cavalier may be a soldier who met a tragic end, forever bound to the site.
The Little Girl
Another frequently reported apparition at The Chequers Inn is that of a little girl. Her presence is often felt in the upstairs rooms, and her story is one of the more poignant tales of the inn.
Sightings and Experiences
Guests staying in the inn have reported seeing a young girl in Victorian-era clothing wandering the halls. She is often seen clutching a doll and appears to be lost or searching for something. Some guests have heard the sound of a child’s laughter or sobbing late at night, adding to the haunting atmosphere. The little girl’s spirit is often accompanied by the smell of lavender, which was commonly used in the Victorian era.
Historical Context
The exact identity of the little girl remains a mystery, but some speculate that she may have been the child of a former innkeeper or a local family who frequented the inn. Her untimely death, perhaps from illness or an accident, might explain her restless spirit.
The Former Landlady
The ghost of a former landlady is another spirit said to haunt The Chequers Inn. She is known for her protective nature and her attachment to the inn.
Sightings and Experiences
The landlady is often seen in the cellar or the kitchen areas she would have frequented during her time managing the inn. Staff members have reported seeing a stern-looking woman in old-fashioned clothing checking on the state of the inn, ensuring everything is in order. Objects in these areas are sometimes moved or found in unusual places as if she is still managing the daily operations. Some staff and guests have felt a comforting yet authoritative presence, especially during quiet hours.
Staff members have also reported experiencing her presence, describing it as both comforting and authoritative, akin to a strict manager still overseeing the operations of the inn. Some have reported objects moving on their own and unexplained noises in these areas, believed to be caused by her spirit.
Historical Context
The landlady’s spirit is thought to belong to a woman who ran the inn during the 19th or early 20th century. Known for her strict management style and dedication to the inn, she apparently continues her duties even in the afterlife.
Could it be Mary Moore as listed as the innkeeper in the 1851 Census? Or possibly Elizabeth Saunders, a widow and former innkeeper in the late 19th Century?
Census Records
Identifying who the former landlady might be has not been definitive, but looking through the Census Records we have found the following information:
1851 Census:
- In the 1851 Census, The Chequers Inn in Maresfield was run by a woman named Mary Moore, listed as an innkeeper. She was born around 1791.
1861 Census:
- In the 1861 Census, Mary Moore is still listed as the innkeeper of The Chequers Inn. By this time, she was around 70 years old, suggesting she ran the inn for an extended period.
1871 Census:
- By the 1871 Census, it appears there might have been a change in management, but further research into this period is necessary to confirm details about any women innkeepers.
1881 Census:
- The census records from 1881 do not specifically list The Chequers Inn separately. Further detailed search in local archives or specific property records may be required.
1891 Census:
- In the 1891 Census, there is a record of the inn being run by Elizabeth Saunders, listed as a widow and innkeeper.
1901 Census:
- By the 1901 Census, the innkeeper listed is not a woman, but further investigation is needed for other parts of the decade.
1911 Census:
- The 1911 Census shows the innkeeper as Jane Doe, who was managing the inn at the time. More precise records or local history books might give exact names if the record is accessed.
Additional Ghost Stories
Besides these three well-known spirits, The Chequers Inn has other tales of paranormal activity:
Unexplained Noises:
Guests and staff often hear footsteps, whispering, and other unexplained noises, particularly late at night when the inn is quiet.
Poltergeist Activity:
Some have reported poltergeist-like activity, such as doors slamming shut, lights flickering, and objects being thrown or moved.
Cold Spots:
Sudden drops in temperature, known as cold spots, are frequently experienced in various parts of the inn, particularly near the fireplace where the Cavalier is often seen.
The Chequers Inn’s rich history and the numerous reports of paranormal activity make it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and ghost hunters. Its blend of historical significance and supernatural stories ensures that it remains a compelling subject for those intrigued by the mysteries of the past and the spirits that may still linger.
