The Red Lion Hotel in Colchester, Essex, dates back to 1465, making it one of England’s oldest inns. Originally built as a coaching inn, it has served as a resting place for travelers for centuries. The hotel’s structure incorporates parts of the Roman wall that once surrounded Colchester, adding to its historical significance.

During the English Civil War in 1648, the Red Lion played a role in the Siege of Colchester. Royalist leaders were said to have stayed at the inn during this tumultuous period. In 1727, the hotel’s facade was rebuilt, giving it its current Georgian appearance.

The Red Lion has a reputation for paranormal activity, with several ghost stories associated with the property. One of the most well-known spirits is that of Alice Catherine Millar, a chambermaid who was allegedly murdered in the hotel in 1638. Witnesses have reported seeing her apparition in rooms and corridors, particularly in rooms 5, 6, and 10.

Another frequently reported ghost is that of a small boy, believed to have died in a fire at the hotel. Staff and guests have described hearing the sound of children’s laughter and footsteps when no children were present.

The hotel’s parliament room, once used for meetings during the Civil War, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a Royalist soldier. Visitors have reported feeling a sudden chill and sensing an unseen presence in this area.

In the kitchen, staff have reported poltergeist-like activity, with objects moving on their own and unexplained noises. Some believe this could be the spirit of a former cook who continues to oversee the kitchen’s operations.