One of the ghosts said to haunt the hotel is Oliver Cromwell, a former MP considered an important figure in British history
In the heart of one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire is a hotel that is believed to be haunted by three spirits. Many old places across Cambridgeshire have a lot of history behind them, and in this case, ghosts may be keeping this history somewhat alive.
An 18th century hotel in St Ives, known as The Golden Lion Hotel, is believed to be haunted by three spirits. These are the Green Lady, a Royalist soldier from the English Civil War and most notably, an MP who is considered one of the “most important” in British history, Oliver Cromwell.
The hotel’s paranormal activity dates back to at least 1893, according to Haunted Hosts. The Green Lady haunts rooms 12 and 13. She is notorious for pulling bedsheets off guests. There have been many sightings of her for over a century, but her identity remains unknown, although some people believe she was a mistress of Oliver Cromwell.
The soldier that fought in the English Civil War is believed to haunt room 15. Also known as the Cavalier ghost, people have said they have seen him glide through walls and is “endlessly replaying his final moments”, according to Haunted Hosts.
The final ghost, Oliver Cromwell, is said to appear every month on the 13th. Oliver Cromwell lived in the Cambridgeshire town between 1631 and 1636, when he worked as a tenant farmer.
He is recognised and celebrated in the town with a statue that stands in Market Hill. At the Golden Lion, the ghost of Oliver Cromwell has been seen walking through the corridors of rooms opposite 12 to 15.
He has been said to walk with “authoritative presence”, as stated on Haunted Hosts. Although his ghost haunts the hotel, it isn’t reported that Oliver Cromwell actually stayed there.
Since the 18th century, the hotel acted as a “lifeline” – according to the hotel website – for those that travelled through the town seeking warmth and comfort.
The hotel website added: “With its handsome Georgian façade and delightful proportions, the Golden Lion quickly became a focal point of town life. Carriages rolled into its courtyard with letters, parcels and gossip from across the country.”
Today, the hotel has updated rooms, a bustling bar and serves hearty food. As well as a welcoming interior, the hotel offers beautiful views of the River Ouse.
Last year, St Ives was also named one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire by Muddy Stilettos.