The Civil War Soldier
Residual Haunting • 17th century (English Civil War)
Guests and locals have reported sightings of a ghostly soldier at The Cross Keys Hotel, believed to date back to the English Civil War. Descriptions often include a man in period military attire, seen in the hotel's corridors and rooms. Some accounts suggest the soldier is a residual haunting, re-enacting past events without interaction with the living. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The Story
Historical Evidence
The primary evidence for the Civil War soldier haunting comes from guest testimonials and local lore. The hotel's historical significance during the English Civil War, serving as a base for Cromwell's forces, provides a plausible backdrop for such a haunting. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} Additionally, multiple guests have independently reported sightings of a soldier in period attire, lending credibility to the claims. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} While no physical evidence has been documented, the consistency of these accounts over the years suggests a pattern worth noting.
Where to Encounter This Spirit
🔥 Most Active Areas
- Second-floor corridors
- Guest rooms facing High Street
- Main staircase
- Chester’s Room
- Dining area
👁️ Common Sightings
- Apparition of a soldier in 17th-century attire
- Unexplained footsteps in corridors
- Doors opening and closing on their own
- Cold spots in specific areas
- Disembodied voices or whispers
Paranormal Investigations
While there are no formal records of professional paranormal investigations at The Cross Keys Hotel, anecdotal evidence from guests and locals has been documented over the years. A YouTube video titled 'THE SAFFRON WALDEN GHOST INVESTIGATION' explores various haunted locations in the area, including mentions of The Cross Keys Hotel. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} Additionally, the hotel's reputation has been discussed in local forums and social media platforms, where individuals share personal experiences and theories about the haunting.
🏰 Stay at This Haunted Hotel
The Cross Keys Hotel
Saffron Walden, Essex
Experience The Civil War Soldier's haunting firsthand by staying at this historic Originally 15th–16th century (Elizabethan era), with circa 1580 construction hotel.