Haunted Hosts

The current building has stood since the early Georgian era and once served travelers and sailors coming through Mistley’s port on the River Stour. It occupies the site of a former 1600s inn famously associated with Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General. In fact, Hopkins allegedly owned or lived in the original Thorn Inn here in the 1640s and launched many of his notorious witch hunts from Mistley. He died in 1647 and was buried nearby. The inn is thus tightly linked to the dark history of the Essex witch trials. Architecturally, the Mistley Thorn is a fine example of a Georgian coaching house and remains a cornerstone of Mistley’s historic waterfront, directly opposite the twin Mistley Towers built in 1776. Its blend of local history (from witch trials to saltwater spa plans) and hospitality heritage give it a uniquely rich past.