Pangbourne, Berkshire
The George Hotel is primarily haunted by the malevolent spirit of Betty Price, a local woman accused of witchcraft in the early 17th century. According to local legend, Betty used the inn's cellars as a hiding place from witch hunters. During one of the regular floods that plagued the cellars due to their proximity to the Thames, Betty became trapped and drowned. Before her death, she allegedly placed a powerful curse upon the innkeeper and all those who had participated in her capture. Her vengeful spirit is said to roam the hotel corridors to this day, seeking revenge against her persecutors. The curse has reportedly brought misfortune to the establishment over the centuries, and Betty's presence is felt throughout the building as she continues her eternal search for those who wronged her.
Betty Price (vengeful witch spirit) and possibly other unidentified spirits
Betty Price was a local woman accused of witchcraft who used The George Hotel's cellars as a hiding place from witch hunters. She drowned during a flood while trapped in the cellar and cursed the inn before her death.
12th century origins (dating back to 1293 as documented inn)
Coaching inn and tavern on the main route between London and the west country
One of Berkshire's oldest inns, The George has been serving travelers for over 700 years. Originally established in 1293, it became The George Inn in the 16th century and was one of the busiest coaching inns in the area due to its strategic location between Oxford, Windsor, and London. The inn's cellars regularly flooded due to their proximity to the Thames, which plays a crucial role in its most famous ghost story. During its heyday, it was an important stopover for merchants, travelers, and even served as a hideout for Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman.
Traditional English coaching inn architecture with Tudor and Georgian elements. The building features exposed timber beams, low ceilings, and original stone construction typical of medieval hostelries, with later additions reflecting its continuous use through the centuries.
Paranormal activity at The George includes sudden temperature drops throughout the building, particularly near the cellar area and in guest rooms. Staff and visitors frequently report feeling an oppressive, malevolent presence, especially during nighttime hours. Electrical equipment malfunctions without explanation, doors slam shut on their own, and objects are found moved from their original positions. Guests have reported disturbing dreams and feelings of being watched while sleeping. The sound of dripping water is often heard even when no plumbing issues exist, and the smell of stagnant water sometimes permeates rooms with no apparent source. Cold spots appear randomly throughout the building, and some guests have reported their bedcovers being tugged or feeling the weight of someone sitting on their bed during the night.
The cellars and basement areas are considered the epicenter of Betty Price's haunting, as this is where she allegedly died. The main corridors, particularly those leading to the cellar areas, experience frequent supernatural activity. Guest rooms directly above the cellar show heightened paranormal activity, with Room 7 being particularly active. The main staircase and landing areas are common sites for sightings and cold spots. The dining area, which incorporates part of the original inn structure, also experiences unexplained phenomena, especially during evening hours when few people are present.
A former manager reported seeing a dark female figure standing at the end of a corridor before disappearing when approached. Multiple guests have independently reported the same dream of a woman in old-fashioned dress warning them to leave the building. Staff members have quit after experiencing repeated supernatural encounters, particularly night staff who work alone. A guest in 2019 reported waking to find wet footprints leading from the bathroom to their bed, despite the bathroom being dry. Local residents acknowledge the haunting as common knowledge, with many avoiding the hotel due to its reputation. Maintenance workers have reported tools going missing and being found in impossible locations, and cold spots that move throughout the building.
While The George Hotel hasn't been featured on major television paranormal programs, it has been investigated by local paranormal groups and ghost tour operators. The hotel is included in regional ghost walks and paranormal tours of Berkshire. Local historians have documented the Betty Price legend as part of Pangbourne's folklore. The building's reputation as one of Berkshire's most haunted locations has made it a regular stop for amateur ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. Recent investigations have used EMF detectors and digital voice recorders, with some claiming to capture unexplained voices and temperature fluctuations in the cellar areas.
📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms the cellars and basement areas are considered the epicenter of betty price's haunting for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
The Square, Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire RG8 7AJ
Phone: +44 1189 842237
Status: Operating (restaurant and hotel)
Offers wedding services and can host events like birthdays, board meetings, conferences, and christenings. [4, 21] Upgrades may be available to include luxury spa robes, toiletries, flowers, champagne, and chocolate. [5]
Offers accessible parking. [4] Some sources mention wheelchair friendliness, but it's best to confirm specific needs with the hotel. [5]
Pangbourne itself is known for The George Hotel's haunting. Nearby haunted locations in Berkshire include Windsor Castle, Donnington Castle (Newbury), Shaw House (Newbury), The Ostrich Inn (Colnbrook), Littlecote House, and Watlington House (Reading). [6, 7, 9, 10, 11]
Book your stay and experience Betty Price and other supernatural activity firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.