The Talbot Hotel
The Talbot Hotel, which dates back to 1626, actually has some parts that go all the way back to the early 1500s. Originally a coaching inn, it was once the home of the Guild of Our Lady of Oundle, where monks lived and conducted trade. These guilds were quite prosperous, thanks to the support of local citizens, which allowed them to fund priests and invest in schools, hospitals, and almshouses for those in need, creating a cycle of growing wealth.
The Talbot, also known as the Tabard, was a significant asset for the Oundle Guild. However, things changed when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, and during Edward VI's regency, various religious organizations, including local guilds, lost their assets. The Talbot first popped up in records in 1617, when Oundle residents were instructed to deliver butter to the inn for the King. Another mention came in 1631 when affluent citizens were told to gather at The Talbot due to some unpaid fees.
In 1626, The Talbot Inn underwent a major renovation, which was noted for its striking façade. Interestingly, much of the material used in this rebuild came from the nearby Fotheringhay Castle, infamous for being the execution site of Mary Queen of Scots. After Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland, sold the castle, it fell into disrepair. While there are claims that materials from the castle were repurposed for The Talbot's renovation, historians are still debating the authenticity of some artifacts, like the famous oak staircase that supposedly belonged to Mary. There are even legends of her ghost haunting the inn and marks on the staircase that are said to be linked to her signet ring.
Details about The Talbot Inn in the 1700s are a bit scarce. In 1755, it welcomed guests from Ireland, some of whom left messages on the old window panes. At that time, the innkeeper was Thomas Ellis, who thrived during the 1780s. By 1790, the inn was up for sale, and it’s likely that John Smith, a wealthy local who had built a brewery, became the new owner. George Smith, possibly a relative, started a coaching business with The Talbot as one of the stops. In 1796, Stephen Hodges took over as innkeeper, but the Smith family regained control until 1922.
The Talbot Hotel has quickly become a hotspot in the paranormal world, with numerous hauntings reported by both guests and staff. One of the most notable spirits is the White Lady, thought to be Mary Queen of Scots, who has been spotted in her 16th-century attire on the Oak Staircase. A memorable incident from the early 2000s involved the assistant manager's mother, who claimed to have seen this ghost in Room 102, a room named in honor of Mary. After that chilling encounter, she vowed never to stay there again.
But that's not all—there have also been tales of poltergeist activity. For instance, the current assistant manager noticed his coffee cup had mysteriously shifted to another table right after he saw a shadow pass by. Mediums who have visited the hotel reported sensing the presence of monks or priests and even mentioned the names John and Mary, despite having no prior knowledge of the hotel's background.
Other eerie happenings include various sounds like taps, knocks, and footsteps echoing throughout the building, particularly in the Snug, the Whitwell Suite, and the upstairs bedrooms.
Reference
by brookesparanormal The Talbot Hotel Oundle Ghost Hunts
Brookesparanormal.co.uk Available at-https://www.brookesparanormal.co.uk/the-talbot-hotel
(Assessed: 17th July 2025)
