THE FOUR CROSSES INN
Located on Watling Street in Cannock, U.K., the historic Four Crosses Inn stands proudly. Built in 1636 this centuries-old coaching inn once served weary travellers journeying between London and Ireland, offering both accommodation and fresh horses for their onward trek. Its role as a bustling rest stop dwindled with the rise of railways in 1861, but its charm and mystique have only deepened over time. The Inn, with its timber-framed facade and a later addition dating back to around 1700, stands as an enduring legacy to architectural evolution.
More than just an ancient pub, the Four Crosses Inn is steeped in mystery. Over the years, secret passages have been uncovered, adding to the building’s intrigue. For generations, the Inn was managed by the Lovatt family, with Miss Lovatt serving as a steadfast custodian until her passing at the remarkable age of 91 in 1940. Even after her great-nephew Harry Roland Tomslinson took over, the stories of hauntings endured, frightening both locals and visitors alike. Now restored to preserve its unique character, the Four Crosses Inn remains a captivating site, where every creak may hint at footsteps from the past.
HAUNTINGS AT THE INN
The Four Crosses Inn is no stranger to ghostly encounters, guests and visitors often report seeing a Roundhead soldier, clad in historical attire, wandering in and around the building. Out in the car park, a tall male figure cloaked in a long, dark cloak has been seen, especially on rainy nights. While inside the inn, unexplainable cold spots occur, accompanied by sudden temperature drops that chill to the bone.
Room number 3 often has visitors reporting the untraceable sounds of a woman’s voice. The bar is another area, steeped in centuries of history, with its own peculiar activity; glasses are known to shatter unprovoked, and objects have moved as if guided by unseen hands. Apparitions from long-past eras also make their presence known.
Outside the Four Crosses Inn, the road holds a tragic story from the 1980s, when a young boy ran out into traffic and was struck by a car, losing his life instantly. To this day, there are chilling reports of a young boy’s ghost lingering near the pub, often seen standing alongside a dog.
Another tragic tale dates back to the 1800s, when a baby tragically died after falling from a table in the upper bar. Since then, the inn has gained a reputation for its eerie encounters, with numerous reports of child spirits lingering in the building. Faint cries of children are often heard throughout the halls, and some visitors claim to have encountered black-eyed children, who disappear just as suddenly as they appear.
Perhaps the most unnerving presence is the apparition of a teenage girl. Dressed in ragged clothes, with messy hair and bare feet, she has been seen near the kitchen corridor. This disturbing and frightening encounter was so unsettling that it caused one staff member to quit their job for good. The ladies’ toilets are also said to be particularly active, with women frequently hearing the unsettling sounds of children playing or laughing when no one else is around.
The inn’s dark past reveals even more sinister layers, from tragic suicides within the building to the grim presence of prisoners once held in the attic. The Four Crosses Inn is a place where history and the paranormal intertwine, offering an atmosphere filled with haunting intrigue that draws in the curious and the fearless.
VISITING THE FOUR CROSSES INN
The Four Crosses Inn is a fascinating place to visit, constructed with ancient shipping timbers rumoured to be over 1,000 years old, the inn carries a unique energy, with some describing the sensation as if they’re swaying at sea. Historical gems, such as a beam carved in 1636, a hidden oak door marked 1638, and a coachman’s uniform from the late 1820s discovered in the attic, offer visitors a vivid connection to its rich past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a paranormal explorer, the Four Crosses Inn has something to captivate everyone. And for the truly daring, ghost hunts are available to book, promising an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the night fades.
If you found the history and ghostly legends of the Four Crosses Inn intriguing, you might also enjoy exploring the tales of the Jamaica Inn, famously known as a smuggler’s haven.
Thanks for reading!
XOXO
