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May 19, 2023 43 mins

Discover the history and paranormal encounters of The Old Vicarage Hotel in Bridgwater with guest and owner Candida Leaver. Featured in Help My House Is Haunted Season 4, the Hotel is full of charm and character as well as several locations that boast of paranormal activity.

"I was staying in Room 5 alone when someone clearly sat on the end of the bed. I didn't feel scared, just curious." Guest Feedback

"Whilst walking down the stairs in the main building I was tapped firmly on the shoulder." Guest Feedback


My Special Guest is Candida Leaver

Candida Leaver purchased The Old Vicarage Hotel in the heart of Bridgwater in 2019 with her husband Peter. Before taking on The Old Vicarage, they owned The Bower Inn. Having fallen in love with the Hotel the couple have lovingly spent time and resources to renovate the Hotel to make it an inviting and cosy place to visit for its beautiful garden, delicious food and luxurious facilities.


The History of The Old Vicarage Hotel

St Mary Street in Bridgwater contains a line of fourteenth century cottages including the Old Vicarage Hotel which was given in the sixteenth century by Edward de Chedzoy to be used as a vicarage. The Old Vicarage, which dates back to 1327, has a south facing patio and garden within its central courtyard, which is accessed by an ancient archway, once used by horses and carriages.

Originally built of wattle and daub, The Old Vicarage is certainly the oldest domestic premises in the town, only the church itself dating back any further.  As a one-time coaching house, it continued life as the Steynings Tea Rooms before reverting to its Old Vicarage title. The Hotel is a charming building with some wonderful historical links to Bridgwater’s past, including reputably being the place Judge Jeffreys stayed and, also, providing lodgings for Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed the train station and a bridge in the town.


Ghostly goings-on at The Old Vicarage
The Old Vicarage Hotel, located in Somerset, has a diverse history of paranormal activity. This quaint and atmospheric location has been the site of numerous ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena such as reports of unexplained footsteps, phantom women, ghostly pushes and objects being moved. Candy takes us through some of these experiences and reports from guests and staff as well as exploring their connections with the local history. With first hand accounts from staff and guests you can explore the ghostly goings-on for yourself.


In this episode, you will be able to:


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