The Riverside Inn. Bovey Tracey. Devon.
FROM HAUNTED BRITAIN AND IRELAND BY RICHARD JONES.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED COPY
On an oak beam in the reception of this delightful and venerable hotel is the sword that was reputedly used to kill Thomas a Becket.
The Tracey family, from whom the village takes part of its name, came to England with the Norman Conquest and acquired substantial lands in Devon. William Tracey was one of the four knights who, taking literally Henry 11’s outburst “who will deliver me from this turbulent priest” murdered Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, in December 1170. Returning to the family estates in Devon, he is said to have thrown the sword that dealt the fatal blow into the River. It was re-discovered three hundred years ago, when the leat that now runs beneath the Inn was being dug, and it has adorned the reception ever since. Opinion is divided over the swords authenticity, the proving of which is now, obviously impossible, although there is general agreement that it is of the right age.
In addition to the intriguing relic, the hotel boasts several hauntings. In the late 1990’s a lady visiting from America, was woken one night by the overwhelming smell of burning. She placed damp towels beneath her door, but was still troubled by the acrid smell and went to investigate, but found no possible source for the smoke. When she complained of the experience to staff the next morning, they pointed out that it had been an exceptionally warm night and so no fires had been lit anywhere in the hotel.
FROM HAUNTED BRITAIN AND IRELAND BY RICHARD JONES.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A SIGNED COPY
RETURN TO HAUNTED BRITAIN HOME PAGE
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All content on this site is the Copyright of Richard Jones and may not be
reproduced or copied without the express written permission of Richard
Jones. Unauthorized use of any copyrighted materials is strictly prohibited
and all violators will be aggressively prosecuted to the fullest extent of
the law. Photographs, other than those taken by Richard Jones are the
copyright of the individual photographers or organisations as stated on each
page. These may not be copied or reproduced without the express written
permission of the individual photographers or organisations.