Ghosts of the Jamaica Inn: It was a cold grey day in late November

"It was a cold grey day in late November", a fitting backdrop to the hauntingly atmospheric Jamaica Inn. The weather was as bleak as you might expect for Bodmin Moor: sweeping rain lashed against the slate roof, echoing through the historic walls. Nestled amidst this foreboding landscape, the Jamaica Inn holds a significant place in history and literature, immortalized in Daphne du Maurier’s 1936 novel of the same name. Du Maurier, whose life and works were deeply intertwined with Cornwall’s rugged beauty, might well have captured some of the inn’s residual energy in her storytelling. This night, however, it was our turn to uncover the mysteries lingering within its walls.

The Anticipation of a Ghost Hunt

We considered ourselves fortunate to be among the chosen few who had secured a booking for a ghost hunt at this world-famous location. With slots filled up years in advance, waiting a mere six months felt like a privilege. The inn’s reputation for paranormal activity is well-documented, and I’m pleased to say it lives up to its name, not in a malevolent sense, but with a rich and intriguing energy.

A Clairvoyant Vision

Even before the night officially began, I had a clairvoyant impression of a man with greying, slightly receding hair and a moustache of a different hue. He was wearing green, perhaps tartan, and there was a Scottish connection that resonated, though I’m not sure how. Whether this figure has been reported before remains a mystery, but his presence lingered in my mind.

Exploring the Museum’s History

Our adventure began in the museum, a treasure trove of the inn’s history. The depth of its stories, still being uncovered, adds to the allure of the place. As we moved deeper into the night, our first attempt to reach out to the spirit world was met with immediate phenomena: footsteps and knocks. Volunteering to venture into the next room alone (which soon became a trio), I experienced one of the most compelling moments of the evening. A clear, melodic music box tune and faint whistling could be heard. Initially, I thought it came from the bar, but we confirmed no one was playing music. Everyone else was in the museum, and we were behind closed doors. The incident defied explanation, our first undeniable moment.

Orb Sightings and Intelligent Movement

Throughout the evening, we encountered orbs, some of which behaved unusually. While many could be dismissed as dust particles, a select few seemed to pulsate and change direction in response to our requests. These intelligent movements added a layer of intrigue.

Chilling Encounters in the Attic and Bedrooms

A trip to the attic brought more activity. EVPs and EMF meters responded to our questions, and in the oldest bedrooms, the energy continued. In Room 3, a door that had been propped open by a chair slammed shut after the group left. Attempts to recreate the event failed, and upon reviewing the infrared footage, an orb seemed to descend toward the chair moments before the door moved. Was this a spirit’s doing? The mystery deepened...

Following the Energy to the Bar

As we moved to the bar area, it became evident that the energy was evasive, shifting to different parts of the inn. It almost felt as though the building itself was guiding us. Eventually, we settled in the lower dining area, the most modern part of the bar. After hours of investigating, by this time, we had collected a wealth of information through EVPs, meditations, and séances. The inn’s resident paranormal team shared insights into the building’s history and confirmed that much of what we experienced aligned with previous reports. This validation, adding to the known stories, felt like a win for our team.

Personal Connections and Residual Energy

One particularly intriguing moment involved a personal recollection. Years ago, I’d felt a presence near me while having lunch at the inn. Upon entering the same room that night, the energy returned as if no time had passed. Here’s where it gets interesting: in her novel, Daphne du Maurier wrote of Joss Merlyn’s fictitious murder in the bar, a spot now marked by a brass plaque. I suggested that du Maurier may have subconsciously tapped into the building’s residual energy while writing. What if a real-life tragedy had inspired her fiction? One theory, that someone had fallen or been pushed down the original staircase, remains speculative but intriguing.

Encounters in the Dining Room

The dining room offered some of the most tangible energy of the evening. One of our team members reported seeing “the modern man,” a spirit known to frequent the area. Said to walk from the farm shop to the main building, had we encountered him? The darker energy we felt was less welcome, and as we formed an energy circle, shadows moved between us. Five people simultaneously reacted to one such movement, corroborating each other’s accounts. It was a spine-tingling moment.

Final Connections in the Bar

We ended the night in the newest part of the bar with a final séance. Here, I connected with what I believed to be a Victorian-era milkmaid. Her presence was gentle but unmistakable: I felt an icy cold chill around my legs and hands, and even the faint sensation of my hair being touched. There was even a familiar feeling, one that leaves you breathless and covered in goose bumps when energy perhaps moves through you. Though she eventually moved away, I sensed she was happy to have made contact.

Closing Position

Our investigation at the Jamaica Inn was rich with phenomena, from residual energy to intelligent responses, slamming doors and corroborating information. Whether it’s the spirits of the past or the building itself, this iconic location continues to captivate those who visit. Perhaps Daphne du Maurier was onto something after all, the Jamaica Inn holds secrets yet to be fully uncovered. I will be reading her book and immersing myself in the unforgettable tale of 1800s Cornwall and the Jamaica Inn. For now, I’m left with a sense of wonder and gratitude for an unforgettable night, hoping for a return visit, soon.  

 

Meet the Team

Our team is made up of passionate paranormal investigators dedicated to exploring the unknown. With years of combined experience and a shared fascination for uncovering evidence of the afterlife, we approach each investigation with professionalism, respect, and curiosity. If you’re intrigued by the paranormal and would like to join us on a future ghost hunt, or if you’re interested in hosting us at a location, we would love to hear from you. Contact us today to take the first step into the unknown!