Monday, 3 November 2025

Haunted places: The Giffard Arms pub in Wolverhampton

 The Giffard Arms pub
The gothic rock pub with some paranormal patrons.

In Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

The rock and goth pub that an amazing venue for live bands and djs . The pubs cool, gothic and rock scene decor and the amazing “Devil’s Chair” is the one seat that everyone just has to sit in for that all important selfie!

But when the lights turn off and the pub closes its doors for the night, the Giffard Arms is haunted by memories of its past. 



Many regulars say the spirits at the Giffard Arms are not malevolent — more mischievous and watchful, as if protecting the pub that bears the Giffard name.






Reported Hauntings & Ghost Stories


1. The Ghost of Anne Horton

One of the most well-known spirits said to linger at the Giffard Arms is Anne Horton, a woman believed to have been associated with the Giffard family — the historic landowners whose name the pub bears.

Locals claim her restless spirit roams the upper floors and staircases. She’s described as appearing in Victorian-style clothing, sometimes seen near mirrors or the back rooms after closing time.


2. Poltergeist Activity

Staff and visitors have reported unexplained events such as:

Glasses sliding off tables or shelves on their own

Sudden cold spots and flickering lights

Doors opening or slamming when no one is near

Music equipment turning on or off unexpectedly


Paranormal investigation groups who’ve visited claim to have recorded strange EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) and temperature drops in certain areas of the building, particularly the cellar and the old upper rooms.


3. Strange Sounds & Shadows

Late-night cleaners and bar staff have reported hearing heavy footsteps when the building is empty, whispers behind them, and even faint music or laughter coming from closed rooms.

Shadowy figures are occasionally seen moving across mirrors or at the top of the staircase — vanishing when approached.


Possible Explanations & Atmosphere


Given its age (the building dates from 1927, though earlier pubs stood on the site) and Gothic décor, the pub’s moody interior adds to the supernatural aura. Some suggest that its proximity to older medieval parts of Wolverhampton could be connected to its hauntings — perhaps the land itself has deep historical layers of energy.


The staff embrace the pub’s haunted reputation — especially around Halloween, when it becomes a favourite local spot for themed nights, ghost tours, and paranormal enthusiasts.



Paranormal Reputation

Featured on local ghost walk routes and haunted pub lists for the West Midlands.

Mentioned in Mysterious Britain & Ireland and Express & Star articles about haunted Wolverhampton.

Visitors frequently describe an “eerie but friendly” atmosphere — spooky enough to intrigue, but not malevolent.


Here are some of the first-hand accounts and reported experiences from people who’ve worked at or investigated the Giffard Arms in Wolverhampton — stories that have helped cement its haunted reputation:



Staff Accounts


Former bar staff have told local papers and paranormal groups that strange things happen most often after closing time:


“You’d be locking up, and you’d hear footsteps upstairs or in the back room. You’d go to check and the place would be completely empty.”


Another bartender recalled:

We’d put the chairs up on the tables at the end of the night, and come in the next morning to find some of them back down again. It wasn’t like someone had broken in — it was like they’d been moved deliberately.”


One long-time employee claimed that the lights in the cellar — which has a cold, oppressive atmosphere — would turn themselves on and off:


“Sometimes the bulbs would flicker or blow for no reason. You’d get this sudden chill, like someone had walked straight through you.”



 Paranormal Investigations


Several ghost-hunting teams have visited the Giffard Arms over the years, drawn by its Gothic style and its long history as a gathering place. Some of their findings include:

EVP recordings: Investigators reported capturing whispers and faint female voices on tape when no one was present.

One recording apparently captured a voice saying “Leave me alone” from the cellar area.

Temperature changes: Paranormal groups noted that sudden, sharp drops in temperature often occur in the back room and stairwell — even when the heating is on.

Motion sensors & EMF readings: Unexplained activity was logged near the staircase and upstairs rooms. On several occasions, motion detectors triggered with no visible movement.


One team from a local paranormal society described the energy as “heavy but intelligent — like something aware of our presence.”


 The Woman in Victorian Dress


Multiple witnesses — both staff and visitors — have reported seeing a woman in old-fashioned Victorian clothing, thought to be the spirit of Anne Horton or another lady connected with the site’s earlier history.

She’s often spotted at the top of the stairs or by the mirrors, described as pale, elegant, and “sad-eyed.”

One visitor in the early 2000s said she appeared “as solid as any living person”for a few seconds before vanishing.

Others have caught her reflection in the mirrors when no one else was there.


The Halloween Connection


Every Halloween, the Giffard Arms leans into its haunted heritage — hosting themed nights, ghost tours, and live music events. Some attendees claim the energy feels “different” during this time of year:


You can almost feel the building come alive around Halloween,” said one regular. “The air feels thicker, like the place remembers everything that’s happened here.”








Type of Phenomenon

Reported Location

Description

Apparition (female ghost)

Stairs & mirrors

Appears in Victorian dress, vanishes suddenly

Poltergeist activity

Bar & cellar

Objects move, glasses slide, lights flicker

Cold spots

Cellar & back room

Sudden temperature drops

Disembodied voices

Upstairs rooms

Whispers, sighs, faint female tones

Footsteps & movement

Empty rooms

Heard after hours or when no one is present


The Founders of The Occult Network know this pub well and have long loved the venue for its atmosphere and great music.   Check it out, hear some good rock music and who knows , you may just catch a glimpse of the ghosts of the Giffard Arms.


https://youtu.be/FSep62hLHCQ?si=vv_7U642TOZYI1mk


https://youtu.be/jRt11VfeNbI?si=eAnBoU0YrL-VuxHn

https://youtu.be/U-A7M_0zwa8?si=9s1ZBPdfZiQzpIgI



https://www.facebook.com/GiffardArms






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