Nestled in the tranquil Gloucestershire countryside lies The Ragged Cot, an inn with a history spanning over three centuries. This establishment has not only welcomed a myriad of hosts and guests but has also gained reputation for its eerie hauntings. The Ragged Cot’s long and storied past reveals a spectral legend that continue to intrigue visitors to this day.
The Early Years
The Ragged Cot was established in the early 18th century, around 1730 in the picturesque village of Minchinhampton, near Stroud. Originally serving as a modest coaching inn, it provided shelter and food to tired travelers making their way through the Cotswolds Hills. The strategic location made it a popular stopover, and over the decades, it expanded its facilities to cater to an increasing number of guests.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, The Ragged was managed by a succession of dedicated hosts, each bringing their own unique touch to the inn. The establishment maintained a good reputation for its hearty meals, comfortable lodgings, and hospitality. It was during this period that some of its more macabre stories began to emerge, cementing its legendary status.
A Tragedy Unveiled
One of the most enduring tales from The Ragged’s history involves the tragic death of a former landlord named Bill Clavers and his family. In 1760, Clavers, who was known for his unruly behavior, attempted to rob a coach passing by the inn. However, the heist went terribly wrong, and in the chaos, Clavers, his wife, and infant son were killed. As the story goes, ex-landlord Bill Clavers decided to rob the midnight stagecoach traveling to London. To give himself the necessary courage to rob the coach, he got drunk on rum and and stumbled toward the coach with two loaded pistols in hand. Despite desperate attempts by his wife—who held their child—to dissuade, Clavers forcefully shoved her aside, causing her to tumble down the stairs. After executing the robbery, he returned to the inn only to discover, to his horror, the lifeless bodies of his wife and child at the base the staircase. In a panic, he put their bodies in a trunk.Local law enforcement soon arrived, having traced Clavers’ footprints through the snow. They were met with the eerie apparition of his wife and child, prompting them to flee into the night in terror. When they returned the following morning, the corpses of his wife and child had inexplicably reappeared at the bottom of the stairs. Clavers, a broken man, was convicted of his crimes, and sentenced to death by hanging.
Legend it that from that fateful night onwards, the specters of Clavers’ wife and child have been seen wandering the premises. Guests and staff have reported hearing the faint cries of a baby and the apparition of a woman dressed in old-fashioned garments, giving rise to haunting tales that have persisted throughout the centuries. These ghostly sightings have captured the imagination of many and have become an part of The Rag Cot’s lore.
The 20th and 21st Centuries
The Ragged continued to operate as a popular inn well into the 20th century. It saw various ownership changes, each host adding their own stories to the rich fabric of the inn’s history. Despite a significant renovation in the 1970s, the stories of hauntings did not wane. Instead, they seemed to be revitalised more visitors shared their own eerie experiences.
In recent years, The Ragged Cot has embraced its ghostly reputation, attracting both history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts. It often features in ghost tours and has been the subject of various documentaries and articles exploring English haunted locations. The current hosts have maintained a balance, providing a welcoming atmosphere for those seeking a quaint inn experience while also acknowledging and preserving the inn’s haunted heritage.
Conclusion
The Ragged Cot stands as a testament to centuries of hospitality intertwined with the supernatural. Its 300-year history, marked by a succession of dedicated hosts and imbued with tales of ghostly apparitions, offers a unique glimpse into England’s storied past. Visitors eager to experience an authentic slice of history can find it within the walls of this timeless Cotswolds inn.
The Ragged Cot, Cirencester Road,
Minchinhampton, GL6 8PE
01453 884643
info@theraggedcot-minchinhampton.com
Bar Open:
Monday to Saturday: 10am-11pm
Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Breakfast Served:
Monday to Friday: 7.30am – 9.30am
Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 10am
Restaurant Open:
Monday to Saturday 12pm-9pm
Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
Kitchen closed 3pm-5.30pm from Monday to Thursday
