The Nottingham pub where guests were ‘scratched’ by the ghost of a young girl

It’s thought that Nottingham as a settlement dates back to the 6th century, so we shouldn’t be surprised that hundreds of different ghost stories about the city have been passed down through the ages. 

From ghostly goings-on at Wollaton Hall to the National Justice Museum, Nottingham’s rich history lends itself to some pretty creepy tales. 

But when it comes to places in the city that you might not want to be left alone, we reckon that the Ye Olde Salutation Inn is right at the top of the list. 

Read more: Your Nottingham

Sure, most pubs in the country are linked to the odd ghost story or two, but the Ye Olde Salutation Inn is in a league of its own. 

First of all, it’s worth saying that the parts of the pub date back to the 12th century and the original structure was built over the city’s cave network. 

Perhaps the pub’s most infamous resident ghost is a young girl called Rosie. 

It’s said that in the 19th century Rosie, a flower seller, was struck by a carriage in the pub’s courtyard. 

With Rosie seriously injured, she was taken down to the cave network below the pub for treatment until a doctor arrived. 

Sadly, Rosie succumbed to her injuries before she could be helped. 

In the weeks and months after Rosie’s death, guests at the pub started to report feeling scratched - as if by a child. 

The superstitious landlord at the time believed that Rosie was responsible for the scratching and took a doll down to the caves as a gift for her. 

After this, the scratching stopped and customers still leave toys in the caves for Rosie to this day. 

Another of the pub’s spooky goings-on is linked to a former landlord, named John Green, who accidentally poisoned himself with arsenic while trying to deal with a rat infestation. 

John is said to haunt the pub’s cellar and watch over those working down there. 

These days, the caves below the Ye Olde Salutation Inn are occasionally visited by those taking the Nottingham Ghost Walk. 

You can book your place on one of the tours (if you dare) by pressing here.