New Forest Ghost Stories: A Return to the Fleur de Lys, Pilley

The Fleur de Lys, Amazing Pub, Restaurant and Haunted Location

Last September, Barry and I were privileged to have been able to conduct an investigation at The Grand Old Lady of the Forest, The Fleur de Lys for our book, Ghosts on Tap; Top 10 Haunted Pubs in Hampshire. We had an amazing time and I would recommend reading the blog.... BUT first... When my phone rang and the Landlord (and amazing chef) Steve Hurst explained that the Fleur had been experiencing an increase in activity and would we come back, we immediately said yes! Both members of the team and guests, those connected with the building, described new disturbances, changes in atmosphere, and a sense that the energy of the pub had shifted once again.

From the outset, it was clear that this return visit was not simply a continuation of what we had experienced before, but it was an escalation with new characteristics and a distinct pattern of activity.

Environmental Conditions at the Fleur de Lys

It was misty and rainy as we arrived late evening. As with all investigations, environmental readings were taken to provide context and to support later analysis, a new theory on geomagnetic activity was at the forefront of my mind and so we begin to take more note of the solar conditions.

During the investigation at the Fleur de Lys conditions were recorded as follows:

• Temperature between 8–10°C, with a “feels like” temperature closer to 6°C

• Barometric pressure between 1011–1013 millibars

• Periodic rain throughout the evening

• Wind speeds of 9–11 mph from the south-south-east

• Geomagnetic activity recorded at G3–G4 levels, classed as strong to severe

Physical Sensations and a Pattern of Disturbance

Reports prior to our return included feeling sickness. On our walkaround, this had a particular effect on Barry, while I was experiencing a 'pain' in the side of my body. This 'pain' was also experienced by others in the evening. These sensations appeared briefly, without obvious physical cause, and then subsided.

For me, one of the most striking aspects of the evening was that activity appeared to concentrate along a clear diagonal line running from the bar area through towards the fireplace. I do not believe that this was not merely an impression. Along this line, pints were inexplicably spilled, flowers were tipped over and found on the floor, and small disturbances occurred without any visible contact. This diagonal focus remained consistent throughout the early stages of the investigation. Again, during the walkaround Barry saw an orb in the light, a rare event, the orb travelling along that line.

The First Ninety Minutes: Noise and Interaction

For approximately the first hour and a half, the building was highly active. Clear footsteps were heard in areas that were known to be unoccupied, these steps accompanied by heavy bangs that carried weight and intent rather than the random noises often attributed to an old structure settling, the bangs and knocks in response to questions. While individual noises can sometimes be explained in isolation, the timing and responsiveness of these events made simple explanations increasingly difficult to sustain, especially as they occurred after a number of questions! I sensed that the energy/entity responsible for those bangs was impatient, and that if we didn't ask the right question soon he would stop responding. Which was effectively, and I believe, what happened.

A door was believed to have closed of its own accord, with no corresponding drafts or pressure changes elsewhere. Flickering lights were also noted for the first time during any of our visits. While a loose fitting remains the plausible explanation, and is always considered first, the timing and novelty of this occurrence were carefully recorded.

Orb activity throughout was frequent. Most followed familiar patterns, but one anomaly stood out clearly. Rather than appearing and moving across the frame, a single orb appeared to flash repeatedly in a fixed position, as if attempting to manifest before withdrawing. This type of behaviour has been observed before and is often reported prior to more structured phenomena being observed.

A Sudden Change

Then, as abruptly as it had begun, the activity suddenly stopped. The footsteps ceased. The heavy bangs fell silent. The charged atmosphere that had filled the building dissipated almost instantly. What replaced it was a calm that felt complete and deliberate. With open fires burning and candles lit, the Fleur de Lys returned to a serene state, taking on an atmosphere that was warm, inviting, and romantic. Such sudden shifts are commonly reported in locations with repeated activity and form an important part of the overall investigative pattern.

The Old Front Room and Separate Cottage in Decades Long Since Past

Communication and New Information

We continued our efforts to understand what was happening and it was later in the evening, working in a different part of the building, communication was carried out using dowsing rods. What emerged was unexpected...

We made contact with a spirit we had previously during our time at the Fleur. We were informed of a new presence within the building, described not as a long-term resident but as a visitor. According to the responses received, this individual was searching for their daughter, believed to have gone missing from Lymington over one hundred years ago. How or why this person came to the Fleur de Lys remains unknown.

As always, care was taken not to impose narrative where evidence is limited. However, the consistency of responses and the emotional tone of the communication suggested distress rather than mischief. Further indications suggested that this presence may now have moved on. A lady in green cloak...

Alongside this, information was received regarding a former landlord, described as having little patience. According to the communication, it was this individual responsible for much of the earlier banging. There was no sense of hostility, simply irritation and an enduring attachment to the building, an entirely fitting character for such a historic public house. We also had indications and confirmation of the spirit we talked to having being locked in a room, obviously centuries ago!

Final Reflections

This was an exceptional investigation, made all the more meaningful by the current landlord and chef, who is very much a huge part of the Fleur de Lys today. His care for the building and commitment to its continued success are evident, and places like this thrive when they are respected and loved.

This return visit served as a reminder that paranormal activity is rarely constant and seldom behaves on demand. The Fleur de Lys offered significant intensity, interaction, and then calm within a single evening. Rather than diminishing the experience, that contrast only deepened it. Until we meet again Grand Old Lady of the Forest.

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