The Brushmakers Arms; Where History, Hospitality, and the Paranormal Collide
- Dr Iain M Lightfoot
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
Tucked away in the tiny Hampshire village of Upham, just a few miles from Bishop’s Waltham, stands The Brushmakers Arms, a pub that seemingly appears out of nowhere as you approach through winding country lanes. To the casual visitor, it’s a welcoming country inn, adorned with hanging baskets and warm lighting, sitting peacefully next to a church and cemetery. However, to those who know its story, this building is far more than just a fantastic pub.
With over 600 years of history, the Brushmakers Arms is steeped in legend. Its name comes from the traveling brushmakers who once fashioned brooms from local hazel branches here, using the village as a base. Over the centuries, the building has been a factory, a school, a dentist’s office, and even a private residence. Parish records mention Oliver Cromwell himself staying here in 1645, allegedly using the inn as his headquarters before his advance on Winchester. Though his officers left the place in disarray, the building nevertheless endured, absorbing layers of history and human energy that still resonate today.
Adding to its charm is a literary connection, that of Edward Young, the 18th-century poet and philosopher born in the local rectory, who is said to have frequented the inn. These are the whispers of the past that mingle with the scent of good food and the crackle of the open fire.
The Brushmakers Arms - A Pub That Feels Alive
Walking into The Brushmakers Arms is like stepping back in time. Inside, original wooden beams and brickwork tell their own stories. The main bar area exudes warmth, with its Civil War cannonballs, roaring fire, and cosy seating. To one side is the dining room, candlelight flickering against the walls. Further back, a small anteroom offers privacy and a sense of quiet which is simply perfect for those who prefer a hidden corner.
There’s something intriguing about the way the energy shifts between rooms. I felt an almost imperceptible “barrier” between the dining room and bar, as though two distinct atmospheres coexist under the same roof. The staff, however, keep the experience firmly grounded. Local, friendly, and attentive, they make sure everyone feels welcome. Though I hadn’t eaten there yet, the aroma from the kitchen was enough to convince me that next time, I will!
The Haunting of Mr. Chickett
The Brushmakers Arms also carries a darker side to its history. Local legend speaks of Mr. Chickett, a brushmaker allegedly murdered during a robbery. His ghost is said to roam the premises, forever searching for his stolen money. Reports of rattling doors, shadowy figures, and unexplained movements have surfaced over the years, adding to the pub’s mystique.
During our own investigation, Barry and I felt a darker presence, but didn't we also experience so much more.
Our Paranormal Investigation
We began by setting up cameras upstairs in the living room and bedroom facing the hallway (where spirit children had been seen), and downstairs in the back room and main bar. The energy upstairs was palpable; the atmosphere almost hummed with something unseen. Orbs, round, pulsating spheres, appeared on multiple cameras, some moving with purpose, others darting by too quickly to explain.
Upstairs, we played nursery rhymes. The response was subtle but undeniable: we sensed the spirits of children, delighting in the music. The hallway, however, felt entirely different. There, something darker that lingered. Actually, the hallway camera triggered over 250 times during the night, with no visible cause, anomalous activity that defies easy explanation. I hadn't seen this much camera activity. The Camera is now subsequently working as expected.
Downstairs, an unexpectedly charming moment occurred. As Barry casually held up a doughnut, asking aloud if any spirits wanted one, the cat ball instantly lit up, a clear sign of interaction. Though we believed that the spirits wouldn’t consume it, we left the doughnuts as an offering, a gesture of goodwill because we had offered of a sorts.
The Unbelievable Capture
This leads me to something extraordinary which happened, something we’re still processing. Across four separate videos, an object approximately four inches high was captured flying around the room. This wasn’t a moth, bat, or any insect we could identify. Its movement was almost playful, hovering, descending, then pushing off as if with tiny feet.
Could it have been a fairy? Writing those words feels surreal, but as investigators with a policy of professionalism, integrity, and avoiding sensationalism, we report what we find. The footage has been sent for further analysis, but to everyone who’s seen it, the reaction is the same: astonishment and agreement. No-one has seem anything like it. I hope to bring the video footage soon because it was the main activity at this pub... We want to share it. First, let's see what is said by an independent third party. Let me say, there are a few videos online that look similar and I will post them below so you can see what we generally found.
Final Thoughts
The Brushmakers Arms is more than a pub, it’s a living piece of history, a home to lingering spirits, and perhaps even otherworldly beings beyond our understanding. Our night there was filled with warmth, mystery, and moments of awe.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what this place holds. To Nicky, and all the wonderful staff, thank you for your hospitality. Barry and I can’t wait to return, to delve deeper, and to see what secrets the Brushmakers Arms is willing to share with us next when we once again go beyond the veil.
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