The Sally Port Inn: Eerily Quiet Investigation in Old Portsmouth
- Dr Iain M Lightfoot
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Old Portsmouth has always fascinated me. The streets hum with the energy of centuries of sailors, traders, soldiers, and rogues who passed through its narrow lanes. Even before reaching the Sally Port Inn, I could feel this atmosphere which was layered with memories of hotels, the old railway, whispers of crime, and a street life that once thrived here. That energy built steadily as I approached the building.
First Impressions and Strange Insights
Standing outside the Inn, I felt something unusual. It was as if I were standing inside the building even though the façade was clearly in front of me. When talking with the owner later, he shared a fascinating piece of history: several hundred years ago, there had been a land grab, and the entire row of buildings was moved forward. My sense of displacement suddenly made sense.
Further impressions followed quickly. I picked up on the presence of a sword, one that could not be let go, as if it had to remain tied to this place. Inside, this became strikingly relevant. The building had once been home to Fisk & Sons, renowned sword makers. A Royal Navy officer’s sword had indeed been forged there. The sword was sold, lost, and later repurchased, eventually returning to its rightful home.
Other sensations were more cryptic: the feeling of a Glaswegian spirit, slightly hostile, muttering “don’t look at me”; the overwhelming smell of burnt toast, later linked to a 1725 fire caused by a French incendiary bomb; and the odd impression of a stuffed monkey, which I couldn’t confirm. I also sensed a Masonic connection, another thread in this tangled web of history and a connection with diving helmets - of which there are several in the building, but also the link to Buster Crabbe mysterious disappearance!
The Sally Port and Layers of History
The Sally Port Inn, located in the historic heart of Old Portsmouth, is a building that has witnessed over seven centuries of maritime and military history. Originally constructed in the 13th century, it has served various purposes over the years, from a tavern frequented by sailors to a strategic lodging point during times of naval conflict. The inn incorporates timbers from Spanish and French ships, some predating Henry VIII’s reign, giving it a unique connection to Portsmouth’s naval heritage. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous modifications, including a Georgian façade, yet traces of its medieval origins remain.
Notably, it was once the home of Fisk & Sons, renowned sword manufacturers to the Royal Navy, and it also holds the curious claim of being the last place famed diver Lionel “Buster” Crabb slept before his mysterious disappearance in 1956. With such a rich past, it’s no surprise that ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena have become part of the inn’s enduring legend.
The Sally Port Inn is indeed a treasure trove of historical material. Other elements and artefacts in the pub came from HMS Penelope, HMS Anson, and HMS Crossbow and so many more maritime vessels. These fragments of naval history imbue the building with a powerful energy.
The Inn has seen many lives: it once overlooked bareknuckle fights through a special viewing window, received a Georgian facelift. It’s no wonder stories of spirit activity linger here.
Ghostly Tales
Visitors and staff have long reported strange occurrences: children running up stairs, menus flying, glasses pushed over, footsteps from empty rooms, and unexplained cold spots. An antique shop within even displays a sign warning: Beware of the ghost. With so many reports, my expectations for the investigation were obviously high.
The Investigation: A Quiet Night
Armed with sound recorders, infrared cameras, dowsing rods, and cat balls, we began our vigil. Almost immediately, we encountered... nothing... we captured a few small orbs on camera and experienced occasional EMF spikes. On the main stairs, motion sensors were triggered while we were upstairs, and there were subtle cold spots. Yet, overall, the night was surprisingly quiet... TOO QUIET. On reviewing the evidence, we did capture movements, EVPs and knocking... but no direct contact.
This raised questions. Was it simply a low-activity night, or were the spirits deliberately avoiding contact? In most locations, I would fully expect to see at least some orb movement, as I rarely believe any place is entirely devoid of spirit presence. Yet here, the stillness was profound.
Why the silence? Were they hiding, wary of our intrusion? Did we fail to ask the right questions or gain their trust? Or perhaps the spirits of Sally Port Inn prefer to reveal themselves on their own terms.
Final Thoughts
On this night, the verdict is simple: the Sally Port Inn remains an enigma. Despite a few glimpses of activity, very occasional orbs, cold spots, and a motion sensor or two, it was quiet, almost too quiet.
This building, with its centuries-old timbers and layers of history, for me holds secrets. Perhaps the spirits are waiting for the right moment or the right people to engage with them. Future investigations may yield more, but for now, the mystery endures.
I can say that, when you find yourself next in Old Portsmouth, step inside this historical gem. Enjoy a quiet drink, absorb the atmosphere, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll sense the whispers of the past. For now, the adventure continues beyond the veil.
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