The Ghosts of The Adam and Eve Pub: Spirits in Norwich’s Oldest Inn

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Tucked along Bishopgate near the banks of the River Wensum, The Adam and Eve pub is more than just a cozy place for a pint, it’s a piece of living history. Reputedly the oldest pub in Norwich, dating back to at least 1249, this historic alehouse has seen medieval pilgrims, monks, soldiers, and centuries of thirsty locals pass through its doors. With such a long and storied past, it’s no surprise that The Adam and Eve is also known for something a little more… otherworldly.

Today, locals and visitors alike speak in hushed tones about the ghosts that reportedly linger within its flint walls, giving the pub a reputation as one of Norwich’s most haunted spots.

A Pint-Sized Slice of History

The Adam and Eve began life as a brew house for the monks of nearby Great Hospital, serving up ale to patients, clergy, and pilgrims. Over the centuries, it became a fully licensed pub, evolving with the city while retaining much of its medieval charm complete with timber beams, stone floors, and centuries of stories. But the laughter and cheer of its patrons may be accompanied by something less visible… and far colder.

The Ghosts That Linger

The Soldier in the Cellar

One of the most frequently sighted spirits is that of a soldier in 17th-century dress, thought to be a victim of a violent confrontation during the English Civil War. Some believe he was mortally wounded and brought to the pub which at the time may have still functioned as a kind of shelter or meeting point only to die in the cellar.

Staff members and cellar visitors have reported:

• The sensation of being watched
• Sudden temperature drops
• Tools or barrels moved or knocked over by unseen hands
• The echo of footsteps on stone, even when alone

Some particularly brave souls have even claimed to see the full apparition of the uniformed man standing silently in the shadows, vanishing as soon as they turn to face him.

The Phantom Monk

Given the pub’s ecclesiastical connections, it’s perhaps fitting that another lingering presence is said to be that of a ghostly monk. Described as wearing a hooded robe and gliding through walls, he’s believed to be connected to the Great Hospital or the nearby St Helen’s Church. Though mostly harmless, the monk’s appearance is often accompanied by the smell of incense and an intense sense of melancholy, as though he is searching for something lost long ago.

The Shifting Shadows

Both patrons and staff have shared accounts of shadowy figures glimpsed in mirrors or just at the edge of vision, particularly near the fireplace and the stairs to the upper floors. These fleeting shapes are often followed by the feeling of a sudden presence, only to disappear as quickly as they came.

A Haunted Hospitality

Despite, or perhaps because of its spectral reputation, The Adam and Eve remains a beloved local haunt (pun very much intended). It embraces its history, and staff are generally open to sharing ghost stories with curious visitors. Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, the pub’s warm ale, ancient timbers, and lingering mysteries offer an unforgettable atmosphere.

Would You Dine With the Dead? Whether you come for the historic charm, the hearty food, or a pint of fine ale, don’t be surprised if you find more than good cheer in the air. At The Adam and Eve, the past isn’t just preserved, it’s alive in whispers, footsteps, and flickering shadows. So raise a glass, but tread carefully… you might just be sharing your table with a ghost.