The Ghosts of The Stag Inn, Hastings: Spirits in the Shadows of Smugglers

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Nestled in the heart of Hastings Old Town on All Saints Street, The Stag Inn is a historic pub with more than just vintage charm. Believed to date back to the 16th century, this timber-framed tavern has served the people of Hastings for hundreds of years and some of those customers may never have left. With its sloping floors, flickering candles, and timeworn walls, The Stag Inn is the perfect setting for a ghost story or two. And as many locals and paranormal investigators will tell you, it has more than its fair share.

Steeped in History and Spirits

The Stag Inn, originally a pair of cottages, became a pub in the 1500s and has witnessed smuggling, civil war, and even plague over the centuries. The pub still retains many of its original features, including low beamed ceilings and ancient fireplaces. These architectural remnants are said to act like spiritual magnets, retaining energy from the past and possibly the people too. Some of the earliest ghost sightings in the pub date back over 100 years, and stories are still being told today.

The Hauntings of The Stag

The Plague Children

Perhaps the most chilling ghostly tale at The Stag Inn involves a tragic chapter in the building’s past. Behind a panel in the pub’s chimney stack, the skeletons of two children were discovered in the 19th century. It's believed they may have been hidden there during a plague outbreak, possibly to prevent the spread of disease or to protect them during a time of fear and chaos.

Many who visit the pub today speak of:

• Childlike laughter or crying coming from empty rooms
• The sound of footsteps running when no children are present
• A cold, heavy feeling near the chimney area—especially at night

Some claim to have seen the apparitions of two small figures darting through the corridors, vanishing just as they’re spotted.

The Shadowy Gentleman

Another frequently reported spirit is that of a tall, dark figure in outdated clothing, often spotted near the back of the pub or at the foot of the stairs. Described as a shadowy gentleman, he never speaks or interacts, but always seems to be watching. Staff locking up at night have reported the sound of shuffling footsteps, the feeling of being watched, and doors that open or close on their own.

Firelight and Fear

Some nights, visitors have noticed candle flames flickering wildly in the absence of a draft, or lights turning off with no electrical issue. Others have experienced objects moving slightly, glasses shifting on tables, or even faint whispers that seem to come from behind the bar when no one is there. The pub’s old mirror is also a source of eerie fascination some say they’ve seen faces reflected that weren’t there or fleeting glimpses of people dressed in period clothing.

A Pint with the Past

Despite the ghost stories, or perhaps because of them, The Stag Inn remains a thriving part of Hastings’ cultural and nightlife scene. It regularly hosts live music, storytelling nights, and folk sessions, drawing locals and tourists alike. But for those who are sensitive to the paranormal, the sense of the past being very much present is undeniable. Whether you're stopping in for a drink or on the hunt for ghosts, The Stag Inn offers an experience steeped in atmosphere, history, and mystery.

Would You Visit After Dark? The next time you're in Hastings, why not pull up a chair at The Stag Inn? Just don't be surprised if someone, or something you didn't see before ends up sharing your table.