THEY'RE the pubs where you're never drinking alone.

A host of Hampshire pubs are said to be haunted with ghostly goings on at many historic boozers.

Here's some spooky stories from behind the bar as we approach Halloween.

The Red Lion, Southampton

Basingstoke Gazette:

One of the oldest pubs in England, this historic city centre watering hole is said to have 21 phantom patrons.

Part of the building dates back to 1148 with additions during the Tudor era.

The pub was said to be the location for the treason trial of the Southampton Plot Conspirators – Richard, Earl of Cambridge, Lord Scrope of Masham and Sir Thomas Grey of Heton. The trio were accused of plotting the death of Henry V in 1415.

Punters have occasionally reported seeing a ghostly old lady floating behind the bar and heavy boots have been heard in the basement.

 

The Brushmakers Arms, Upham

Basingstoke Gazette:

The 600-year-old haunted country pub once used by Oliver Cromwell has seen many uses during a fascinating history.

Apart from being a pub, it has been a private house, a school and is even believed to have been used as a campaign headquarters by Oliver Cromwell as he advanced on Winchester during the English Civil War in 1645.

It also served the needs of travelling brush makers who fashioned Hampshire hedgerow hazel into domestic brushes.

It is thought that the pub may be haunted by Mr Chicket, the original brushmaker who was murdered during a robbery on the premises. There have been many reports of footsteps, doors rattling and sightings of apparitions over the years.

 

The Eclipse Inn, Winchester

Basingstoke Gazette:

The boss of this historic pub has experienced plenty of spooky shenanigans since taking over in January.

Eclipse co-manager Elliott Fearne has had a number of unexplained eerie experiences.

The 16th Century pub in The Square is famous for the tale of Dame Alice Lisle, who was accused of harbouring two dissenters after the 1685 Battle of Sedgemoor at her house and sentenced to decapitation with an axe. It took place as she exited the pub.

The spooky pub has had many paranormal investigation teams from across the world visit.

 

The Angel and Blue Pig, Lymington

Basingstoke Gazette:

This quirky 16th Century New Forest pub is said to have several ghosts from its days as the Angel Inn and before that the George Inn.

One is believed to be the ghost of a former coachman, who haunts the kitchen waiting for a free supper. A tall, bearded mariner has also been spotted.

A non-existent piano has been heard and other ghostly goings-on include footsteps, a phantom blonde female and mysterious giggles.

 

The Dolphin, Southampton

Basingstoke Gazette:

This Grade II listed hotel has stood in the heart of the city’s Old Town since 1751 and has many a tale to tell.

The stays of Queen Victoria, William Thackeray and Jane Austen, who celebrated her 18th birthday dancing in the ballroom, are of particular historical interest.

A former cleaner called ‘Molly’ is said to have died under mysterious circumstances and reputedly has occasionally returned -  a loyal servant to the end.