Traditional tale

The Empty Chair

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Legend / folkloreOriginal CURSED fiction inspired by reported, unverified folklore. Every character and event in this tale is invented.

Ancient Ram Inn · Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire

Historical record Documented context: Historic England records the Ancient Ram Inn as Grade II* listed. Its educational notes date much of the building to 1550–1600, describe deeds from 1350 and an 1820 deed naming The Ram inn.

Legend / folklore Reported folklore · unverified: Haunting stories surround the building, but heritage analysis disputes popular medieval-origin and supernatural narratives. No paranormal explanation is verified here. The chair and visitor below are fictional.

Former pub. Listen from anywhere; this is not a GPS destination or permission to enter. Check current visitor access with the venue.

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Recorded narrator · sound starts when you tap Listen.

  1. My aunt used to say that an old house will lend you a chair, but never give you one. I thought it a foolish saying until the afternoon I visited the old inn. In a quiet room stood a wooden chair facing the wall. Its seat was polished smooth. I turned it towards the window. The room seemed brighter at once. Then, from somewhere in the timbers, came a sigh. Not relief. Disappointment.
  2. I left to fetch my coat. When I returned, the chair faced the wall again. On its seat lay a strand of grey hair. I told myself there had been a draught. I turned the chair a second time. Outside, people passed in the daylight. Inside, the glass reflected a woman seated behind me. Her hands were folded neatly. Her head was bent so far forward that her face rested in her lap. I did not turn around.
  3. Very carefully, I put the chair back as I had found it. The reflection faded. I went home and told my aunt. She asked whether I had thanked the house. I laughed, but she did not. That evening I thanked it aloud, from the safety of my kitchen. In the morning one kitchen chair faced the wall. I have left it there ever since. Sometimes, while I wash the dishes, I hear someone sit down. I always make a second cup of tea. I never look to see who drinks it.