THE wrong kind of spirits have been causing concern at a Swindon pub.
For years rumours have abounded of strange goings-on at The Flag pub on Bridge Street.
People living and working there have often reported seats moving unexpectedly, keys being moved and strange noises.
But now, 21st Century technology has added weight to the claim that the pub might be home to a ghost.
Mobile phone footage has been recorded of a mysterious black figure at the top of stairs in the living quarters above the pub.
This clip can now be viewed on our website so log on and judge for yourself. Landlady Lorna Sumbler has delved into the pub's history to get to the bottom of the ghostly goings-on. But so far she has found no connection with death or phantoms.
"I had a look through the history of the pub but didn't find much," said the 51-year-old, who took over the venue in 2004.
"I know it was built as a pub in 1803 and Arkell's bought it in 1886 for £1,500.
"There was a smallpox outbreak in the early 19th Century so maybe that could be linked.
"It doesn't bother me that much, although the video is quite scary.
"My friend took it and you can see the black shape in the background.
"I just want to know what it is and why it's here. I don't see it as a threatening thing. I've had taps on the shoulder and no-one's been there. Other people have said they've had their hair pulled.
"The gas has been turned off before and the music volume goes up and down as if someone's playing with the button."
Lorna now wants to hear from anyone who may be able to shed light on the ghouls and offer an insight into the pub's mysterious history.
It has previously been called The Lamb and Flag and Bar Cuba.
She is even proposing that a supernatural team investigate what she calls the "activity" there to see if they can detect anything unusual.
Her 12-year-old son Josh and other son Steven, 27, have both previously seen a young girl wearing a lacy nightie pacing the upstairs hallway.
"She looked like she was from Victorian times but I could not see her face," said Josh.
"It's hard to say how old she is but I've seen her quite a lot.
"I also saw a man wearing a blazer who quickly stood up at the end of the bar and sat down again before disappearing."
If you know the ghostly history of The Flag or what was located there before it was built then we want to hear from you.
Feel free to call the newsroom on 01793 501798.
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