Fire in the Globe 2001
In May 2001 six fire crews went to the Globe Inn Chagford after the owners reported a fire on the first and second floors of the building. The pub was full of lunchtime drinkers and fire officers used fire fighters in breathing apparatus to search the building. Fortunately, there was nobody trapped inside and no one was injured.
The fire was under control by 5.00 pm. Serious damage was caused to the second floor while smoke caused damage to the first. Fire and Rescue reported that “the pub was adjacent to a large number of thatched properties. If the fire had spread, we would have had a serious conflagration.”
Cattle being driven to market circa1880’s. Just as congested as the Fire engine photo above shows !
Hauntings
Every pub should have a ghost, manifestation or supernatural happening! The Globe is no exception.
It has a manifestation in the form of a 17th century chambermaid who was said to have healing powers. Unfortunately, one of her “customers” died after her treatment and she was blamed for the fatality. Accused of being a witch, she was tied to a chair and lowered into the river; if she survived, she would be accused of being a witch, if she drowned she would be innocent.
She drowned! Now she haunts the Azalea room above the present dining room. The manifestations are nearly always to do with water: leaking pipes, taps left running, unexplained wet towels, etc. However, on one occasion on a cold winter’s morning a guest awoke to find strange writing on the frosted glass, the only legible word being “Alice”. Was that her name? Who knows!
As the Globe was newly built in about 1833, what was here before and what happened in the area that was to become the Azalea room?
Tragic Death at The Globe Hotel
Report from the Western Times,19th April 1929
A girl’s death from burns was described at an inquest at Newton Abbot on Evelyn Porter, aged 17 who was employed as a chambermaid at the Globe Hotel Chagford.
Wm Leeson, manager of the hotel, said that on Jan 2nd at 8am, when he was in his bedroom, he heard screams coming from the direction of the kitchen. He rushed out on to the landing, and looking through a window saw the girl outside the building running along a passage with her clothes on fire. He secured a rug, ran after her, wrapped the rug around her and extinguished the flames, but her clothing was practically burnt off her. She was put to bed and a doctor and nurse were summoned.
The girl was admitted to Newton Abbot Infirmary on Feb 22nd from Moretonhampstead Cottage Hospital. The girl said that she was feeling cold and stood with her back to the fire from which a spark must have fallen, setting her clothes alight.
Dr J. J. Scrase said that her death was caused by blood poisoning due to burns. Mr G. Windcatt Coroner, recorded a verdict of “accidental death.