_____________________________________________________________________
General
Flitwick lies to the south of Ampthill and has a population of 12,160. The site has been permanently occupied since about 4000 BC, but did not rise to importance until the Romans built a road through the area linking Watling Street and Ermine Street. In Saxon times its name was Fleotwic, meaning a dwelling on the river.
The Mount is the remains of a mediaeval castle which has been preserved as a public open space. Flitwick Wood lies close to the town centre and is a three hectare expanse of mature oak and ash trees.
The name Flitwick is of uncertain origin. The wick part derives from the Old English wic meaning a specialised farm. At the time of the Domesday Survey the name was given as Flicteuuiche.
_____________________________________________________________________
Flitwick Manor
Late in 1994 John Hinds, a purchasing director had booked into Flitwick Manor for the night after a business conference in the area. Just after 01:00 he finally prepared for bed and turned off the lights in his room. Shortly after settling down he was disturbed by the feeling of something very heavy landing at the foot of the bed. He sat up and turned on the light but when he looked there was nothing there. Puzzled he turned off the lights and settled down to try to sleep.
About fifteen minutes later he was again disturbed but this time by a shuffling sound coming from the bottom of the bed. Quickly he switched on the light and sat up. There, sitting at his feet was the silhouette of a woman looking towards the window. After an understandable hesitation he asked “Who are you? What do you want?” The woman did not respond and continued to stare at the window before gradually fading away until there was nothing there. After that Mr Hinds spent the rest of the night with the lights on too afraid to sleep in the room.
Three days prior to Mr. Hinds encounter Jim Sparkes, a builder who had been brought in to do some repairs and modifications, had removed some roof tiles at the front of the manor. Beneath the tiles was a wooden door which opened into a room that had not been used for a considerable time. Looking round the room he found an old doorway which had been bricked up and had obviously led into the upper floor of the manor. It is strange how often ghosts appear when a building is being modified.
To view a map of the area click on the button below
Flitwick Manor
_____________________________________________________________________
The Swan
The Swan, in Dunstable Road, is said to be haunted by a ghost who has the irritating habit of hiding things. It seems that the miscreant is somewhat of a practical joker, as he will also move things around, much to the annoyance of the staff members. He seems to like to target people who are new to the public house. If you are a new member of staff, you may find your jacket and belongings are no longer where you left them.
To view a map of the area click on the button below
|