SPIRITS of the ethereal kind were certainly in the air at the Highwayman Inn recently, claims a Westcountry ghost writer when he undertook an investigation of phantom activity at the Sourton pub.

Michael Williams, a ghost hunter for more than 40 years and the co-ordinator for Paranormal Investigation — a group specialising in ghosts and allied subjects — visited the inn along with Cornish medium Pamela Smith Rawsley.

Michael said: 'We uncovered some astonishing facts at the historic Highwayman Inn, Sourton, a place full of curios and character — with a haunted reputation.

'Pamela made contact with a 16 year-old girl called Margaret who claimed she worked for Sir John Fitz — and had a sexual relationship with him.  Tradition has it that his wealthy daughter, Lady Mary Howard, murdered three, and probably four of her quartet of husbands in the 1600s.  But the servant girl stated this was quite untrue, all four husbands had died from natural causes.

'I was intrigued by the place, it was an exceptional investigation. Our medium is highly regarded and she was in no doubt that there was a spirit present.

'During our investigation one of the glasses at the bar shattered. It was if the spirit was trying to make its presence known to us.'

Pamela said: 'This was real news from the past, completely contradicting most known reports of their deaths.'

Paranormal Investigation, led by astrologer and author Lori Reid, is planning to make a return visit to The Highwayman in the hope of obtaining more information.

Historically, various people claim to have seen Lady Mary's ghost travelling silently in a horse-drawn carriage on the roads near the inn. 

Sabine Baring Gould of Lewtrenchard, wrote of the phantom coach: 'Lady Mary rides inside, a pale spectre.'

This is not the first time that the inn, which dates back to 1282, has had claims of ghost sightings.

Many people have claimed to feel 'a presence' in the inn. One common sighting is of a man dressed in green with a feather in his hat.  He has been seen walking through a wall which used to be a route to an adjoining stable block.

As there was an historic battle between the Roundheads at Sourton and Cavaliers at Bridestowe, it is believed that the man with the feather in his hat may well have fled from the inn after a skirmish.   

Mr Williams said: 'We would be very interested to hear from any readers who have seen the coach – or know of others witnessing the phantom travellers. 

'We would also like to learn where Lady Mary Howard is buried.'

Landllords Bruce and Sally Thomson said they have known Michael for many years and have great respect for him and his work.

Sally, who has lived at the pub for more than 50 years, admits she has not had a personal 'ghostly' experience in that time, and neither she nor Bruce had any involvement with the investigation as they were too busy running the pub.

'There is a lot we don't understand. I'm not tuned in to this type of thing but I do believe there are those who are.

'I haven't had any bad experiences from 'ghosts' here myself — the only very occasional trouble is with the odd person who may have had one too many spirits themselves!' joked Sally.

If you have any ghostly experience concerning the Highwayman Inn or futher information please write to Mr Williams at Land's End, St Teath, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 3JH.