The Haunting of the Blue Anchor Pub
Located on Delray Beach’s bustling Atlantic Avenue in Florida, the Blue Anchor Pub stands as a unique piece of history and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. What sets this bar apart is its fascinating origin story—the building itself was constructed in 1846 in London, England, and then transported across the Atlantic Ocean to its current location in Delray Beach in 1996. With its authentic facade and wooden interior, the Blue Anchor Pub exudes the charm of a traditional London pub, making it a distinctive sight amidst the Florida landscape. However, it is not just the physical attributes that make this establishment intriguing; it is the paranormal activity and ghostly presence that have become synonymous with the Blue Anchor Pub.
The History of the Blue Anchor Pub
The Blue Anchor Pub has a rich and storied past that stretches back to its original construction in London. Over the years, this establishment has witnessed notable figures from history, such as Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth, who once dined within its walls. However, the pub’s history also includes darker tales, with rumors circulating that Jack the Ripper may have targeted some of his victims shortly after leaving the premises. While these historical connections add to the mystique of the Blue Anchor Pub, it is an incident involving a woman named Bertha Starkey that is believed to have left a lasting spiritual imprint on the establishment.
According to local legends, Bertha Starkey was a regular at the pub during its time in London. One fateful night, in the heat of a passionate argument with her lover, Bertha’s husband unexpectedly arrived at the pub. Consumed by rage and caught in the moment, her husband tragically took her life right there in the pub. It is said that Bertha’s spirit remained attached to the Blue Anchor Pub, even as the building made its way across the ocean to its new home in Delray Beach.
Is the Blue Anchor Pub Haunted?
Since its relocation to Delray Beach, the Blue Anchor Pub has gained a reputation for being haunted. Numerous reports of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters have been shared by both patrons and staff members. The pub’s current owner experienced a particularly unforgettable incident on her first day working at the establishment. Despite being warned by former London staff members that one of the ceiling fans was impossible to turn off, she attempted to do so. After exhausting all efforts to stop the fan, she eventually resorted to turning off the breaker. Surprisingly, all the fans ceased spinning except for one. In a moment of curiosity, she questioned aloud, “Do you think it’s Bertha?” and as soon as she finished uttering those words, an ox horn fell from its shelf, leaving her startled and convinced of Bertha’s presence.
The staff at the Blue Anchor Pub have also reported a range of strange occurrences, including rattling and falling pots and pans, flickering lights, objects inexplicably toppling over, and unexplained sounds emanating from the attic. Interestingly, Bertha’s presence tends to make itself known around 10 p.m., the time of her tragic demise. The staff has made a tradition of ringing the bell at that hour in an attempt to ward off her ghostly manifestations. However, even after the pub closes for the night, the lingering footsteps of Bertha and her haunting wails continue to unsettle those present.
To validate the claims of paranormal activity, the Blue Anchor Pub has been investigated by paranormal teams on two separate occasions. Both investigations yielded evidence supporting the existence of at least one spirit within the pub’s walls, further cementing its reputation as a haunted establishment.
Address: Blue Anchor Pub, 804 E Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483.
Sources:
1. Atlas Obscura. “Blue Anchor Pub.” https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/blue-anchor-pub
2. Historic Palm Beach. “The Legend of the Blue Anchor Pub.” https://www.historicpalmbeach.com
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