Jamaica Inn: The History, Hauntings and Folklore

Is a new book by Lisa Jane Holman and Karin Beasant. Drawing on over a decade of research, evidence and first-hand reports, this book uncovers the real history, hauntings and folklore surrounding one of Bodmin Moor’s most iconic landmarks. From the origins of Jamaica Inn to the chilling encounters that continue to this day, Lisa Jane Holman and Karin Beasant piece together a fascinating and compelling picture of this legendary Cornish location. Whether you are drawn to history, folklore, or the paranormal, Jamaica Inn will not disappoint.

This compelling volume moves beyond myth to uncover the true story at the heart of the inn, exploring the legacy of Captain John Broad, whose vision helped shape Jamaica Inn into a lasting enterprise for his two sons. Through historical records, personal insights, and careful investigation, the book paints a vivid picture of life on the moor and the enduring mark left by those who built its foundations.

Yet history is only part of the story…

From unexplained footsteps to shadowy figures and chilling encounters, the inn remains a focal point for paranormal intrigue. Combining documented history with eyewitness accounts and investigative findings, this book bridges the gap between fact, folklore, and the unexplained.

Who still walks its corridors? What stories refuse to fade? And why does Jamaica Inn continue to draw those seeking answers?

Perfect for lovers of history, heritage, and the paranormal, this is more than a book, it’s an invitation to step inside the legend.

COMING ON 22nd AUGUST 2026

Discover the truth behind the mystery… if you dare.

The Beginning

As with everything, the best place to start is at the very beginning, so that is where we will begin.

If you were to stand where the Jamaica Inn now sits and turn back the clock to before 1776, you would find yourself surrounded by desolate moorland. The only sign of civilisation was an old dirt track, a former Roman track which was used as a pilgrim’s trail.

You would have found no warm hearth awaiting a weary traveller here. Instead, anyone daring to cross the moors in those days would have only faced isolation, hardship, and the unforgiving elements of Bodmin Moor.

Before the push for agricultural “improvement” in the late eighteenth century, and before order was imposed upon it, Bodmin Moor was a far wilder place than the landscape seen today. It was wetter, rougher, and older in character, less countryside and more upland relic, shaped almost entirely by geology, weather, and time. To those brave enough to travel across it, it would have felt closer to a prehistoric wilderness than to land intended for comfort or cultivation.

Over time, the Moor has changed considerably. Not only have vast swathes of land been tamed for agricultural purposes, but towns have also sprung up across the moor, providing shelter for growing families and communities. The Moor has also been known by three different names;

An Incorrigible Thief

An article published by The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette titled ‘An Incorrigible Thief.’ Tells the tale of a Mr Thomas Pring, although it states that this was an alias, with his real name being Thomas Coombe. After carrying out a burglary at Truro, he was committed to Bodmin Gaol.

It is said that despite having a youthful appearance, he was a hardened criminal, having been convicted and sentenced some years previously. His sentence was to be transported for seven years. After spending four years on board the hulks, the sentence was remitted in consequence of his good conduct and supposed reformation.

Due to Thomas’ good behaviour on the hulks, his sentence was commuted to serve the remainder of the term at Bodmin Jail. However, Thomas, not content with serving the remaining three years, escaped from Bodmin Jail on his first night.

His first act of freedom saw him commit another crime: breaking into a stable at Bodmin, stealing a horse, and riding off toward Launceston. He stopped at the Jamaica Inn, broke in by taking a sash from a back window, stole a silver watch, a hat and several other articles.

He then rode to the parish of Stokeclimsland and broke into the house of a farmer called Mills. He stole a quantity of plates and other articles, including a bottle of spirits, from the same farmer he had previously robbed, for which he was sentenced.

The bottle proved to be his downfall. In his eagerness to consume the alcohol, possibly to celebrate his ill-got gains, he went into the orchard adjoining the house, and fastened the stolen horse to a tree. The alcohol had the cause and effect of making him fall asleep on a hedge, where he was discovered the next morning by one of Mr Mills’ servants.

After gaining assistance, a still drunk Thomas was taken back to Bodmin jail. He was charged with breaking out of prison and committing three further robberies. On 21st June 1828, Thomas Pring was hanged at Bodmin Gaol.

Have you ever wondered how the Jamaica Inn got it’s name?

Being that it is situated a mere 4,700 miles, as the crow flies, from the Caribbean island of Jamaica, and that the climate and surroundings are in stark contrast by comparison. Why is it named the Jamaica Inn?

This is one theory that we love.

We were contacted by a gentleman some years ago who wanted to tell us about his theory on why the Jamaica Inn got its unusual name. He said during the age of smugglers, one landlord had a barrel of smuggled fruit that was slowly going off. He quickly decided to boil the fruit and turn it into jam. It was said that this jam was so good that many locals would come from miles to the Jam-maker Inn to buy some!

We love imagining the innkeeper with his pan of bubbling jam, methodically stirring it to stop it from spoiling. A queue of locals eager to make a purchase.

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