The Blue Anchor British Pub

Posted: 11.11.2024 | Updated: 11.11.2024

A mere 10-minute walk from the beach lies an unassuming British pub that firmly contrasts with the brightly colored streets and eternal sunshine of Delray Beach. This enigmatic tavern has a dark and fascinating history, spanning long before it traveled across the ocean to sunny Florida. 

Originally from London, the bones of this structure sit at more than 150 years old. Considered one of AAA’s most haunted places in the U.S., the Blue Anchor Pub is a spirited place indeed. With the pub’s journey to America came a ghostly stowaway, bestowing the tavern with its haunted reputation.

Why did this specter follow the pub to its new destination in seaside Florida? It may be that this wandering soul was tired of all London’s foggy skies had to offer. Or perhaps she had no say in the matter, remaining tied to the building itself, even in death.

Who Haunts the Blue Anchor British Pub?

Ask any employee of the Blue Anchor Pub, and they will tell you that the ghost that haunts this watering hole is that of Bertha Starkey. Murdered by her husband while living above the original pub in London, her spirit seems tied to the wood and beams of the building, traveling with it over 4,000 miles.

Continue reading to uncover the dark history behind this pub, hear the morbid tale of Bertha’s passing, and unearth the chilling mischief she enacts on those who frequent this eerie establishment. Already gathered enough liquid courage to see some of Miami’s most haunted sights with your own eyes? Journey on a ghost tour with Miami Haunts. 

From the Foggy Streets of London

You’d be right to wonder how this more-than-a-century-old British pub made its way to Florida. The Blue Anchor Pub traveled quite a distance before landing in sunny Delray Beach. When looking back at its origins, you will discover that the era that this taphouse harkens from is a sinister one. 

The Blue Anchor Pub was originally built in London in the mid-1800s when Jack the Ripper roamed the dark and grimy streets in search of his victims. It’s been rumored that two of Jack the Ripper’s last victims, Catherine Eddowes and Elizabeth Stride spent their final night on earth at the Blue Anchor Pub in 1888.

The evening of September 29th, 1888, would be Elizabeth and Catherine’s last on the foggy streets of London. After refreshing themselves inside the pub, they ventured into the night in search of a client to pay for their services. By 1 am, Elizabeth Stride’s body would be found in a devastating condition. A mere 45 minutes later, Catherine Eddowes would be discovered as well, disfigured almost beyond recognition. 

Jack the Ripper, a figure whose identity is still unknown to this day, was the heinous perpetrator behind these crimes. Was he too among the patrons of the Blue Anchor Pub that desolate evening in London? This mystery will likely remain unanswered by the living.

The Blue Anchor Pub opened its doors to people from all walks of life. Located on Chancery Lane off Fleet Street, patrons included journalists, barristers, and ladies of the night.

The pub closed in the mid-1980s, nearly a hundred years after Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror. But the pub would not remain shuttered for good. Its bones would live on, and its ghostly inhabitant was along for the ride. 

The Wailing Woman of the Blue Anchor Pub

Many authentic elements of the bar journeyed from England to America. The original panes of glass, worn wooden features, and numerous other fixtures all successfully made the trip. 

Many strange happenings occur within the dark and rich interior of the Blue Anchor Pub. After closing, staff have reported the sound of footsteps and a woman wailing. However, these hair-raising occurrences are not the only way Bertha makes her presence known.

Employees have heard pots rattling and seen items falling off walls, most often around 10 pm when Bertha’s murder is said to have transpired. 

To keep Bertha pacified, they ring “the Ship’s Bell” attached to the bar each night, believing this helps to decrease Bertha’s antics.

The bar’s previous owner also encountered strange events at the Blue Anchor Pub, experiencing table candles extinguishing their flames and re-lightning without explanation. Heavy kitchen pots lifted themselves off hooks and banged to the floor in other alarming encounters. 

Bertha’s spooky activities have been so profound that they have garnered the attention of the Travel Channel, which filmed a special featuring the Blue Anchor Pub. In it, one of its owners, Peggy Snyder, discusses how the pub’s “beloved ghost” knocks items off shelves, breaks glasses, and even tampers with patron’s selfies. All the more mysterious, there’s a ceiling fan that no one can seem to shut off. Even after flipping the breaker, the fan keeps spinning.

It’s clear that the owners of this establishment don’t shy away from their resident ghost, even going so far as to name a drink after her: the Bloody Bertha. Bertha hasn’t made any particular fuss about this, it seems. In fact, one might assume she likes the attention after being left on her own for so many years.

Bertha Starkey’s Deadly Romance

In 2004, the Travel Channel designated the Blue Anchor Pub as Florida’s most haunted pub. Given its dark origins and numerous strange happenings, it is easy to see why.

Although the spirit that haunts this convivial taphouse could be any of the patrons it entertained over the decades in London, most firmly believe that the ghost is that of Bertha.

Two tenants lived above the Blue Anchor Pub in London: Bertha Starkey and her seafaring husband. Bertha’s husband was often absent for long periods due to his work. Bertha likely tired of this, and one lonely night, invited a male companion to keep her company. 

Bertha had the unfortunate luck of her husband choosing to return home early on this of all nights. Upon discovering them in their forbidden affair, he flew into a rage, murdering the two. Somehow, it seems Bertha’s spirit seeped into the walls, her soul soaking into the very wood of the building itself.

The pub would eventually be razed decades later, yet not before its facade and beautiful interior were disassembled and brought to America. The pieces of the Blue Anchor Pub were stored in New York City for many years until traveling to Delray Beach in 1996.

It seems Bertha remained with them the whole time. 

Haunted Miami

Located at 804 East Atlantic Avenue, the Blue Anchor British Pub is undoubtedly one of Delray Beach’s most haunted attractions. In addition to its otherworldly occupant, the pub offers a variety of British-themed bites, live music, and English soccer games. Its ghostly Brit must feel quite at home. 

Should you stop by this lively eatery, you may find a chill running down your spine or spy something strange in the mirror. Either way, be sure to keep your wits about you in this spirit-laden environment. For more spine-chilling tales and spooky Miami destinations, visit our blog. Are you prepared to cross into the world of the spirits in person? Book a ghost tour with Miami Haunts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to learn about more real hauntings.

Sources:

https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/most-haunted-places-you-can-visit-in-the-us-CM205

https://www.yahoo.com/news/haunted-blue-anchor-pub-144246567.html

https://www.wptv.com/lifestyle/taste-and-see/blue-anchor-pub-in-delray-beach-is-haunted-by-a-ghost-named-bertha-starkey

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/food/florida/old-pub-fl-london-terrifying-ghost

https://www.theblueanchorpub.com/happy-hour

https://www.theblueanchorpub.com/about-us