SEARCHING for the truth, whether people believe in ghosts or not, the history research team at Jamaica Inn, in Bolventor, are asking for local stories — especially those between the 1930s and 1980s.

Karin Beasant of the Jamaica Inn Ghost Hunting Investigation team is hoping to piece together the history of the inn and is keen to hear as many stories as possible, whether they are paranormal or otherwise.

Karin said: “I do the research and history for Jamaica Inn, as well as the paranormal events with Colin [Symonds]. I have put a plea out on Launceston Then! the Facebook page to see if anyone has any stories relating to Jamaica Inn or photographs, especially of the inside, from between the 1930s to the 1980s — stories from employees, former or current, and guests alike, whether just funny anecdotes or more.”

Karin has received some feedback from her post but is keen to hear more stories from the famous inn’s past.

She said: “I spoke to one lady called Dawn who worked there from around 1959 to 1969 and she had some very interesting stories — the thing is if we don’t catch these stories now they will be gone forever!

“Another lady said she remembers when she was younger she saw a man sitting outside the pub with his arms folded in ‘fancy dress’, but that she was the only one at the time who had seen him! She had thought it was strange but later she heard a ghost story from Jamaica Inn that matched her description.”

But it isn’t all about ghost and ghouls. Readers may remember one resident of Jamaica Inn — Percy the parrot. However, mystery and intrigue also surrounds his life to or rather his departure from the inn.

Karin said: “One of the other stories I have found interesting is that of Percy the parrot. It is believed he died and was buried in the garden. There is a plaque dedicated to him at the inn but during extensive works his box was dug up — however, when they opened it there was no bird! Where did Percy go? One theory is that he was sent to a sanctuary but I contacted the sanctuary and they said Percy never went with them, they just came over to offer advice — perhaps someone has Percy now, an intriguing mystery?”

Jim Edwards, a Launceston historian, had been an invaluable source of information whilst researching the inn’s history.

Karin said: “I’ve been speaking to Jim, who has an extensive local knowledge. He said the history of Jamaica Inn is fascinating, especially in war time. It is believed it could have been a secret meeting place for the military. There were apparently 28 people in the Bolventor Home Guard — that is a big number for such a small village, you just wouldn’t have had that many!”

If anyone has any stories or photographs they would like to share — particularly from between the 1930s and 1980s — contact Karin on 07873 180565 or via the ‘Jamaica Inn Ghost Hunting Investigation Page’ on Facebook.