King’s Arms Tavern

Posted: 05.30.2025 | Updated: 05.30.2025

King’s Arms Tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia, is where the past and ghost stories blend. A historic restaurant renowned for its old-world atmosphere and authentic food has now re-emerged as a ghostly hot spot.

Rumors of ghostly activity and resident spirits have made Williamsburg a hotspot for tourists. Many visitors hope to see evidence of the city’s haunted past.

Whether skeptical or not, the stories about King’s Arms Tavern provide an interesting twist to its rich history. 

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Is the King’s Arms Tavern Haunted? 

Yes, King’s Arms Tavern is reputed to be haunted. The most famous ghost is that of a female spirit named Irma. She is often depicted as the reason for candles inexplicably blowing out and other supernatural activity.

Both guests and staff have reported instances of her helpful and friendly nature, which has made the tavern one of Williamsburg’s most haunted.

History of King’s Arms Tavern

King’s Arms Tavern was established in 1772 by Jane Vobe. She advertised her new establishment as “opposite to Raleigh, at the Sign of The King’s Arms” in the Virginia Gazette.

The tavern quickly gained a reputation as one of Williamsburg’s most genteel and lively establishments. It attracted prominent guests, including George Washington, who dined and socialized there while visiting the colonial capital.

The tavern became a hub for locals and travelers, offering food, drink, music, and a welcoming atmosphere. Jane Vobe was a successful tavernkeeper. The King’s Arms was the last of her enterprises in Williamsburg before she relocated after the Revolutionary War.

The original structure was built in stages. The earliest portion featured a vaulted cellar, and later expansions gave the tavern its distinctive L-shape. Today, the tavern is meticulously restored, with staff in period attire, a menu inspired by colonial recipes, and live performances that recreate the ambiance of 18th-century Williamsburg.

The King’s Arms Tavern is evidence of the importance of taverns in colonial culture. They were sites of hospitality, news, and communal living.

The Hauntings at King’s Arms Tavern

Ghostly activity at King’s Arms Tavern includes candles being extinguished by an invisible force and unexplained noises. There are also reports of friendly ghostly interventions.  

Aside from Irma, staff accounts speak of the ghost of the Gowan Pamphlet. He was a prominent man who worked in the tavern, and his soothing presence is occasionally experienced by employees. 

These ghostly occurrences add to the aura of the tavern and attract people interested in Williamsburg’s spooky history.

Irma: The Candle-Extinguishing Ghost

Irma is the best-known ghost of King’s Arms Tavern. Her story is woven into the very fabric of the structure’s haunted history. According to one popular version, Irma was one of the first live-in managers at the tavern in the 1700s. 

Her life ended tragically when a fire—allegedly sparked by a dropped candle—ravaged the building. Many believe this sealed her fate and bound her spirit to the tavern for eternity. 

Another version suggests Irma was a Colonial Williamsburg employee in the 1950s who died of a heart attack in her upstairs room. Yet her presence is felt just as strongly by staff and guests alike.

Irma’s ghost is said to be friendly and even helpful. She is most notorious for her habit of extinguishing candles throughout the tavern. This is a phenomenon that staff and guests have witnessed on numerous occasions.

The connection between her death and the candle-related activity is very strong. Whenever a candle mysteriously goes out, Irma is immediately suspected. 

The employees have begun addressing her goodnight because they are preparing to leave. This acknowledges that she’s still around and perhaps keeps them in good favor.

Irma’s story proves that the tavern continues to have a timeless fascination, encircled by tragedy, mystery, and a touch of hospitality from the other side.

Gowan Pamphlet: The Spiritual Singer

Another spirit said to linger at King’s Arms Tavern is Gowan Pamphlet. He is a figure of both historical and supernatural significance. 

Gowan Pamphlet was one of America’s first ordained Black ministers. He was also a former worker at the tavern during the late 18th century. 

He played a pivotal role in Williamsburg’s African American community. In 1776, he helped found the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, a congregation that began with secret meetings under the threat of persecution.

His life was marked by remarkable resilience and deep faith. His connection to the tavern is remembered not only in historical records but also in ghostly lore.

Both guests and employees have faintly heard softly sung spirituals in empty rooms. They attribute these ghostly sounds to the ghost of Gowan, assuming that he has been haunting the tavern up to the present. 

In addition, there were sightings of a flamboyant Black man with a reassuring smile. Witnesses assert that his appearance induces calmness rather than fear.

The events are most frequently explained as the work of Gowan’s spirit, which is believed to continue offering comfort and inspiration. All in all, this is a validation of the inspiration and comfort he gave his people.

This haunting adds to the uniqueness and singularity of the legend of the haunted tavern. It is an affirmation of hope and determination that persisted even in the face of severe hardship.

Apparitions and Unexplained Sightings

Beyond Irma and Gowan Pamphlet, King’s Arms Tavern has been the site of numerous other ghostly encounters, contributing to its reputation as one of Williamsburg’s most haunted locations.

Staff and guests have reported seeing apparitions dressed in colonial attire. These figures often appear in hallways and stairwells or are even reflected in mirrors. 

One of the most spine-chilling accounts is of a hostess who saw a woman wearing period attire standing behind her in the restroom. When she turned to face whatever presence was there, she discovered the area completely empty, with no trace of anyone having recently been present.

On another occasion, a hostess and a pantry attendant witnessed a woman in colonial clothing pass through an open doorway. She vanished as fast as she appeared, leaving them stunned by the experience.

Staff and visitors alike sometimes report physical sensations in the tavern. Staff members have described feeling a minor pushing or tugging at the head of the stairs. It often seems like a phantom hand is playfully interfering with them or shoving them out of harm’s way. 

Some of the other unexplainable occurrences include hearing footsteps down bare corridors, doors opening and closing, and feeling observed.

While eerie, these occurrences are not generally described as evil. Instead, they provide a sense of mystery and historical suspense to the King’s Arms Tavern.

All in all, these activities and events make the King’s Arms Tavern a center for colonial history enthusiasts. It also draws individuals who are interested in a ghostly presence.

Haunted Virginia

King’s Arms Tavern is a hearty blend of colonial history and ghostly intrigue. Its stories of Irma, Gowan Pamphlet, and other inexplicable occurrences offer fascinating glimpses into Williamsburg’s past, rendering it a visit worth taking for history buffs and ghost story lovers alike.

If you’re interested in exploring more haunted tales and historic sites, Virginia Beach offers a wealth of legends and experiences that continue to captivate and mystify visitors year after year. Take a Virginia Beach ghost tour to discover its hidden and haunted wonders. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real hauntings.

Sources:

1. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/kings-arms-tavern
2. https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/blog/post/hair-raising-ghost-stories-straight-from-williamsburgs-oldest-haunts/
3. https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/virginia/williamsburg/friday-flavor-kings-arms-tavern-in-colonial-williamsburg/291-8a8d049b-f047-4cca-83f0-20e54045bfde