The inn at Osmington Mills is described as dating to the 13th century and was one of the main landing places for smuggled goods in the 17th century. Dorset Live and Spooky Isles both report that it is haunted by French smuggler Pierre Latour and another local smuggler.
Spooky Isles gives the longer story. Latour, known as French Peter, was caught in the tavern when a revenue officer hiding up the chimney overheard him plotting with the landlord, and both conspirators were quickly killed. The two spirits are said to have been seen in 18th century maritime clothes. Other pub histories tell it the other way round, with Latour smoking the officer out of the chimney, so the legend has more than one version, and one source says Latour was later caught and executed.
Spooky Isles also names William Waters (1791 to 1827), a local smuggler and fisherman who spent more time in prison than out and worked at the Smugglers after release. His ghost is said to haunt a neighbouring cottage and is described as a small man with a menacing grin. Dorset Live adds that a highwayman killed in the former stables, now the Orangery restaurant, by a coachman who thrust a torch in his face, has been seen hiding his face in a cloak. I could not verify Latour as a documented historical person, so this is tagged traditional.
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