The Paranormal Database

Swinging Doors

Location: Woolfardisworthy (aka Woolsery), Torridge - Farmer's Arms public house
Type: Poltergeist
Date / Time: 2007 onwards
Further Comments: Doors have been reported to open unaided, bells ring, and items fly from the walls and shelves since the extension of the bar area.

Lion

Location: Wrangaton - Lane in the area
Type: ABC
Date / Time: 19 November 1998
Further Comments: Police spent eight hours searching for a lion after a local man reported seeing the blood-stained creature enter a field along a lane. Police expressed concern that local hunters armed with shotguns had joined the search. Analysis of a paw print discovered in the area revealed it could belong to a big cat.

Sir Francis Drake, engraving by C de Passe, 1620.

Drake's Drum

Location: Yelverton - Buckland Abbey
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Whenever England is in Danger
Further Comments: Sir Francis Drake's drum can be found in the Abbey - with Drake's soul contained within. The instrument is said to beat when England is in danger (last heard in 1939), although was said to have been heard beating when the German fleet surrendered on 21 November 1918. Another legend has the foundation stones of the abbey being moved each night by the Devil, though Drake outwitted him, ensuring the abbey's construction could continue unhindered.

Helicopter Pilot

Location: Yelverton - RAF Harrowbeer
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: August 1987
Further Comments: A woman photographed alone in a helicopter found, after her prints her developed, a figure sitting next to her in the pilot's seat. Though the phantom figure could have been created by lighting and reflection, others are less sure.