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Dartmoor Ghosts, Folklore and Forteana
Military Horseman
Location: Dartmoor - Newhouse Inn (ruins)
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: This figure wearing a grey greatcoat has been seen riding along near the ruins of this building.
ID #4939, last updated 2003-12-27
David Davies
Location: Dartmoor - Prison
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Weather dependent: Misty nights (Davies)
Further Comments: Davies tended to the prison sheep between 1869 and 1929. He died soon after being released, but his ghost returned, walking the prison grounds on misty nights. The prison is also haunted by French PoWs from the Napoleonic wars, while some inmates believe jackdaws which fly around the area contain the souls of dead staff.
ID #6338, last updated 2005-06-09
An old magic lantern slide of the River Dart.
Calling Stones
Location: Dartmoor - Rowbrook, Broad Stones, River Dart
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: It is said that the Dart takes one life a year, by gently calling the victim's name until they fall into the waters and drown.
ID #4948, last updated 2003-12-27
Unforgiven Women
Location: Dartmoor - Scorhill Circle
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Still present
Further Comments: The largest stone circle on Dartmoor, it was said that 'sinful' women would pray for forgiveness at the foot of the stones - if God chose not to be lenient, a stone would fall upon them... Seven of the thirty stones have fallen, though no one can say for sure if bodies lay underneath.
ID #4942, last updated 2003-12-27
Pixie
Location: Dartmoor - Shaugh Bridge area
Type: Fairy
Date / Time: 1897
Further Comments: This wee fellow, standing forty-five centimetres in height and wearing blue and red clothing, quickly vanished once realising that he had been spotted. The area is also said to be where the Devil and his hellhounds hunt.
ID #1624, last updated 2002-07-06
Little People
Location: Dartmoor - Sheepstor - Pixies Cave
Type: Fairy
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: The cave was shared with the pixies by humans when hiding during the Civil War.
ID #4889, last updated 2003-12-27
Wool Delivery
Location: Dartmoor - Spinsters Rock
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Still present
Further Comments: A burial cairn, it is said that these works were constructed by three passing spinsters who were en route to deliver a bundle of wool.
ID #4970, last updated 2003-12-28
John Stephens
Location: Dartmoor - Stephens' Grave
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Buried at this remote spot after committing suicide, the shade of Stephens is skeletal and dressed in a decaying grey robe.
ID #4947, last updated 2003-12-27
Galloping
Location: Dartmoor - Throwleigh
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Invisible creatures running along can be heard, and the wind of their passing felt.
ID #4897, last updated 2003-12-27
The Devil does a Deal
Location: Dartmoor - Tunhill Kistvaen
Type: Legend - Old Nick
Date / Time: 21 October 1631
Further Comments: It was at this spot that Jan Reynolds was approached by a cloaked stranger who bought his soul from him in return for seven years of good luck. Jan agreed, and seven years later the Devil came and took his due, while Jan sat in Widecombe church.
ID #4938, last updated 2003-12-27
Wish Hounds
Location: Dartmoor - Wistman's Wood, one mile north of Two Bridges
Type: Shuck
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Large black dogs are rumoured to hunt in this area of the moors - they once killed the son of a farmer. In the same area, a procession of white clad figures could be seen walking through the wood, following the path of what was once a well-used funeral route.
ID #1124, last updated 2024-07-11
Records 26 - 36 of 36
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