Aldworth Church Devil's Bargain
Aldworth Church stands sentinel in the rolling Berkshire countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to a most curious tale of a man named John Euerafriad. Legend has it that he made a pact with the Devil himself, trading something precious for unknown gains. The details of this Faustian bargain are lost to the ages, but its aftermath is etched in local lore. They say Euerafriad was neither fully in nor out of the church, buried under the church wall as a clever compromise to deny the Devil his due.
This medieval church, with its sturdy tower and stained glass windows, has seen centuries come and go. The story of John Euerafriad, an Old Nick or Nickname for the Devil, hints at a darker history. While we dont know the specifics of Euerafriad's deal, his unusual burial spot speaks to the complex relationships between life, death, and the supernatural in medieval England. The fact that his grave lies under the church wall, a liminal space between inside and outside, suggests a desire to balance the spiritual books.
Medieval church with 12th-century origins
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Murderous Landlord Ghost
Hind's Head Inn Inn, Bracknell
The Hind's Head Inn in Bracknell was once a place of unspeakable terror. This was no ordinary pub, for it was here that a ruthless landlord carried out a series of heinous murders, targeting wealthy travellers who had unwisely chosen to rest their weary heads under his roof. His modus operandi was brutal and calculated - he would wait until his victims were fast asleep, then strike, silencing them forever. It was a reign of terror that only came to an end when one brave soul managed to escape and raise the alarm, leading to the landlord's eventual execution.
The Drowned Lad of Tidmarsh
Stream near Tidmarsh Rectory, Tidmarsh
In the sleepy village of Tidmarsh, Berkshire, a small stream runs close to the historic Tidmarsh Rectory, its tranquil surface belied by a dark history. They say that on clear, moonlit nights in June, a young boy can be seen wandering the stream's banks, his presence a poignant reminder of a life tragically cut short. This is the haunting of the Drowned Lad, a spirit that has been reported for generations, with sightings dating back to the 1880s. The boy's story is a sad one - he drowned in the very stream that now bears his ghostly presence.
Golden Calf Legend
Perborough Castle, Compton
Perborough Castle in Compton, Berkshire, is said to conceal a treasure beneath its ancient earthworks. The legend speaks of a golden calf buried deep within the hillfort, an intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of this glittering prize, the story has become an integral part of the site's mystique. As you explore the hillfort's grassy slopes and ditches, it's easy to imagine the whispers of a long-forgotten past, and perhaps, the promise of hidden riches.
William Field's Barn Ghost
Unknown barn in the area, South Moreton
In a rural corner of Berkshire, a tragic event unfolded in a now unknown barn in South Moreton. William Field, a local farmer, took his own life by hanging in this very barn. But his presence didn't fade away with death. Instead, his ghost began to haunt the neighbourhood, causing unease among the locals. The entity was said to be restless, and its malevolent energy lingered for years, until a team of eleven clergymen intervened to put an end to the haunting.
The Drifting Figure of Hampstead Norreys
Churchyard, Hampstead Norreys
Hampstead Norreys Churchyard is a place where the veil between worlds seems remarkably thin. This tranquil spot has been home to a most unsettling phenomenon - a figure known as Old Tanner. Described as drifting amongst the gravestones, this ghostly presence has left many a visitor with a lasting impression. The exact date and time of these sightings remain a mystery, but one thing is certain: those who have encountered Old Tanner have not forgotten the experience.
Lady Fane of Basildon
The Grotto, Basildon
The Grotto in Basildon, Berkshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Fane, who reportedly roams the grounds of her former home. While there are no recent witness accounts, local legend has it that Lady Fane's presence was felt by those who lived in the house. One story tells of a woman who, during the Second World War, encountered a phantom young girl wearing a raggedy green dress - an unusual attire for a lady of high standing. This sighting adds a touch of mystery to the already intriguing tale of Lady Fane's haunting.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Church

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire

The Bull at Wargrave
Wargrave, Berkshire

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)