The Wolfhound of Southery
Southery, a quaint village in Cambridge, is home to a haunting that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. The phantom hound, known as the Wolfhound of Southery, is said to roam the ruins east of the town, its mournful howls striking fear into the hearts of those who hear them. Legend has it that the hound was mistakenly killed by a soldier, and now it hunts the area, doomed to repeat its final moments for eternity. Locals believe that upon hearing the howls, the listener will die within a year, a chilling prospect that has been passed down through generations.
The story of the Wolfhound of Southery dates back to the early days of the village, when one of the original church builders at Southerly was tragically killed. The hound, a loyal companion, was mistaken for a threat by a soldier and put down. Since then, reports of the phantom hound have been flooding in, with many claiming to have heard its haunting howls on 29 May every year. While the origins of the haunting are steeped in tragedy, the impact on the local community has been significant, with many believing the hound to be a harbinger of doom.
The haunting dates back to the early days of the village, when the original church was built.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Dog Hunting Friar Ghost
Along fens between Ely and Walsingham, Ely
Deep in the Cambridgeshire fens, a haunting legend has long been whispered about by locals. It centres around a heroic dog that gave its life to save a young girl from a horrific crime. The story goes that the dog, in its final moments, vowed to continue hunting down its attacker, a corrupt friar who had attempted to rape the girl. To this day, people claim to have seen the ghostly dog roaming the fens, still on the lookout for its prey.
Etheldreda's Ely Miracle
General area, Ely
In the heart of Ely, a small town in Cambridgeshire, lies the remarkable story of Etheldreda, a seventh-century queen who founded the monastery of Ely. After leaving her husband, King Egfrith of Northumbria, Etheldreda went on to perform a miracle that would save the town from famine. Using only the milk from two does, she managed to feed the population, showcasing her remarkable compassion and resourcefulness. This legendary event has become an integral part of Ely's history and a testament to Etheldreda's enduring legacy.
Ely Monks Ghostly Apparitions
Multiple Locations, Ely
Ely's historic town centre is home to a most intriguing haunting, where numerous residents and visitors have reported sightings of shadowy figures clad in monks' gowns. These ghostly apparitions have been spotted at various locations, including the High Street, often accompanied by unexplained poltergeist activity. Witnesses have also reported finding footprints in the snow, as if the monks had walked by, and some have even caught glimpses of them staring out of windows. The frequency of these sightings spans multiple times throughout the twentieth century, leaving one to wonder about the connection between these events and the town's rich history.
Etheldreda's Ghostly Blue Hand
Prior's House, Ely
Prior's House in Ely is home to a rather unusual ghostly phenomenon known as Etheldreda's Blue Hand. This eerie apparition is said to manifest on the rear staircase, where a disembodied hand is reportedly seen running up and down the banister. According to local legend, the hand belongs to Etheldreda, a figure from the town's rich history. Interestingly, the rest of Etheldreda's body is said to be located in a nearby street, leaving her hand to roam freely.
Ghostly Footsteps in Ely
Oliver Cromwell House, Ely
Oliver Cromwell House in Ely has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. Footsteps have been heard moving along a corridor in the house, followed by the opening and closing of a door. It's as if someone - or something - is trying to make their presence known. A blue woman has also been spotted in the house, adding to the mystery. One woman claims to have developed bruising after a ghostly encounter, which suggests that the entities here may not be just benign spirits.
Tall Man
Small farmhouse, Isle of Ely , Gorefield
In the quaint village of Gorefield, nestled in the heart of the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, a small farmhouse owned by Mr Scrimshaw was once plagued by a series of bizarre and unexplained events. It was here that a poltergeist, reportedly triggered by the presence of a tall, dark man, began to make its presence known. The haunting, which took place in 1923, was marked by objects moving on their own, pictures falling from walls, and furniture being rearranged. The sudden and inexplicable nature of these events left the occupants and visitors alike scratching their heads, searching for answers to the strange occurrences.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Near ruins east of the town

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire

Ye Olde Griffin Hotel
March, Cambridgeshire

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire