Goat Headed River Monster
The River Cam, a tranquil waterway that winds its way through the historic city of Cambridge, has been the site of a bizarre and terrifying encounter. In 1276, a group of fishers claimed to have spotted a monstrous creature with a goat's head and eyes that shone like fire. The creature was said to have plunged itself under the ice, causing a commotion and sending the fishers fleeing in fear. This strange encounter has been documented in 'The Doome Warning All Men to the Judgemente', a historical text that provides a fascinating glimpse into the paranormal history of the region.
Delving deeper into the historical context of this sighting, it's interesting to note that the story was initially misattributed to Suffolk or Cambridge, when in fact it originates from Poland. The 'Every Day Book' and Lady Eveline Camilla (Newton) Gurdon's account also contained errors, highlighting the challenges of tracing the origins of paranormal tales. Despite these discrepancies, the core of the story remains a compelling one: a group of witnesses reported a strange and frightening creature that was unlike anything they had seen before. The fact that this encounter has endured in local folklore for centuries is a testament to its enduring power and fascination.
Medieval period, 13th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Furry Creature of Newmarket Road
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Nun of Old Abbey House
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The Top Hat Ghost
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The Black Shuck of Reach
The Devil's Ditch: defensive earthwork that ends close to Reach, Reach
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The Unlucky Shuck of Arbury Road
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near River Cam close to Stourbridge Common

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire