Romans
Deep in the countryside of Cambridgeshire lies Swaddywell Pit, a site steeped in paranormal history. Locals have long reported strange occurrences here, but one of the most fascinating is the eerie sounds of unseen Roman soldiers clashing in battle. The air seems to vibrate with the cries of warriors and the clash of steel on steel, yet there's no visible sign of the combatants. It's as if the very atmosphere is alive with the echoes of a long-forgotten fight.
The presence of Roman soldiers at Swaddywell Pit is intriguing, especially given the area's historical significance. Helpston, now part of Peterborough, has roots dating back to the Roman era. It's possible that the haunting is linked to a skirmish or battle that took place here over a thousand years ago. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or circumstances of the haunting, the persistence of these reports suggests a strong connection between the location and the paranormal activity. The sounds of battle are said to be audible to anyone who visits the site, making it a unique destination for those drawn to the unexplained.
The area has been inhabited since Roman times
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Choir
, Helpston
In the quaint village of Helpston, Cambridge, a spine-tingling phenomenon has been reported near the Exeter Arms Inn. Residents and visitors alike have claimed to hear the eerie sounds of a ghostly choir, their ethereal voices drifting through the air, sending shivers down the spines of those who have been fortunate, or unfortunate, enough to hear them. This unsettling occurrence is said to have taken place around 1950, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this paranormal activity.
Fiddling
, Helpston
Helpston's Langley Bush Road was once a spot to avoid after dark, travellers steered clear due to a very unusual haunting. The sound of a wildly played fiddle echoed through the area, making it a place of unease. This wasn't just any ordinary road, it had a grim history too - a gibbet once stood there, before being moved closer to the local inn. The fiddle's mournful tunes seemed to fill the space left by its dark past.
Handless Doctor Hudson Ghost
Woodcroft Castle, Etton
Woodcroft Castle in Etton is home to a rather gruesome ghost story. It's said that in 1648, Doctor Michael Hudson was killed by Cromwell's soldiers while trying to escape the castle. But that's not the worst of it - his hands were severed as he attempted to climb down the walls. Now, his handless ghost is said to roam the grounds, a chilling reminder of the brutal events that took place here over 350 years ago.
Phantom Horse and Carriage
Sutton Heath Road, Peterborough
Sutton Heath Road in Peterborough is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. One evening, a man was driving along this road when he witnessed a horse and carriage emerge from a bush on the right-hand side. The carriage was being driven by a figure, who proceeded to cross the road ahead of our witness. The driver was so taken aback by what he had seen that he stopped his vehicle, hardly believing his eyes.
The Face of Castor
Unidentified house, Castor
In the quiet village of Castor, a most unsettling occurrence took place in a house that has long since been forgotten. Servants working in the residence reported hearing the unmistakable sound of footsteps and the rustling of a silken dress as it descended a staircase. They naturally assumed it was their mistress, but when they went to attend to her, they discovered she had not left her room for some time. The atmosphere in the house was already charged with an air of unease, and it was only a short while later that one of the servants exclaimed, 'Oh, I see a face!' before falling ill and dying under mysterious circumstances.
Snowy the Ghost Cat
Yarwell tunnel, Wansford
Deep in the heart of the Nene Valley Railway, near the charming town of Wansford in Cambridge, lies the eerie Yarwell tunnel. This is the haunting ground of Snowy, a loyal feline companion doomed to roam these tracks until reunited with her beloved owner, the stationmaster. The story goes that Snowy's owner met a tragic end, struck by a train while searching for his pet. Since then, Snowy has been spotted wandering the tunnel, a heartbreaking manifestation of loyalty and loss.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near

The Haycock Manor Hotel
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The Bull Hotel
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

The Bell Inn
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Ye Olde Griffin Hotel
March, Cambridgeshire