Murdered Priest of Poundstock
St Neots Church in Poundstock stands quietly in the Cornish countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to a tale of murder and unrest. A holy man, who met his demise in the mid-1300s, is said to haunt these grounds. He was a priest who dared to speak out against the local smugglers, a decision that ultimately cost him his life. To this day, his spirit is seen drifting around the churchyard and standing by the altar, a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded centuries ago.
Historical records reveal that the priest's murder took place in a time of great turmoil. Smuggling was rampant in Cornwall, and those who dared to challenge the illicit trade were often met with violence. On 02 March 1971, a man approached the priest, mistaking him for a real person, and spoke to him. This remarkable encounter highlights the enduring presence of the priest's spirit. The haunting manifestation is characterised by visual and audio experiences, with the priest's ghostly form being the most commonly reported phenomenon.
The priest's murder was linked to the widespread smuggling activities in Cornwall during the 14th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Talking Crows of St Neots
Crow Pound, St Neots
Crow Pound, a historic earthwork in St Neots, Cornwall, is home to a most unusual legend. It's said that St Neot, a local saint, impounded a group of crows here, and some of these clever birds learned to speak in human tongue during their imprisonment. This peculiar tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder if there's truth behind the talking crows of Crow Pound. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing in curious visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The White Hare of Looe
Hill between Talland and the Jolly Sailor Inn Inn, Looe
On a stretch of road between the villages of Talland and Looe in Cornwall, a rather eerie sighting has been reported. The location is marked by a hill that slopes down towards the Jolly Sailor Inn, a spot where locals and travellers alike have claimed to have seen a white creature, known as the Hare, running down the hill. This apparition is said to vanish as it reaches the public house, leaving onlookers with a sense of unease. The creature is thought to be the spirit of a young woman who took her own life, and its appearance is considered an ill omen.
Horned Figure of St Neot
Area around Hobbs Hill, St Neot
Deep in the Cornish countryside, around Hobbs Hill in St Neot, a strange figure has been spotted lurking in the lanes. This eerie apparition is described as a man with antlers, and his appearances are shrouded in mystery. The first reported sighting was back in the mid-1940s, and then again in 1998, the figure was seen wandering the same stretch of road. It's not just the horned figure that's causing a stir, though - there have been other bizarre occurrences in the area, including strange animal sightings and unexplained events.
Phantom Jogger of Bodmin Moor
Footpath to Golitha Falls, St Cleer
Golitha Falls, a breathtaking spot on Bodmin Moor, is where a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place. A couple, walking back from the falls on a July day in 2003, noticed a jogger behind them. She was dressed in modern fitness gear, her arms swinging as she ran, but there was something odd about her - she never closed the distance between herself and the couple, which remained at around thirty metres. The final time they turned to look, she had vanished into thin air, with no discernible place to go.
Lyonesse Haunted Sea Bells
Between Cornwall and Scilly Isles, Land's End
Out in the waters between Cornwall and the Scilly Isles lies the lost land of Lyonesse, a place steeped in myth and legend. This fabled landmass was said to have connected the two areas, with some claiming to have seen flooded woodland as recently as the early twentieth century. The story of Lyonesse is one of tragedy and divine judgement, with some tales blaming Merlin for sinking the land as a punishment for Mordred's men, while others claim it was Heaven's wrath that sent it beneath the waves.
Jan Tregeagle's Dozmary Pool Haunting
Dozmary Pool, Bodmin Moor
Dozmary Pool, a tranquil and mysterious spot on Bodmin Moor, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jan Tregeagle. According to legend, Tregeagle was a man who committed a heinous crime, killing his wife and children, and as punishment, his spirit is doomed to return to the pool every night. With a broken shell, he attempts to empty the pool's contents, but to no avail. A pack of ghostly wild dogs watches over him, ensuring he doesn't try to escape. Locals have long believed that saying Tregeagle's name out loud could summon the vengeful spirit, so they avoided it altogether.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Neots Church

Bodmin Jail Hotel
Bodmin, Cornwall

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

The Wellington Hotel
Boscastle, Cornwall

Camelot Castle Hotel
Tintagel, Cornwall