Dorcas of Polbreen Mine
Deep in Cornwall's mining country, the old Polbreen mine near St Agnes is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dorcas, a woman who took her own life in tragic circumstances. They say she still drifts around the site, a melancholy presence that's been linked to a remarkable act of heroism. According to local legend, Dorcas once saved the life of a miner by calling out his name, just in time to prevent him being crushed by a rock fall. It's a story that's been passed down through the years, and one that's still told with a mixture of awe and reverence by those who know the area.
The story of Dorcas is closely tied to the history of mining in Cornwall, a region that was once home to a thriving industry. The Polbreen mine, like many others in the area, would have been a bustling hub of activity during its operational life, with miners working long hours in difficult conditions. It's not hard to imagine the sense of community that would have developed among the miners, and the fear that would have gripped them if one of their own had been in danger. Dorcas's actions that day are a testament to the enduring bonds of human connection, even in the face of tragedy and loss. While we don't know the exact date or time of her reported appearances, it's clear that Dorcas remains a powerful presence in these parts.
The Polbreen mine was operational during the Victorian era, a time when Cornwall's mining industry was at its peak.
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Nearby Haunted Places
St Agnes Stones Legend
St Agnes Beacon, St Agnes
Perched atop St Agnes Beacon in Cornwall, the Stones formation has been a source of fascination for locals and visitors alike. Legend has it that these stones were carried up the hill by none other than Saint Agnes herself, or perhaps the wife of a giant. Another tale claims that the saint managed to outsmart the Devil, turning him into stone where he remains to this day. The stones still sit proudly at the top of the hill, a testament to the area's rich history and folklore.
Porthtowan Whispering Figure
Beach, Porthtowan
Porthtowan beach, a stretch of sand and surf on Cornwall's north coast, is where a rather eerie encounter took place. A man, out for a walk, was startled to hear a voice from the sea whisper 'The hour has come but not the man'. This disembodied voice was repeated not once, not twice, but three times. It was only after the third utterance that the witness saw a shadowy figure dart down a nearby hill and into the sea, making a beeline for a ghostly ship anchored offshore. The whole scene was quite unsettling, to say the least.
The White Shuck of Porthtowan
Mile Hill area, Porthtowan
In the rugged landscape of Mile Hill, Porthtowan, a legendary tale has been etched into the fabric of local folklore. A fearful dragon once made its lair near this spot, striking fear into the hearts of locals. However, its reign of terror was short-lived, as a mysterious white shuck-like creature, often referred to as a ghostly dog, chased the beast away. To this day, the ghostly canine is said to roam these hills, a haunting presence that has become an integral part of the area's paranormal heritage.
The Chancellor's Premonition
Scorrier House, Redruth
Scorrier House in Redruth, Cornwall, is a place where the fabric of time seems to have been gently tweaked. A man who lived in the house had a dream that he saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer being shot in London. He wasn't one to spin yarns or make things up, but he shared his vision with several people before the news of the assassination had even reached their quiet town. It's a story that has been passed down, a curious incident that raises more questions than it answers.
The Missing Teeth Haunting
Churchyard, Perranzabuloe
Perranzabuloe Churchyard in Cornwall is home to a rather unusual ghost story. An old woman found a set of false teeth here and took them home, little did she know that they belonged to a rather disgruntled spirit. The following night, she was awoken by a phantom voice demanding 'give me back my teeth!' She threw the dentures out of her bedroom window, and to her relief, she never heard from the ghost again. This bizarre encounter has been passed down as a classic example of a mischievous haunting in the area.
Figure at St Day Church Window
Old church, St Day
The old church in St Day, Cornwall, has been the site of a bizarre and intriguing paranormal sighting. In December 2021, a local press story revealed that a paranormal group had captured video footage of a figure standing in an elevated window of this empty church. The image is said to show a clear, albeit brief, glimpse of a person standing in the window, sparking widespread interest and debate among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
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