Dando's Hellish Hunt
Perched on Erth Hill in St Germans, Cornwall, lies a chilling legend about a rogue monk named Dando. He was known for his love of hunting on Sundays, which ultimately led to his downfall. According to the tale, Dando was out hunting for hare when the Devil appeared and snatched all his game. In hot pursuit, Dando chased Old Nick but lost his footing on the bank of the River Tiddy and tumbled in. The waters suddenly turned to steam, and Dando was dragged to hell. This eerie hill, near the confluence of the Rivers Tiddy and Lynher, is said to be haunted by the mischievous spirit of Dando.
The story of Dando dates back to the fourteenth century, a time when the Catholic Church held significant power in England. Monks were expected to adhere to strict rules, including observing the Sabbath. Dando's blatant disregard for these rules and his subsequent encounter with the Devil have become etched in local folklore. While there's no concrete evidence to support the supernatural events, the legend has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The haunting is classified as a legend, specifically an Old Nick sighting, which adds to the mystique of this Cornish hill.
The legend of Dando dates back to the fourteenth century, a time of great change and spiritual fervour in England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Officer on Horseback
Godolphin Area, Wheal Vor
Deep in the Cornish countryside, near the village of Wheal Vor, a chilling sighting has been reported by two hunters. They claimed to have seen a locally known Captain riding his horse over the warren, a scene that was all the more shocking given that several months had passed since the officer's death. This unsettling encounter is just one of many unexplained events that have been documented in this picturesque region of Cornwall.
The Crying Woman of Leedstown
Duke of Leeds house, Leedstown
In the sleepy Cornish town of Leedstown, a heartbreaking tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy has unfolded. The Duke of Leeds house, once a grand residence, is now said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a woman who was cruelly wronged. Her story begins with a deceitful lover, who tricked her into handing over the deeds to her home. He then callously sold the property and fled to America, leaving the woman shattered and destitute. It's said that her grief and madness consumed her, and she eventually succumbed to a tragic fate.
The Wet Man of Phillack
Buck of Blood inn Inn, Phillack
The Buck of Blood inn in Phillack is a place where the past lingers, quite literally. This old Cornish pub is said to be haunted by not one but two ghostly entities. One of them is a monk, whose presence is shrouded in mystery. The other, more striking apparition is that of a man dressed in wet, ripped clothes. His story is a tragic one; his body was discovered in a well on the site, and it's said that his spirit still roams the inn, searching for peace.
The Relocating Church of Lelant
Church, Lelant
Lelant Church stands in a spot that was seemingly chosen by the Devil himself. Legend has it that during construction, the Devil moved the stones each night to where the church now stands. This strange occurrence has led to the church being associated with the paranormal for centuries. The church also has a connection to the fairy realm, with a fisherman claiming to have witnessed a fairy funeral, complete with lights and a procession, on a late night return home.
Godolphin House Phantom Procession
Godolphin House, Godolphin Cross
Godolphin House in Cornwall is said to be haunted by a phantom funeral procession. This eerie sighting involves a line of people walking past the building, a spectacle that has left many a visitor with a chill down their spine. The procession is believed to be led by a white woman, once married to the First Earl of Godolphin. Her ghostly appearances are often reported, particularly when she is said to climb out of a closet and walk along the terrace, adding to the mystique of this haunted location.
Ghost in Locked Room
Lanyon House, Gwinear
Lanyon House in Gwinear, Cornwall, is home to a rather intriguing haunting. A room within the building was once sealed off and left permanently locked, after a ghost was laid to rest inside. It's said that the room was shut away to prevent the spirit from causing any further disturbance. The circumstances surrounding the ghost's presence and the reason for locking the room remain unclear, but it's clear that this enigmatic event has left a lasting impression on the house's history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Erth Hill

