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Cornish Serpent Legend

Cairn which was known as 'Burning 'Mountain', Zennor, Cornwall Cryptozoology Pre-Victorian

Perched on a windswept cairn known as Burning Mountain, a legendary serpent once brought travel to a standstill on the road between Zennor and St Ives. This wasn't just any ordinary snake - it was said to be a massive serpent that had taken up residence, blocking the route to the bustling St Ives market. The locals had had enough, so they took drastic action. Setting the scrubland around the cairn ablaze, they either killed the serpent or drove it away, restoring peace to the area.

Historical records of this event are scarce, but the story of the Cornish serpent has been etched into local folklore. It's unclear when exactly this event took place, but it's likely that it occurred during a time of great change in the area. The fact that the serpent was said to be blocking the road to St Ives market suggests that the town was an important hub for trade and commerce. While we can't verify the details of the encounter, it's clear that the serpent's presence had a significant impact on the local community.

Historical Context

The area has a rich history of folklore and legend

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Cairn
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
TR20

Nearby Haunted Places

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Bobby Griglans Fairy Sighting

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Trendraen Hill in Zennor, Cornwall, is home to a most unusual and intriguing paranormal sighting. In 1869, a man cutting gorse on the hill stumbled upon a tiny, thirty centimetre long fairy. The fairy, who would later be named Bobby Griglans by the man's children, was taken home and became a temporary plaything for the family. But as delightful as this encounter may seem, it was short-lived. The fairy's parents soon arrived, referring to their child as 'Skillywidden', and took Bobby Griglans back home.

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Zennor's Debt Collector Ghost

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In the quaint Cornish town of Zennor, a rather unusual haunting took place, centred around a former seaman named James Botterell. After retiring to the area, James found himself being haunted by the ghost of his former colleague, John Jones. The spirit of John followed James everywhere, causing considerable distress. One day, James, in an attempt to understand the reason behind these ghostly visits, asked John what he wanted. To his surprise, John's ghost replied that he needed James to pay off his debts. This straightforward request was all that was needed to bring peace to James, as once the debts were settled, John's ghost announced that he was off to Fiddler's Green and was never heard of again.

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Witchcraft in Zennor

General area of Trewa, Zennor

Deep in Cornwall's rugged landscape lies the rural area of Trewa, a place steeped in witchcraft legend. Every year on Midsummer Eve, or June 23rd, the local witch population would gather here to perform a ritual that would light up the night. They'd travel to the surrounding monoliths and standing stones, setting fires ablaze on each one. One stone in particular, known as the Witches Stone, held special significance - it was said that anyone who touched it nine times at midnight would be warded against ill-luck.

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Giant Boulders of Zennor

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In the rugged landscape of Zennor, Cornwall, lies a fascinating legend about giant ammunition. The area is scattered with massive granite boulders, which local folklore claims were summoned by giants who could call them out of the earth. This intriguing story has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, adding to the mystique of this picturesque region.

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The Poor Woman of Zennor

Unknown property, Zennor

In the rural neighbourhood of Trewey, near Zennor in Cornwall, a poignant ghost story has been etched into local folklore. A poor woman, living in the area during the nineteenth century, bequeathed her shawl to a young girl, but sadly, this wish was not fulfilled after her passing. The woman's spirit, driven by a sense of injustice, returned to haunt the girl, her presence striking fear into the hearts of locals. One brave soul, however, decided to confront the ghost, and upon learning the reason behind her return, ensured the girl received the shawl. This act of kindness appeased the woman's spirit, and in a final act of kindness, she escorted the girl to her grave in Ludgvan, a village not far from Zennor.

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Stormy Poltergeist Inn

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Tucked away in the Cornish village of Zennor, the Tinner's Arms Inn has a reputation for being one of the most atmospheric and haunted pubs in the region. As the storm clouds gather, the inn's poltergeist is said to stir, causing a ruckus that can be heard by patrons and staff alike. It's a strange phenomenon that has left many wondering if it's just faulty wiring or something more sinister at play. The fact that it only becomes active just before electrical storms hit the area adds to the mystery.

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Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cairn which was known as 'Burning 'Mountain'