Skip to main content

Jan Tregeagle's Dozmary Pool Haunting

Dozmary Pool, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall Legend Medieval

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.

Historical records of the legend are scarce, but the story of Jan Tregeagle has been passed down through generations of Cornish folk. Interestingly, another version of the tale suggests that Tregeagle did manage to escape, but now he's condemned to sweep the sand from Porthcurno Cove to Mill Bay, a task that's never done. As the sea washes the sand back, he's said to scream in frustration. Dozmary Pool holds another significance, as it's believed to be the location where Sir Bedivere returned Excalibur, the legendary sword of King Arthur. This adds to the pool's mystique and allure, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal and local history.

Historical Context

Medieval Cornish legend

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Natural Body of Water, Lake
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
PL22

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.6 mi

Phantom Green Car Bolventor

Road between town and Five Lanes, Bolventor

On a stretch of road between Bolventor and Five Lanes in Cornwall, a rather unusual sighting has been reported. This old fashioned green car, seemingly from a bygone era, has been seen by multiple witnesses at different times. What's particularly intriguing is that the vehicle appears to be occupied by four men who are laughing and enjoying themselves. The car's vintage nature and the joyful atmosphere it exudes make it a fascinating sight, but one that vanishes as quickly as it appears.

Road Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

The Jamaica Inn Phantom Highwayman Haunting

The Jamaica Inn, Bodmin

The Jamaica Inn, perched in the heart of Bodmin Moor, has a reputation for being one of Britain's most haunted places. With its labyrinthine corridors and centuries-old charm, it's no wonder that numerous ghostly encounters have been reported by visitors and staff alike.

Historic Inn 18th Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

The Drinking Sailor Haunting

Jamaica Inn Inn, Bolventor

Perched in the heart of Cornwall, the Jamaica Inn in Bolventor has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the country. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, including sightings of a ghostly sailor who was allegedly murdered nearby. They say he returns to the inn to finish his last drink, often seen sitting on the wall outside the building. Some claim to have spotted a phantom cloak floating around, while others have reported seeing a phantom man hanging from a nearby tree. It's a place where the past seems to collide with the present, leaving many to wonder about the stories behind the hauntings.

Historic Inn Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.2 mi

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.

Rural Area Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 3.9 mi

Knight of the Round Table Haunting

The Tristan Stone, Fowey

The Tristan Stone stands sentinel in the picturesque town of Fowey, Cornwall, shrouded in an aura of mystery and legend. This ancient stone is believed to mark the final resting place of one of King Arthur's esteemed knights, a connection that has captivated the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries. While the stone has been relocated at least once since its initial placement, its significance remains unwavering, drawing in those fascinated by the mystique of the Round Table and the tales of chivalry that surround it.

Ancient Monument Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.1 mi

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.

Moorland Footpath Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Dozmary Pool