Animated Church Statues
Deep in the heart of Padstow, a quaint Cornish town, lies St. Petroc's Church, home to a most peculiar and intriguing legend. It's said that a group of stone statues, comprising a lion, a unicorn, and a knight, spring to life when a specific rhyme is recited. The rhyme in question is 'Reefy, reefy rum, without teeth or tongue; if you'll have me, now I am a-come'. According to local lore, a young girl once chanted these words, and to her surprise, the statues gave chase.
Historical records of St. Petroc's Church date back to the 12th century, although the current building is largely Victorian. The church is renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim of animated statues, the legend has become an integral part of Padstow's folklore. The story has been passed down through generations, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The statues in question are likely part of the church's decorative features, but their supposed ability to come to life has cemented their place in local legend.
The church has undergone several restorations since its initial construction in the 12th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Red Eyes of Padstow
Marble Arch, Padstow
Marble Arch in Padstow is a spot where one local lad had a rather unsettling encounter. He was walking along when he accidentally dropped a box of apples, and as he looked up, he claimed to have seen a pair of glowing red eyes staring back at him out of the darkness. This brief but intense experience has become a well-known local legend, with many wondering what exactly the lad saw that night.
Prideaux Place Child Ghost
Prideaux Place, Padstow
Prideaux Place in Padstow is home to a rather curious haunting. A small child has been spotted running into the pantry, but never comes back out. It's as if they've vanished into thin air. This ghostly child is not the only paranormal presence said to haunt the estate. A green lady is also rumoured to roam the wooded area in the garden and a nearby cave. It's a spooky tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Padstow Poltergeist Haunting
Former Livery Stable, Padstow
In the heart of Padstow, a small town in Cornwall, there stands a former livery stable with a reputation for being home to a mischievous poltergeist. The exact location is unclear, but a 1967 estate agent advert for the site mentioned the presence of this troublesome spirit. While details are scarce, the fact that the poltergeist was noted in a property listing suggests it was causing quite a stir. Imagine walking into a property with a history of unexplained occurrences - it's a tantalising prospect for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Annie Rawlings' Tragic Ghost
St. Petroc Bistro, Padstow
St Petroc's in Padstow is a place where the past lingers, particularly on the staircase and in the kitchen. The ghostly presence said to haunt these areas is that of Annie Rawlings, a woman who took her own life in the nineteenth century. Faced with being forced out of her home, Annie's tragic fate has left a lasting impression on the building. Her pale, slim form is often seen by those who venture into this historic location, now a restaurant.
The White Hart Ghost
The White Hart, Padstow
The White Hart in Padstow, Cornwall, is said to be haunted by a ghostly presence known as Wilfred. This former inn, now sadly no longer operational, was once a hub of activity in the picturesque fishing village. Footsteps echoing down the stairs and a loud rasping sound emanating from one of the bedrooms are just a couple of the unexplained occurrences that have been reported. It's believed that Wilfred, a priest who met his demise at the inn a few years prior, is responsible for these strange happenings.
The Elizabethan Woman of Padstow
Abbey House, Padstow
Abbey House in Padstow is home to a sad and elusive spirit, known as the Elizabethan Woman. She drifts around the house, travelling up the staircase from the basement and vanishing in the oldest part of the building. Her presence is a mystery, with no clear explanation for her appearances. The house, situated on North Quay, has a rich history dating back to the Elizabethan era, which may be connected to the ghostly woman.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Church

Molesworth Arms
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Bodmin Jail Hotel
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Camelot Castle Hotel
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The Wellington Hotel
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