Screams of Gelt Bridge
Gelt Bridge stands as a rural crossing point in Cumbria, its tranquil setting a stark contrast to the brutal events that allegedly took place there. It's said that several troops loyal to Bonnie Prince Charlie were executed and tortured here, their screams echoing through the years. Locals claim that the cries can still be heard, particularly around midnight, a chilling reminder of the bridge's bloody past.
The historical context of these events dates back to the Jacobite risings, a period of Scottish rebellion against British rule. Bonnie Prince Charlie, also known as Charles Edward Stuart, led a rebellion in 1745. If troops were indeed executed here, it would have been part of the British government's efforts to quell the uprising. The fact that these screams have been reported for years suggests that the site may be a hotspot for paranormal activity, with some speculating that the residual energy of the victims' suffering still lingers.
Jacobite risings, 1745
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Shepherd's Stone Haunting
Unidentified stone in the village, Appleby
In the quaint village of Appleby, Cumbria, a large stone is said to be the unlikely home of a restless shepherd. Legend has it that this ghostly figure was once banished from a nearby home, forced to take up residence within the stone. For years, the shepherd lay dormant, undisturbed. That was until a lively party was held close by, shattering the peace and stirring the entity from its rocky slumber. As the story goes, the shepherd floated out of the stone and into the nearby river, a sight that would have sent shivers down the spines of any who witnessed it.
Maggie Stobbart's Ghostly Apparition
Blacksmith's Arms Public House, Talkin
The Blacksmith's Arms Public House in Talkin, Cumbria, has a long history of paranormal activity centred around the ghost of Maggie Stobbart, a former landlady. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of her spirit since her death, which is believed to have occurred sometime in the mid-twentieth century. Maggie's presence is often felt throughout the pub, with many claiming to have seen her apparition wandering the rooms and corridors.
Talkin Tarn Sunken Town Legend
Talkin Tarn, Talkin
Talkin Tarn, a serene lake in Cumbria, is said to be the final resting place of a small but wealthy town that once stood here. The residents of this town were known for their greed, which eventually led to their downfall. According to legend, an angel disguised as a beggar was sent to investigate the town's ways but was driven out by its residents. Only an old woman who lived on the outskirts showed the angel kindness, offering him help. This act of kindness spared her from the town's fate, but the town itself was punished by being submerged in the lake.
Rebel Ghosts of Capon Tree
Capon Tree, Brampton
Deep in the Cumbrian countryside lies the Capon Tree, a spot steeped in dark history and paranormal legend. This was the site where six supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie were hanged in 1746, their executions a grim reminder of the brutal suppression that followed the Jacobite rising. Locals believe that the ghosts of these rebels return once a year, in October, to relive their final moments. A memorial stone now marks the location, a poignant tribute to the men who lost their lives in a cause that would ultimately prove futile.
Tebay Railway Ghost Figure
Railway tracks, Tebay
Tebay's railway tracks have been the scene of a bizarre and unexplained encounter. In 1967, a steam train enthusiast named David Johnson was capturing the essence of a locomotive in the village on film. As he snapped away, he accidentally caught something entirely unexpected - a ghostly figure clad in a cloak, which has since become a source of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts. The exact location of the sighting remains a mystery, but its impact on those who've heard the story has endured.
Neddy Bogle Ghostly Apparition
Old cairn, Elterwater
Deep in the heart of Elterwater, a small village in Cumbria, lies an ancient cairn where the Neddy Bogle is said to roam. This ghostly apparition has been a part of local folklore for centuries, with tales of its haunting presence sending shivers down the spines of brave locals and curious visitors alike. The exact nature of the Neddy Bogle remains a mystery, but its reputation as a harbinger of doom or a mischievous spirit has endured through the years.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Gelt Bridge

