Devil's Headstone Illusion
St Warburg's Churchyard in Spondon is home to a rather unusual phenomenon known as the Devil's Headstone. This location has been the subject of local legend for decades, with many claiming to have seen the image of the devil, or Old Nick, on a headstone from a distance. The illusion was reportedly visible from a nearby path, but would vanish when approached. One witness recalled walking past the headstone on their way to school in the 1960s and 1970s, and noted that the headstone was eventually moved in the 1980s, destroying the pareidolia.
The story of the Devil's Headstone has been passed down through local folklore, with many residents of Spondon familiar with the tale. While the exact date of the illusion's appearance is unknown, it's believed to have been a popular topic of conversation among locals for many years. The fact that the headstone was moved in the 1980s suggests that the illusion may have been caused by a combination of the headstone's design and the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, the destruction of the pareidolia has meant that the illusion can no longer be experienced firsthand.
The churchyard has been in existence since the medieval period, but the exact date of the Devil's Headstone is unknown.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Relocation of St Alkmund's
St Alkmund's Church, Duffield
St Alkmund's Church in Duffield stands as a testament to a rather unusual piece of local folklore. It's said that the church was originally meant to be built next to Duffield Castle, but it seems the Devil had other plans. Every night for a week, the building materials mysteriously relocated to the current site, and eventually, the church was erected there. This legend has been documented by paranormal researcher Wayne Anthony in his book Haunted Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Pickford's Haunted Household
Pickford's House Museum, Derby
Pickford's House Museum in Derby is home to a couple of restless spirits. A long dead gardener is said to still walk along the lawns he once tended with such care. Meanwhile, a woman haunts the kitchen, perhaps reliving memories of meals past. And then there's the child seen dancing in the house, believed to be a member of the Pickford family. It's a curious thing, this haunting, with its mix of solitary and family connections.
The Bump at Ye Olde Dolphin
Ye Olde Dolphin Inn Inn, Derby
Ye Olde Dolphin Inn in Derby has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the city. On a chilly winter evening, 1 February 2002, a family dining at one of the tables experienced a strange occurrence. They felt the table move slightly, as if someone had bumped into it, but there was no one in sight. At the same time, a picture on the wall moved slightly, adding to the eerie atmosphere. This unexplained event has contributed to the inn's ghostly legend.
Derby Cathedral White Lady
Derby Cathedral, Derby
Derby Cathedral stands tall in the heart of the city, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history and, some say, paranormal activity. On the steps behind this magnificent structure, a ghostly figure known as the White Lady has been spotted making brief appearances. She's not alone in her haunting; a distraught woman carrying a young child has also been seen near the cathedral, her tears a poignant reminder of the sorrow that lingers here. And then there's the man in old-fashioned clothing, a spectral presence that adds to the mystique of this haunted location.
The Headless Woman of Bowshaw
Unknown road, Bowshaw
Deep in the heart of Derbyshire, a chilling legend has long been whispered about in the town of Bowshaw. They say that a headless woman haunts an unknown road in this area, her ghostly presence striking fear into the hearts of locals. This eerie apparition is not an isolated phenomenon, as a second headless woman is also said to roam another road in the vicinity, adding to the mystique and terror of this haunted location. The Headless Woman of Bowshaw remains an enigma, with many questions surrounding her identity and the circumstances of her untimely demise.
The Half Man of Mickleover
Station Road, Mickleover
Mickleover's Station Road is a quiet thoroughfare, but it's said to be home to a rather unsettling apparition. Back in 1944, a teenager was walking along this very road in the early hours of the morning when he encountered something that left him shaken. The upper half of a ghostly man seemingly materialised before his eyes, leaving the youngster with a lasting impression. The encounter was apparently so vivid that it stayed with the teenager for a long time afterwards.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Warburg's Churchyard

Alton Towers (Alton Towers Hotel)
Alton, Staffordshire

Colwick Hall Hotel
Colwick, Nottinghamshire