Swarkestone Water Spirit
The River Trent, near Swarkestone Bridge in Derbyshire, is said to be home to a mysterious water elemental. This spirit is steeped in local legend and is believed to require three lives annually to remain pacified. The story goes that two young ladies, who tragically lost their lovers to the spirit, took it upon themselves to build the bridge that now spans the river. Their actions were a heartfelt attempt to prevent others from suffering the same loss they endured.
Historical records suggest that the bridge was indeed built with the intention of appeasing the water spirit. While the exact date of its construction is unclear, it's believed to date back to the Victorian era. The spirit's legend has been passed down through generations, with locals often sharing stories of its supposed activities. Although there are no documented witness accounts, the persistence of the legend speaks to the enduring fascination with this enigmatic entity.
The bridge was built during the Victorian era, with local legend suggesting it was constructed to appease the water spirit.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Swarkestone Bridge Ghostly Sisters
Swarkestone Bridge, Swarkestone
Swarkestone Bridge stands sentinel over the River Trent, its stone arches bearing witness to centuries of history. But it's not just the bridge's age that's got people talking - locals claim that the ghostly sisters who built this very bridge are said to haunt it, their ethereal presence felt by those who dare to cross. Some say you can even hear the sound of phantom horsemen, their ghostly steeds thundering across the bridge as if trying to relive a long-forgotten battle. It's a spooky tale that's been doing the rounds for years, and one that's sure to send shivers down your spine.
The Druid Inn Ghost
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The Druid Inn in Birchover, a quaint village in the Peak District, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. On a chilly winter evening, 8 January 2012, around 23:00h, a worker at this ancient public house witnessed a most unsettling sight. An elderly lady, described as an old lady, was seen drifting through the older part of the building, her ethereal form vanishing into a wall. This eerie encounter has left many questions unanswered, sparking curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike.
Headless Shadow of Buxton
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The Newhaven Inn, nestled between Buxton and Ashbourne, is home to a rather unsettling presence. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, including the sighting of a black and grey shadow without a head. Thankfully, this ghostly entity tends to manifest more as phantom footsteps along the corridors, making it a relatively harmless but still unnerving experience. The inn's long history and picturesque setting only add to the mystique of this paranormal phenomenon.
Mary Hollingworth Ghost
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The Roe Cross Inn in Mottram is home to a rather charming ghostly resident, Mary Hollingworth. Locals and visitors alike have spotted her near the inn's 400-year-old fireplace, where she seems to linger, dressed in a long gown from a bygone era. Her presence is said to be quite harmless, making her a welcome addition to the inn's character. There's something endearing about Mary, and her ghostly appearances have become a talking point among those who've stayed at the Roe Cross Inn.
Screaming Bridge Ghosts
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Well Street in Derby is home to a notorious bridge with a dark history of brutal executions. The bridge was once used to display the bodies and limbs of executed criminals and priests, a grim reminder of the method of their deaths. It's said that their cries still echo through the streets, a chilling testament to the bridge's macabre past. Locals claim that on certain nights, you can still hear the blood-curdling screams of those who met their end here.
Spectral Children of Derby
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The Assembly Rooms in Derby is a hub of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences. One of the most fascinating hauntings is that of the Darwin Suite, where a group of spectral children have been seen and heard singing and dancing. This eerie phenomenon has left many visitors and staff members bewildered, wondering if the children are the restless spirits of former pupils or simply a manifestation of the building's rich history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near River Trent

Colwick Hall Hotel
Colwick, Nottinghamshire

Alton Towers (Alton Towers Hotel)
Alton, Staffordshire