Skip to main content

Thyme Ghost Footpath Drunfield

Footpath between Stubley and Drunfield, Drunfield, Derbyshire Apparition Victorian

The rolling hills of Derbyshire are home to a rather unusual ghost story, centred on a footpath that connects the villages of Stubley and Drunfield. This tranquil route has been witness to a haunting that dates back to the nineteenth century, a time when such rural areas were often the backdrop for tragic, and sometimes brutal, crimes. The spirit in question is that of a woman who met her untimely demise at the hands of her partner, a crime so heinous it has left an indelible mark on the local folklore.

Historical records are scarce, but the legend goes that this woman was carrying a bunch of thyme when she was murdered. What's remarkable about this detail is that the smell of thyme is said to denote her presence to this day. Such a specific herb being linked to her ghostly apparition suggests that the locals have held onto this story for a long time, passing it down through generations. While there's no concrete evidence to support the exact details of the crime or the identity of the woman, the persistence of this legend speaks to the impact her tragic death has had on the community.

Historical Context

The haunting is set in the Victorian era, a time of significant change and social upheaval in England.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Footpath
Activity Types
Olfactory Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Nineteenth century?
Postcode Area
S42

Nearby Haunted Places

Poltergeist 0.5 mi

The Haunting of The Miners Arms Pub in Eyam

The Miners Arms, Eyam

The Miners Arms Pub in the village of Eyam is said to be haunted by a former landlady who met her demise in a rather unfortunate incident. According to local legend, she was thrown down the stairs and has been seen ever since. But that's not all - strange occurrences have been reported, including running footsteps, objects moving on their own, and even an apparition of medical equipment.

Historic Inn 17th century
Read Full Story
Unknown 0.5 mi

Unstone's Oppressive Mist Phenomenon

A61 Unstone/Dronfield Bypass, Unstone

Unstone's misty veil has been shrouding the A61 bypass for years, leaving drivers with an unsettling sense of unease. This eerie phenomenon seems to centre around Monk Wood, where the atmosphere grows thick and heavy, making it feel like an invisible force is pulling cars towards a steep embankment. It's a spot where the ordinary rules of driving seem to bend, and several accidents have occurred, fuelling speculation about the mist's strange power.

Roadside Woodland Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.7 mi

The Headless Woman of Dronfield

Place 'where three roads meet' between village and Coal Ashon, Dronfield

At a spot where three roads meet, just outside Dronfield in Derbyshire, a rather unsettling apparition has been spotted. The phantom of a headless woman is said to haunt this particular junction, although details about her origins and the circumstances of her haunting are scarce. The location itself is a bit of a crossroads, literally and figuratively, which might add to the mystique surrounding this ghostly encounter. It's not clear when these sightings first began or what time of day they're most likely to occur, but the image of a headless woman is one that's certainly stuck with locals and travellers alike.

Road Junction Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.7 mi

Dronfield Skeletal Haunting

Unidentified house, Dronfield

In the quaint town of Dronfield, Derbyshire, a chilling encounter took place in a house that would leave its occupants shaken. A married couple, eager to start their new life together, moved into the property, but their excitement was short-lived. Strange occurrences began to plague them - knocking sounds and footsteps echoed through the halls, making it difficult for them to rest. The couple's anxiety grew to the point where they refused to sleep without a light in the bedroom. One fateful night, the wife awoke to find the lamp had gone out. In the darkness, she fumbled for a match, and as the flame flickered to life, she caught a glimpse of a skeletal figure moving towards the bedroom door. The shock was too much, and the couple quickly vacated the property.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 0.8 mi

Dronfield Church Deathly Apparitions

Church, Dronfield

Dronfield Parish Church stands as a sentinel in the heart of this Derbyshire town, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. On one night of the year, St Mark's Eve, a chilling phenomenon is said to occur. As the clock strikes midnight, the spirits of those doomed to die over the forthcoming twelve months are believed to enter the church. This eerie tradition has been etched into local folklore, leaving many to wonder if the veil between life and death is at its thinnest on this particular evening.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 1.4 mi

The Multi-Winged Bird of Coal Ashon

Exact area not known, Coal Ashon

Deep in the heart of Derbyshire lies the quaint village of Coal Ashon, where a most peculiar and intriguing encounter took place in the nineteenth century. A young girl, whose name has been lost to the annals of time, claimed to have seen a large white bird, roughly the size of a goose, but with a most striking feature - multiple wings. As she gazed upon this creature, she found herself circling it an astonishing nine times, after which it vanished into thin air. This bizarre incident has been etched into local folklore, leaving many to wonder about the nature of this enigmatic creature.

Village Victorian
Read Full Story