Little John's Cursed Femur
Hathersage Hall stands in the picturesque village of Hathersage, Derbyshire, a place steeped in history and legend. It's here that a rather unusual tale of misfortune and a cursed bone has been passed down through the years. In around 1784, James Shuttleworth made a grave mistake - literally. He dug up the nearby grave of Little John, a legendary outlaw, and removed a femur that measured a remarkable seventy-two centimetres in length. But soon after, misfortune struck Shuttleworth, and it wasn't until he reburied the bone that his bad luck vanished.
The story of Little John's femur is tied to the local folklore of the area. Little John, a member of Robin Hood's Merry Men, was said to have been buried in the vicinity of Hathersage. The removal of his femur by James Shuttleworth seems to have triggered a series of unfortunate events. While there's no detailed account of what exactly happened to Shuttleworth, the fact that he reburied the bone to end his misfortune suggests a strong local belief in the supernatural. This incident, though brief, has become a lasting part of Hathersage's ghostly lore.
18th-century English folklore and legend
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Nearby Haunted Places
The White Lady of Hathersage
Vicarage, Hathersage
In the quaint village of Hathersage, nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, a mysterious phenomenon has been observed for centuries. The vicarage, a seemingly ordinary residence, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a white lady. Although it's been around a hundred years since the phantom was last seen, locals still whisper about the unexplained occurrence that takes place on one night each year, on February 28th. On this evening, a single door in the vicarage is said to open by itself, a strange event that has been documented for years.
Gabriel Hounds Haunting
Clough Dell, Hathersage
Deep in the heart of Clough Dell, a sense of foreboding settles over those who venture into these woods. The Gabriel Hounds, a demonic dog of local legend, is said to roam this area, its mournful howls striking fear into the hearts of those who hear them. According to old tales, the sound of the Gabriel Hounds is an ominous warning, signalling the imminent death of a family member. But on one peculiar occasion, the howling came from a farmer's son who then eloped with a woman in a most unusual and convoluted manner.
Little John's Haunted Grave
Churchyard, Hathersage
Hathersage Churchyard in Derbyshire is said to be the final resting place of Little John, one of Robin Hood's most trusted merry men. The grave is a notable three meters long, a testament to the larger-than-life character of the legendary outlaw. While there's no concrete evidence to confirm the exact location, local lore has it that Little John's body lies beneath the churchyard soil. The church itself has a tangible connection to the famous archer, as his longbow was once proudly displayed within its walls until it was removed in 1729.
Phantom White Horse Hathersage
Sicklehome Hollow, Hathersage
Deep in the heart of the Peak District, Sicklehome Hollow near Hathersage is home to a mystifying sighting - a phantom white horse. This elusive apparition is said to roam the area, but only visible to those with the gift of second sight. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, adding to the enigma that surrounds this ghostly equine. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of this ethereal creature, leaving many to wonder about the story behind its existence.
White Woman of Highlow Hall
Highlow Hall, Hathersage
Highlow Hall stands amidst the rolling hills of Derbyshire, its stone fa��ade bearing witness to centuries of history. It's here, within the moonlit confines of the stable yard and the grand halls, that a peculiar presence has been observed. A farmer, going about his nightly duties, reported seeing a pale spectre, dubbed the White Woman, on several occasions. He'd tip his cap in respect as she glided by, a habit that speaks to the eerie yet harmless nature of this ghostly apparition. The White Woman has also been seen entering the hall's front door and drifting up the staircase, her presence marked by the soft rustling of her dress as she moves through the corridors at night.
The Pale Woman of Moorseats
Moorseats Hall, Hathersage
Moorseats Hall in Hathersage is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. This Derbyshire country house has been witness to the strange apparition of a pale woman who is said to roam the orchard. What's fascinating about this spectre is that she reportedly takes on the form of whoever is currently residing in the hall. Imagine catching a glimpse of a ghostly figure that looks uncannily like the current owner or occupant - it's a chilling thought. The hall has also been associated with another phantom that haunts a bedroom, often asking guests in the darkness if everything is okay.