Cow Phantom of South Tawton
Deep in the Devon countryside, near the sleepy hamlet of South Tawton, a bizarre and intriguing haunting has been reported. A Guernsey cow is said to roam this rural location, but its appearance is shrouded in a dark and ancient history. According to local legend, this cow was once a woman who committed a terrible deed and was subsequently transformed into an animal as punishment. For 4,900 years, this phantom cow is said to appear at midnight, a sighting that has been reported by locals and visitors alike.
The story behind this haunting dates back to the late nineteenth century, a time of great change and upheaval in rural England. The exact nature of the 'terrible deed' committed by the woman is lost to history, but it is said to have been severe enough to warrant a punishment of nearly 5,000 years. The transformation into a Guernsey cow is a curious one, and it's unclear why this specific breed was chosen. What is certain, however, is that the cow's apparition has become a well-known and enduring part of local folklore, with many claiming to have seen it at the stroke of midnight.
The haunting is said to have originated in the late nineteenth century, a time of great change in rural England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Spreyton Monk Phantom
Vicarage, Spreyton
In the quaint village of Spreyton, Devon, a most intriguing paranormal incident took place at the local vicarage back in 1932. A vicar and his friend were out for a stroll when they inadvertently captured a remarkable photograph. The image showed a cowled monk kneeling in front of the vicarage, although neither of the pair had seen anyone suspicious at the time. The circumstances surrounding the photograph remain shrouded in mystery, leaving one to wonder if the monk was a benign apparition or a fleeting glimpse of something more sinister.
The Woman in Silk Haunting
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Bush House in Spreyton, Devon, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A phantom woman dressed in black silk is said to haunt the building, and locals claim that anyone brave enough to follow her will be led to a vast amount of money. The loud rustling of her dress is usually the first indication of her presence, and it's said that she appears to anyone who is willing to take a chance. This mysterious woman has been a part of local folklore for many years, with some believing that she might be the spirit of a former occupant who died under mysterious circumstances.
Spreyton Flying Devil Encounter
Exact location unknown, Spreyton
Deep in the Devon countryside, near the village of Spreyton, a bizarre and terrifying encounter took place in 1682. A man was suddenly lifted from the ground by a mysterious flying entity, often described as a 'flying devil', and deposited in a faraway marsh. The poor soul was left shaken, and as if that wasn't enough, his torn hairpiece was found lodged high in the branches of a nearby tree. This strange and unexplained event has become a footnote in local history, but it remains a fascinating example of the strange and inexplicable.
Dartmoor Ghostly Galloping
Throwleigh, Dartmoor
Deep in the heart of Dartmoor, near the village of Throwleigh, a strange and unexplained phenomenon has been reported. Residents and visitors alike have claimed to hear the sound of invisible creatures running along, their passing accompanied by a gentle breeze. The experience is often described as unsettling, yet harmless. It's as if the wind itself is taking on a life of its own, carrying with it the whispers of the past.
Tors Hotel Poltergeist
Tors Hotel, Belston
The Tors Hotel in Belston, Devon, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, particularly in the upper parts of the building. The poltergeist activity centres around slamming doors, which can be quite unsettling for those who experience it. This type of activity is often associated with restless spirits, and it seems that the Tors Hotel has its fair share of ghostly visitors.
The Bearded Sailor Ghost
Northmore Arms, Wonson
Northmore Arms in Wonson, Devon, is home to a mysterious presence known as the Bearded Sailor. Little is known about this entity, but its reputation as a ghostly apparition has been circulating among locals and visitors alike. The pub itself has a rich history, and it's possible that the Bearded Sailor's story is linked to one of its former patrons or employees. Despite the lack of information, the Bearded Sailor remains a fascinating figure, sparking curiosity and intrigue in those who hear about it.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hamlet just outside the village

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon

The George Inn
Hatherleigh, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon