Skip to main content

Headless Page Boy Haunting

Hayne Manor, Stowford, Devon Crisis Apparition Victorian

Deep in the Devon countryside, Hayne Manor stands as a testament to the region's rich history. It's here that a tragic event has given rise to one of the most unsettling ghost stories in local lore. A young page boy, employed at the manor, met a brutal end at the hands of a butler who had been caught stealing. The boy's lifeless body was found with his head severed and tucked under his arm, a grim sight that has been etched into the collective memory of the location. To this day, visitors and staff have reported encountering the boy's restless spirit, his head still absent, believed to be a harbinger of doom for those who cross his path.

The story begins with a tale of betrayal and violence. Prior to the death of the manor's owner, the butler's actions led to the tragic demise of the young page boy. This act of violence has left an indelible mark on Hayne Manor, with reports of the boy's ghostly apparition surfacing over the years. Described as a crisis manifestation, his presence is often seen as a warning of impending death. Adding to the mystique of the location are sightings of a wish hound in the surrounding area, further cementing Hayne Manor's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.

Historical Context

The manor dates back to the Victorian era, a period marked by strict social hierarchies and severe punishments for wrongdoing.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Country House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Residence
Date / Era
Prior to death of owner
Postcode Area
EX32

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.5 mi

Busy Madam Gould Apparition

Countryside around area, Lew Trenchard

In the rolling countryside around Lew Trenchard, a most industrious spirit is said to roam. Madam Gould, a hard worker during her lifetime, has been spotted on a plough in a field she once owned, still tending to the land with the same dedication she showed in life. Her ghostly form has also been seen sitting under a tree in her garden, gazing out over the landscape she loved. It's said she still keeps a watchful eye on her former lands, chasing those who would dare to steal from her or disturb her rest.

Countryside Victorian
Read Full Story
Unknown 1.5 mi

Gallitrap Haunting Lew Trenchard

Unknown field in the area, Lew Trenchard

In the rolling countryside of Lew Trenchard, Devon, lies a mysterious field with a dark history. This unassuming patch of land was once believed to be a Gallitrap, a sinister plot of ground thought to ensnare those guilty of heinous crimes. According to local legend, anyone who entered this field would become disoriented and lost, wandering aimlessly until a parson and a magistrate were summoned. The parson would then break the spell, while the magistrate would see to it that the guilty party was hanged. It's a chilling tale that speaks to the harsh justice of a bygone era.

Field Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.7 mi

Lady Margaret's Haunting at Lewtrenchard Manor

Lewtrenchard Manor, Okehampton

The Lewtrenchard Manor, a beautiful Country House in the heart of Devon, has a long history of paranormal activity. It is said that the ghost of former resident, Lady Margaret Baring-Gould, roams its corridors and rooms, often making her presence known when something goes amiss with her beloved home. This is not just a simple case of a ghostly apparition; it's as if Lady Margaret is trying to communicate or protect what's hers.

Country House Victorian
Read Full Story
Unknown 3.7 mi

Mysterious Bean Rain Haunting

General area, Lifton

In the quaint village of Lifton, nestled in the heart of Devon, a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon occurred in February 1928. Residents and villagers were left scratching their heads as showers of kidney beans began to fall from the sky, with no apparent source or explanation. This strange event, which came to be known as the Bean Rain, was a mystery that would be etched in the memories of the locals for years to come.

Rural Area Early 20th Century
Read Full Story
Unknown 4.6 mi

The Devil's Church Stones

Church, Brentor

Brentor Church sits atop a tor in Devon, its foundation stones famously moved night after night by the Devil himself. The story goes that the Devil came to the construction site every night, relocating the stones to the top of the tor. The builders, exhausted and exasperated, finally gave up trying to move them back and decided to build the church right there on the tor. It's a curious tale that has become an integral part of the church's history and mystique.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.8 mi

The White Lady Falls Ghost

White Lady Falls, Lydford Gorge

Deep within Lydford Gorge, the picturesque White Lady Falls has been a source of fascination for centuries. It's here, at the base of this breathtaking waterfall, that a phantom white woman in a long white gown is said to appear. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of this ethereal figure, leaving many to wonder about the story behind her haunting presence.

Waterfall Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hayne Manor