Fairy Built Bridge Haunting
South Down Bridge in Tavistock, Devon, is a picturesque spot with a rather magical history. Legend has it that the Queen of the fairies herself played a role in its construction. Apparently, she turned some of the water below into boulders to help build the bridge. This charming tale has led to the bridge being affectionately known as 'Built by Fairies'. It's said that the fairy's involvement is still celebrated today, and the bridge remains a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The origins of South Down Bridge date back to a time when folklore and myth were an integral part of everyday life. In this case, the story of fairy involvement adds to the bridge's allure and mystique. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the tale has become an integral part of Tavistock's heritage. The bridge itself is a sturdy structure that has withstood the test of time, and it's interesting to ponder the role that local legend has played in shaping its reputation. Visitors to the area can still see the bridge in all its glory, and who knows, they might even catch a glimpse of the fairy folk.
The bridge is believed to have been built in the medieval period, although the exact date is unknown.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Organist of Torbay
St John's Church, Torbay
St John's Church in Torbay, Devon, is home to a most unusual and intriguing haunting. For over 75 years, the phantom of Henry Ditton-Newman has been making his presence known within these sacred walls. It's said that Henry, who passed away in 1883, couldn't resist the urge to play the church organ, and his ghostly fingers continued to tickle the ivories until as late as 1959. But that's not all - his ethereal form was also known to wander the empty building, leaving a trail of mystery and wonder in his wake.
Totnes Cook Ghost Apparition
King William the Fourth, Totnes
The King William the Fourth in Totnes has a rather eerie reputation. It's said that an elderly-looking ghost - identified as Bill, a cook who passed away on site - is the resident spectre here. Witnesses have reported seeing this apparition, and some have even experienced poltergeist-like activity too. This makes for a fascinating visit, especially for those interested in paranormal phenomena.
Mysterious Brown Shapes Haunting
Totnes Guild Hall, Totnes
Totnes Guild Hall in Devon has been the site of a bizarre and intriguing paranormal incident. A series of photographs uploaded to YouTube by 'TheAnnekelly' on 27 September 2011 appear to show two brown shapes moving around a living room. The images were captured in darkness using a flash through a window, which has led some to speculate that the shapes could be insects on the glass. However, the strange movement and behaviour of the shapes have sparked interest among paranormal enthusiasts and researchers.
Gog and Magog Giants Haunting
General area, Totnes
In the rolling hills and countryside around Totnes, Devon, a legendary tale has been etched into local folklore for centuries. The story revolves around Gog and Magog, giants who allegedly roamed this area before the arrival of Brutus, leader of the Trojans. According to myth, Brutus either spared their lives and enlisted them as guardians of his palace or brutally drowned them in the sea. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the existence of these giants, their legend has become an integral part of Totnes' rich history and cultural heritage.
Ghostly Applause at Dartington
White Hart, Totnes
The White Hart in Totnes, close to Dartington Hall, is said to be haunted by the ghostly sound of rapturous applause. Staff closing up the hall in the late 1990s, after midnight, have reported hearing clapping and murmuring coming from the empty great hall. It's as if an invisible audience has gathered to appreciate a performance, but when checked, the hall is always found to be empty and securely locked. The eerie atmosphere of Dartington Hall, with its rich history, seems to be the perfect setting for such a strange and unexplained phenomenon.
The Hairy Hands of Dartmoor
Area of road between Two Bridges and town, Postbridge
On the windswept roads of Dartmoor, near Postbridge, a chilling phenomenon has been blamed for a string of fatal accidents. It started with a motorcyclist who narrowly escaped death after reporting a large, hairy hand grasping for the controls of his bike, causing him to crash. This bizarre incident was just the beginning of a series of inexplicable events that would leave locals and visitors alike scratching their heads. A woman later came forward with a similarly bizarre account of a large, hairy hand crawling over her sleeping husband in a caravan. Then, there were sightings of a small, childlike figure standing by the roadside, waving its arms as if trying to flag down passing drivers.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near South Down Bridge

The Old Church House Inn
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon
The Royal Castle Hotel
Dartmouth, Devon

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon