Sir Francis Drake's Phantom Funeral
On the winding roads between Tavistock and Plymouth, locals claim to have seen a bizarre procession led by Sir Francis Drake himself. Pulled by black headless horses, a dark hearse is said to rumble down this stretch of road whenever his drum is heard beating in the distance. This eerie spectacle is often associated with the famous explorer's restless spirit, said to be forever doomed to relive his final journey.
Historical records confirm that Sir Francis Drake died in 1596, and his funeral procession would have indeed passed through this very area. Some believe that his spirit continues to roam these roads, reenacting his own funeral march. While there's no concrete evidence to support these claims, multiple witnesses have reported hearing the unmistakable sound of a drumbeat, followed by the unsettling sight of a ghostly procession. It's a chilling experience that has become an integral part of local folklore.
Sir Francis Drake was a renowned English explorer and naval commander during the Elizabethan era
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Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Monk Apparition in Devon
The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
The Bedford Hotel, located on the site of a former Benedictine Abbey, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl. According to legend, she was befriended and then taken advantage of by a monk at the abbey, leading to her tragic demise. Guests and staff have reported seeing her apparition in various areas of the hotel, including the restaurant, corridors, and guest rooms.
Betsy Grimbal Ghost
Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, Devon, is home to a rather intriguing ghost. Locals believe the spectral female form that haunts this hotel is the same Betsy Grimbal who is said to haunt another part of the town. She's been spotted wearing a dark dress and bonnet, and one chef on the ground floor was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her. Staff have also reported hearing the rustling of her clothing, which suggests Betsy might be more than just a fleeting apparition.
Judge Glanville's Ghostly Haunting
Kilworthy House, Tavistock
Kilworthy House in Tavistock is said to be haunted by the ghost of Judge John Glanville, a ruthless man who made a devastating decision in the 17th century. Glanville condemned his own daughter to death for murdering her husband, a crime that must have weighed heavily on his conscience. It's little wonder then that his spirit, along with his daughter's, is believed to roam the halls and grounds of Kilworthy House. The daughter's ghost is often seen headless, a grim reminder of her tragic fate.
Tavistock Poltergeist Haunting
Standon Farm, Tavistock
Standon Farm in Tavistock, Devon, has a rather intriguing history of paranormal activity. This rural farmhouse was briefly haunted by a mischievous entity back in the 1800s. The entity, classified as a poltergeist, was known to move items around the property, causing quite a stir among the farm's residents. Although there's limited information available about this haunting, it's clear that the farm's inhabitants were affected by the unexplained events.
Devil's Church Relocation
Brent Tor, Tavistock
Perched atop Brent Tor in Tavistock, Devon, lies a church with a rather unusual history. It was meant to be built at the base of the hill, but it seems the Devil, or Old Nick as he's sometimes known, had other plans. Every night, he'd sneak down and relocate the foundation stones to the top of the hill. This nocturnal activity continued until St Michael himself appeared, scaring the Devil away. Yet, despite this divine intervention, the church ended up being built at the top of the hill, seemingly where the Devil wanted it all along.
Tavistock Church Midsummer Spirits
Church, Tavistock
Tavistock Parish Church stands tall in the heart of this historic town, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of secrets and stories. On Midsummer's Eve, 23 June, a chilling phenomenon is said to occur. The church is allegedly visited by the spirits of those who will meet their demise in the coming year. This unsettling event was reportedly witnessed by a pair of brothers, who were shocked to see their own apparitions among the ghostly gathering.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Road between town and Plymouth

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon