Treasure Guardian Ghost
Down House Farm in Tavistock is home to a rather unusual ghost story. Legend has it that the farmer's wife encountered a mysterious figure on the stairs one day. This ghostly apparition reportedly told her that a significant amount of wealth was hidden under the water pump at the farm. Intrigued by the claim, the wife decided to investigate further and, upon lifting the pump, she indeed found a considerable treasure. Interestingly, after the discovery of the treasure, the ghost was said to have never troubled anyone again at Down House Farm.
The story of the Treasure Guardian at Down House Farm is an intriguing one, especially when considering the context of rural legends and ghost stories common in Devon. While the exact date of the haunting is unknown, the tale has been passed down through local folklore. The ghost, described as an unknown type, seems to have had a specific purpose - to reveal the location of hidden treasure. This type of narrative, where a ghost acts as a guardian or guide, is not unique but remains captivating. The fact that the haunting ceased after the treasure was found adds a layer of mystery to the story, suggesting that the ghost's presence was indeed connected to the treasure's concealment.
The farm has been a part of local folklore for generations.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Lady Howard's Ghostly Procession
Fitzford House driveway, Tavistock
Fitzford House driveway is where you'll find Lady Howard, a notorious figure from Tavistock's past. She's said to have poisoned two of her four husbands, and now she's doomed to roam the driveway in a rather eerie form. Lady Howard appears as a large black dog with a single eye, and she's often accompanied by a carriage pulled by headless horses. They make their way towards Okehampton Castle, a journey that's said to be a repetitive one. Legend has it that once they reach the castle, Lady Howard plucks a single blade of grass before returning home, only to repeat the action again and again until there's no grass left.
Sir Francis Drake's Phantom Funeral
Road between town and Plymouth, Tavistock
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Down House Farm

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon