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Stormy Devil's Fury

in, Widecombe, Devon Legend 17th century

Widecombe was caught in the grip of a terrifying storm back in October 1638. It was a fateful Sunday when the villagers gathered for a church service, but little did they know that the heavens themselves would unleash a torrent of chaos. The sky turned as black as coal, and a blazing ball of fire tore through the air, shattering parts of the church tower and sending panic-stricken worshippers fleeing for their lives. Several people lost their lives that day, including a man named Jan Reynolds, whose untimely demise was attributed to the Devil's wrath.

Historical records reveal that the stormy tempest was seen as a divine punishment by the villagers. Some claimed Jan Reynolds was taken away by the Devil himself, possibly on horseback, as retribution for his alleged misdeeds - either dozing off or playing cards during the sermon, or having previously sold his soul. This dark event has become an infamous part of local folklore, with many believing that the church still bears the scars of that fateful day. The incident remains a topic of discussion among historians and paranormal enthusiasts alike, with some speculating about the possible connections between the storm and Reynolds' supposed wrongdoings.

Historical Context

The incident occurred during the English Civil War era, a time of great turmoil and superstition.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Church
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
October 1638
Postcode Area
TQ13

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