Skip to main content

Winkleigh Dragon Sightings

General area, Winkleigh, Devon Dragon Seventeenth century

In the rolling hills of Winkleigh, Devon, a rather extraordinary phenomenon has been reported - the sighting of multiple dragons in the general area. While details of their activities are scarce, it's intriguing to consider what might have led to these sightings. Were they a collective hallucination, a misidentification of known animals, or something more extraordinary? Unfortunately, with the passage of time, much of the original information has been lost to history.

The reported sightings date back to the seventeenth century, a time of great change and upheaval in England. It's possible that the stress of war, famine, or disease might have contributed to an atmosphere of fear and superstition, in which unusual sightings were more likely to be reported and remembered. While we can't know for certain what was seen, the fact that multiple dragons were reported suggests that something unusual was observed, even if we can't quite put our finger on what that was.

Historical Context

Rural England in the seventeenth century

Location

Location Details

Location Type
General Area
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Seventeenth century?
Postcode Area
EX16

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 2.7 mi

Headless Women of Hartland

Bow Bridge area, Hartland

In the quaint village of Hartland, Devon, a chilling sight has been reported near Bow Bridge. Two ghostly figures, dressed in silken dresses, slowly move around, their headless bodies a stark and unsettling presence. These shades seem to glide effortlessly, as if drawn by some unseen force. The atmosphere is further heightened by reports of ghost lights in the area, adding to the sense of unease and mystery.

Bridge Unknown
Read Full Story
Legend 5.4 mi

Mysterious Pool of Water

Cottle's Wood, North Tawton

Deep in Cottle's Wood, a normally dry ditch has been the subject of a long-standing legend. It's said that whenever Britain is threatened or a major public figure dies, the ditch mysteriously fills with water. This strange phenomenon has been observed for years, sparking curiosity and speculation among locals and visitors alike. The sudden appearance of water in the ditch is often seen as an ominous sign, a harbinger of significant events that will impact the nation.

Woods Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 6.4 mi

Ghost of Thomas Beckett

Road through village, Lapford

Lapford village in Devon is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. On the anniversary of his death, 29 December, the ghost of Thomas Beckett, also known as Thomas of Canterbury, is said to appear on horseback, passing through the village. This spectral apparition is a reoccurring sighting, and it's believed that Thomas Beckett's spirit relives the journey he took on the day of his martyrdom. The fact that this haunting occurs on a specific date adds to its mystique, and it's likely that the villagers have been aware of this phenomenon for centuries.

Road Medieval
Read Full Story
Shuck 7.1 mi

Devon Dark Hound Legend

General area, Down St Mary

Down St Mary is a small village in Devon where locals have long whispered about a mysterious dark hound that roams the streets from dusk till dawn. This phantom canine is said to patrol the village, its presence felt by residents and visitors alike. While there's no record of a specific sighting, the legend of the Black Hound has become an integral part of local folklore.

Rural Village Area Unknown
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 7.8 mi

Mysterious Ape-like Creature Sighting

Woods near the village, Kings Nympton

Deep in the woods near Kings Nympton village, a strange encounter took place back in 1978. Three boys out exploring stumbled upon a large, unusual creature that left them shaken. It had piercing green eyes, similar to those of a cat, and a body that resembled a bear, but with an unsettling twist - it stood upright on two legs, much like an ape. The boys' innocent adventure had turned into a memorable experience that they wouldnt soon forget.

Woods Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Unknown 8.3 mi

Spreyton Flying Devil Encounter

Exact location unknown, Spreyton

Deep in the Devon countryside, near the village of Spreyton, a bizarre and terrifying encounter took place in 1682. A man was suddenly lifted from the ground by a mysterious flying entity, often described as a 'flying devil', and deposited in a faraway marsh. The poor soul was left shaken, and as if that wasn't enough, his torn hairpiece was found lodged high in the branches of a nearby tree. This strange and unexplained event has become a footnote in local history, but it remains a fascinating example of the strange and inexplicable.

Rural Area Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area