The Bridge of Blood
Bickleigh Bridge spans the River Exe, a tranquil spot in Devon that belies a dark history. Every year on June 24th, a sinister presence returns to this very bridge, reliving a gruesome crime from centuries past. Alexander Cruwys, a man with a deadly grudge, met his victim here, and it's said that his malevolent spirit still roams, forever trapped in a cycle of guilt and horror.
Historical records reveal that Alexander Cruwys was responsible for a heinous murder on this bridge, where he callously threw his victim's body into the river below. This event has become shrouded in local legend, with many claiming to have seen Cruwys' ghostly form on the anniversary of the crime. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the haunting, the persistence of this tale suggests that something unexplained may indeed be at play. The bridge's isolated location and Cruwys' brutal actions only add to the sense of foreboding that pervades this spot.
Medieval period, possible connection to local landowners
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Laughing Lady of Bickleigh
Fisherman's Cot Public House, Bickleigh
The Fisherman's Cot Public House in Bickleigh is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Patrons and staff have reported hearing the soft, unexplained laughter of an invisible female, which seems to emanate from around the bar area. This eerie phenomenon is said to occur without any apparent cause or connection to the outside environment, where a headless horseman is rumoured to lurk. The laughter is a gentle, soothing sound that has left many wondering about its origin and purpose.
Fisherman's Cot Hotel Ghost Haunting in Devon
Fisherman's Cot, Tiverton
The Fisherman's Cot is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young lady whose raucous laughter can sometimes be heard near the bar. This eerie phenomenon has been reported by patrons and staff, adding to the hotel's mystique. With its rich history and possible connections to former guests or employees, The Fisherman's Cot offers a unique glimpse into Devon's paranormal past.
US Airman Pub Ghost
King's Head Public House, Cullompton
The King's Head Public House in Cullompton, Devon, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A US Airman was reportedly stabbed to death in a fight at the pub back in the twentieth century. Since then, his spirit has been seen wandering the premises, a post-mortem apparition that has left many a patron and staff member with a chill down their spine. The circumstances of his death are said to be the catalyst for his restless haunting of the pub.
Vanishing Woman of Forges Hill
Forges Hill, Cullompton
Forges Hill in Cullompton is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained collide. It's said that a woman who stepped out in front of a car vanished just before impact. This eerie event took place in late 2022 and has left many questions unanswered. The site itself is home to a tree steeped in folklore - a tree used for hangings, adding a layer of tragic history to the location. Was the phantom woman a victim of the hangman's noose or a grieving mourner? The truth remains elusive.
Tiverton Lodge Ghostly Breathing
Lodge close to Ashley Court, Tiverton
In the quiet town of Tiverton, Devon, a small lodge close to Ashley Court became the site of a bizarre and intriguing paranormal encounter on 31 December 1964. As the church bells rang in the new year, the occupier of the lodge was startled by the sound of heavy breathing, which lasted for several seconds. The atmosphere was suddenly charged with an eerie presence, enough to unsettle the pet cat, which cried out and fled through the cat flap in distress.
Bride in the Chest Haunting
Tiverton Castle, Tiverton
Tiverton Castle stands as a testament to the rich history of Devon, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of secrets and stories. One of the most bizarre and tragic tales from its past is that of a newlywed bride who played a game of hide and seek with her guests, only to vanish into thin air. Years later, her mummified body was discovered in a chest in the loft, the spring-mounted lid having tragically trapped her inside. This gruesome find has led to Tiverton Castle being associated with one of the most unusual ghost stories in the UK.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bridge over the River Exe

Fisherman's Cot
Bickleigh, Devon

City Gate
Exeter, Devon

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa
Okehampton, Devon
The White Hart Hotel
Exeter, Devon