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Devon's Cursed Churchyard

St John's Church, Bovey Tracey, Devon Legend Pre-Victorian

St John's Church in Bovey Tracey is home to a rather unusual and intriguing legend. The churchyard was left unused for a while due to a superstition that the first body interred would belong to the Devil. It was only after a servant of a visiting dignitary was buried there that others felt it was safe to use the site for their loved ones. This strange tale has led to the local folklore that the churchyard was once considered cursed or even evil.

The story behind this superstition remains unclear but it is tied to the local lore of 'Old Nick', a colloquial term for the Devil. The fact that a church, a place of worship and sanctity, was shunned due to such a fear highlights the power of local legends and superstitions in shaping community behaviours. While there's no record of specific paranormal activity at St John's Church in Bovey Tracey, the legend of the cursed churchyard continues to fascinate those interested in local history and folklore.

Historical Context

The church and its legend are part of Bovey Tracy's rich historical landscape.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Church
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
TQ1

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Haunted hotels and accommodation near St John's Church