Skip to main content

Bramford Speke Mysterious Worms

General area, Bramford Speke, Devon Unknown Victorian

Bramford Speke was hit by a bizarre weather phenomenon back in 1837. During a snowstorm, dozens of little black worms fell from the sky, leaving residents scratching their heads. This strange event has become a footnote in local history, but it remains a fascinating example of the weird and unexplained. The fact that it was reported at all suggests it was quite an ordeal for those who witnessed it.

The winter of 1837 was particularly harsh, with snowstorms battering much of the UK. It's interesting to note that this event occurred during a time when scientific understanding of the natural world was still evolving. The appearance of these worms, while inexplicable, might have been linked to some unusual weather pattern or even a freak occurrence involving birds or other animals. Unfortunately, detailed accounts from the time are scarce, leaving us to wonder about the specifics of what actually happened.

Historical Context

The event occurred during the Victorian era, a time of great change and scientific discovery in the UK.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
General Area
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1837?
Postcode Area
EX16

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1 mi

Glowing Pike Haunting Wales

Large stone in the area, Crumlin

In the rural town of Crumlin, Wales, there's a mystifying tale of a ghostly encounter that led to the discovery of a glowing pike. The story goes that a man was haunted by a ghost who convinced him to travel to a large stone one night. Under the stone, a radiant pike was found, and the ghost instructed the man to take it to a nearby river, stand with his back to the water, and throw the pike over his head. After completing this ritual, the ghostly apparition vanished.

Large stone or monument Unknown
Read Full Story
Unknown 1 mi

Gold Dorothy's Mysterious Dream

Unknown stone in the area, Inshore

In the rugged landscape of Inshore, Highlands, a peculiar tale has been etched into local folklore. It revolves around a woman named Dorothy from Durness, who came to be known as Gold Dorothy due to a recurring dream she had. The dream was simple yet compelling: she envisioned finding gold under a stone in the area. Undeterred by the lack of tangible evidence, Dorothy took it upon herself to act on her nocturnal visions, digging at the same spot not once, not twice, but three times over the course of a year. Each time, her hopes were dashed as she found nothing but earth and stones.

Unspecified Location Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.5 mi

Exeter University Ghost

Exeter University, Exeter

Exeter University is home to a rather unusual ghostly resident. A phantom man dressed in painter's overalls has been spotted walking down the corridors, leaving students and staff alike scratching their heads. This bizarre apparition was first seen back in 1967 and has been a topic of interest for paranormal enthusiasts ever since. The fact that he's wearing painter's overalls suggests he might have been a maintenance worker or someone who was involved in some kind of manual labour.

University Mid-20th century
Read Full Story
Legend 2.7 mi

Headless Saint Nectan Legend

Church, Stoke

Stoke Church in Devon is said to be built on a rather gruesome spot - where Saint Nectan met his untimely demise. Legend has it that the saint had his head chopped off, but in a remarkable display of determination, he bent down, picked up his severed head, and stuck it back on his neck. And then, in a move that would put even the most agile of individuals to shame, he casually walked off. This bizarre event has become an enduring part of local folklore, with many regarding Saint Nectan as a symbol of resilience and faith.

Church Dark Ages
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.7 mi

Stoke Church Phantom Monk

Church, Stoke

Stoke Church stands sentinel in the Devon countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history and, some say, a few ghostly visitations. One of the most enduring tales from this quiet corner of Devon concerns a phantom monk said to haunt the churchyard. The last reported sighting was by a vicar back in 1973, who claimed to have seen the ghostly figure wandering the grounds. Interestingly, this solitary monk is not the only spectral presence said to roam these parts; several monks walking in a line are reportedly seen making their way from the church towards Hartland Abbey, although no one has come forward to corroborate this particular event.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Fairy 2.8 mi

The Forgotten Fairy King

Close to the site of the old castle, Dough

Deep in the Irish countryside, near the remnants of an ancient castle, lies the haunting legend of Donn, a powerful fairy king lost to the annals of time. They say he was once revered and mighty, ruling over the Sandhills with wisdom and strength. Yet, as the years went by and his name faded from the lips of bards and villagers, his influence began to wane. Some believe that Donn still roams these windswept hills, a forgotten relic of a bygone era, searching for a way to reclaim his former glory.

Rural Location Medieval
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area