Sow of Church Hill Legend
Church and Chapel Hill in Braunton, Devon, is home to a rather unusual legend. The story goes that the building of the church would be undone at night until its foundations were relaid where a sow with her young were found. It's a curious tale that has been passed down through the years, with no clear indication of when it supposedly took place. The image of a sow and her young being discovered on a site destined for a place of worship is an intriguing one, and it's easy to see why this story has endured.
Historically, the area around Braunton has been inhabited for centuries, with the current church structure dating back to a period of significant ecclesiastical development in the region. While the exact date of the sow legend is unknown, it's likely tied to the early construction phases of the church. The story doesn't mention any specific witnesses or dates but is instead a part of the local folklore. The lack of specific details about the sow and its connection to the church's construction suggests that this could be a story used to explain unusual construction challenges or changes in the church's building plans.
The church and chapel on Church Hill are part of Braunton's historical landscape.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Rock Inn Ghost Haunting Devon England
The Rock Inn
The Rock Inn in Devon has a long history of ghostly activity, with many reports of paranormal occurrences. One of the most famous ghosts associated with the inn is that of Belinda, a lady who was employed at the inn and brutally murdered by her lover's wife.
Braunton Burrows Ghostly Apparitions
Banks of river, Braunton Burrows
Braunton Burrows, a vast expanse of sandy dunes and scenic coastline in Devon, is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. Here, the ghostly figure of William de Tracy is said to appear, condemned to try and make ropes out of the sand. According to local legend, de Tracy's efforts are constantly thwarted by a mischievous dog that appears out of nowhere, burning his attempts to near completion. This eerie phenomenon has been observed by numerous individuals, adding to the mystique of this coastal location.
Mysterious Beach Creature
Downend Point, Croyde
Downend Point in Croyde, Devon, is known for its stunning coastal views and sometimes gruesome secrets. In January 2009, a bizarre creature washed up on the beach, sparking widespread curiosity and concern. The carcass, roughly the size of a calf, had large canine teeth, leading many to speculate about its origins. Some thought it might be the body of the infamous Beast of Exmoor, a legendary creature said to roam the countryside. However, further analysis would reveal a more mundane, yet still intriguing, explanation.
Marwood Ape Ghost
General area, Marwood
In the rolling hills of Marwood, Devon, a rather unusual ghost is said to roam the countryside. The area is haunted by the spirit of an ape, which met a tragic end after kidnapping its master's son and climbing a tree. It's a bizarre tale that has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the circumstances surrounding the ape's death and its subsequent haunting. Locals have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences, which they attribute to the restless ghost of the ape.
Faceless Phantom Coachman Haunting
Muddiford Inn Inn, Muddiford
The Muddiford Inn, a charming rural pub in Devon, is said to be haunted by a variety of ghostly entities. The most intriguing of these is perhaps the Faceless Coachman, a phantom figure with no discernible features. This eerie apparition is joined by other paranormal residents, including a young girl carrying a baby. The inn's long history and picturesque setting make it the perfect location for such hauntings.
Morte Point Cursed Peninsula
Morte Point, Woolacombe
Morte Point juts out into the Atlantic, its rugged landscape a testament to the fury of the sea. For centuries, this unforgiving stretch of coastline has claimed countless ships, dashing them to pieces on the rocky shore. Locals have long believed that Morte Point was a place of dark legend, where the Devil himself seemed to hold sway. They'd say it was the spot that 'God made last and the Devil will take first', a cursed peninsula that drew sailors to their doom.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Church and Chapel Hill
