Monk's Warning Ghost
Monk's Retreat in Broadhempston is home to a very special ghost. This location has a long history and it's here that a kindly monk is said to have saved the day. A fire had broken out near an unattended candle, but thankfully the monk's timely intervention alerted those nearby, allowing them to quickly put out the flames. By the time the fire was extinguished, the ghostly monk had vanished into thin air.
The story of the monk's heroics has been passed down through the years, with many claiming to have seen the ghostly figure. Although we don't know exactly when the incident occurred, it's clear that the monk's actions prevented what could have been a serious disaster. The fact that multiple people witnessed the monk's intervention and the subsequent fire adds credibility to the tale. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unlikely of heroes can make a big difference.
The exact date of the haunting is unknown, but it's believed to have occurred many years ago.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bishop Veysey's Haunted Vicarage
Vicarage, Polyton
The Vicarage in Polyton, Devon, is home to a rather unusual haunting. It's said that Bishop Veysey, a former occupant, still likes to quietly go about his business within the property. His presence is characterised by a gentle, unobtrusive movement, as if he's just popping from one room to another. Some people have also spotted an Elizabethan woman strolling through the garden, and it's possible that her boots are the ones creaking and thudding around the building.
Mysterious Footsteps at Torbryan
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The Church House Inn in Torbryan is home to a rather curious haunting. Guests and staff have reported hearing disembodied footsteps making their way towards a bathroom, only to mysteriously fade away if anyone follows. Its a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has left many wondering about the identity of the phantom footsteps owner. Adding to the mystery is the reported sighting of a phantom man clad in a cloak, which has been seen within the inn.
Mysterious Green Faced Monkey
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Deep in the woods of Churston, Devon, a bizarre creature was spotted on multiple occasions in the summer of 1996. This strange being, estimated to be around four feet high, was described as having a green face and was seen running along the forest floor. Over a dozen sightings were reported during the summer months, but curiously, there were no further reports the following year, leading some to speculate that it may not have survived the winter. The creature's appearance was brief, but its impact on the local community was significant, sparking both fascination and concern.
Dartington Hall Black Cat
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In the rolling countryside around Dartington Hall Estate near Totnes, Devon, a rather unusual sighting has been reported. A farm worker in the late 1990s claimed to have seen a large black cat, roughly the size of a dog, leap over a high boundary fence in a single bound. This was no ordinary feline, given its remarkable size and agility. The estate, with its rich history and sprawling grounds, has long been a place of interest for those drawn to the mysteries of the paranormal.
Dartington Hall White Lady
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Dartington Hall, a beautiful and historic country house in Devon, is said to be haunted by a number of ghostly apparitions, including the famous White Lady. This pale figure is often seen in the garden, and is believed to be one of several spirits that reside within the hall. The White Lady is described as a woman in a white dress, and is said to appear to visitors and staff members. In addition to the White Lady, other ghostly apparitions have been reported at Dartington Hall, including a woman who starved to death in a bedroom, an old nurse, and a headless horseman who has been seen just outside the grounds of the building.
The Pig and Whistle Ghost
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The Pig and Whistle Public House in Littlehempston is home to a rather randy spirit known as Brother Freddie. Legend has it that this monk would often sneak away to the pub to meet with a local farmer's daughter, and it's said that he still haunts the place, waiting for his lover to return. The pub itself is thought to have a secret tunnel leading to the nearby chapel, which could have been a convenient getaway for the illicit trysts. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences in the favourite bedroom of Brother Freddie, where he would often lay his head.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Monk's Retreat

The Old Church House Inn
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon
The Royal Castle Hotel
Dartmouth, Devon

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon