The White Monks of Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey stands majestically in the Devon countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history and, some say, paranormal activity. In 1872, a young man out fishing made a bizarre observation that has been etched in local lore ever since. He claimed to have seen a long line of monks moving silently towards the abbey, their presence seemingly impervious to the natural world around them. The witness described these phantoms as being completely silent, a detail that has sparked much curiosity among those interested in the unexplained.
Delving into the historical context of Buckfast Abbey reveals a rich tapestry of events that could potentially be linked to the apparition of the White Monks. Founded in the 11th century, the abbey has experienced periods of prosperity and turmoil, including destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. The sighting of the monks in 1872, during the Victorian era, adds another layer of intrigue to the site's complex history. Although the witness's account is singular, the specificity of the details lends credibility to the experience, leaving room for interpretation about the nature of these ghostly apparitions.
Founded in the 11th century, Buckfast Abbey has a long and varied history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Squire Cabell's Ghostly Hunt
Church, Buckfastleigh
Buckfastleigh Church stands sentinel over the sleepy Devon town, its ancient stones bearing witness to a legend that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. On dark, stormy nights, the ghost of Squire Cabell is said to emerge from his tomb, a spectral figure accompanied by a pack of hounds. This eerie procession sets off across the nearby moor, a haunting spectacle that has been linked by many to the inspiration behind Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles. The legend has become an integral part of local folklore, with many believing that the Squire's ghostly hunt is a harbinger of doom or a portent of some sort.
Ghostly Drinkers of Buckfastleigh
The Valiant Soldier pub museum, Buckfastleigh
The Valiant Soldier pub museum in Buckfastleigh is a hotspot for paranormal activity. This 1960s public house has been preserved in time and is said to be haunted by the presence of old patrons. It's as if the party never ended and the good times keep rolling. In 2023, a ghost hunting group captured evidence of unexplained footsteps running upstairs, despite everyone in the group being accounted for.
Mysterious Moorland Cottage
Moorland around the area, Buckfastleigh
Deep in the Devon moors, near the town of Buckfastleigh, a strange encounter has been etched in the memories of three girls who wandered into the darkness. They stumbled upon a cottage seemingly out of nowhere, its presence a surprise in the vast, open landscape. Peering through an uncurtained window, they saw an old man and woman sitting by a fire, a warm and welcoming scene. But before they could react or even move, the cottage and its occupants vanished into thin air, leaving the girls with a bewildering experience that would stay with them.
Sobbing Child Haunting
Bay Horse Public House, Ashburton
The Bay Horse Public House in Ashburton, Devon, is home to a heartbreaking haunting. Locals and visitors alike have reported hearing the sound of a crying child coming from the upper part of the building. The sorrowful cries are often accompanied by the noise of children running around, creating an unsettling atmosphere. It's as if the ghostly youngsters are playing, but their fun is cut short by tears and distress. This poignant haunting has left many wondering about the story behind the sobbing child.
Squire's Hellish Coach Ride
General area, Wallaford
Wallaford in Devon is a place where the ordinary and the paranormal seem to collide. Residents and visitors have reported a most unsettling sighting - a squire escorted by hell hounds travelling in his coach through the general area. The image of the squire and his hellish entourage is said to be a harbinger of doom or a portent of some sort. While the exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, the legend has persisted, captivating the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The Fading Monk of Newton Abbot
Church House Inn Inn, Newton Abbot
At the Church House Inn in Torbryan, a strange sighting has been reported by patrons. A monk has been seen in the bar area, but he vanishes quickly, leaving behind only a faint impression of his presence. It's said that his footfalls sometimes echo around the building once everyone is tucked in for the night, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The inn's long history and rural setting may be contributing factors to this ghostly encounter.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Buckfast Abbey

The Old Church House Inn
Newton Abbot (Torbryan), Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon
The Royal Castle Hotel
Dartmouth, Devon