Rustling Woman of Fardel Hall
Fardel Hall stands tall in the Devon countryside, its grandeur slowly being reclaimed by nature. But it's not just the hall itself that's famous - it's the ghostly presence that roams the grounds, known as the Rustling Woman. Dressed in dark clothing, this feminine shade is said to protect a hoard of buried treasure, and her presence is often marked by the soft rustling of silk in the wind. One field in the area is even said to be impossible to cultivate, adding to the mystery and intrigue of this haunted location.
The history of Fardel Hall dates back to the medieval period, and it's likely that the Rustling Woman's story has its roots in the Victorian era. Legend has it that the ghost is a former occupant of the hall, tasked with guarding a hidden treasure. While there's no concrete evidence to support this claim, the sheer number of reported sightings and experiences suggest that there's more to this story than mere myth. The Rustling Woman's presence is often accompanied by a soft whispering or rustling sound, which is said to be the silk of her dress blowing in the wind.
Medieval origins, Victorian era expansions
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Petrified Hunter of Dartmoor
Bowerman's Nose, Dartmoor
Bowerman's Nose, a striking rock formation on the rugged moors of Dartmoor, is said to be the petrified remains of a hapless hunter. Legend has it that Bowerman's hounds disturbed a coven of witches at work, prompting the angry women to cast a spell that turned him to stone. This eerie monument to the hunter's misfortune stands as a testament to the enduring power of local legend and the mysterious, windswept landscape of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Ghost Hounds
Marchant's Cross, Dartmoor
Deep in the heart of Dartmoor National Park lies Marchant's Cross, a spot where the fabric of reality seems to be thin. It's here that a pack of ghostly hounds, led by the legendary Drake, are said to roam. These phantom canines are known as the Wish Pack or Shuck, and their eerie presence has been felt by many a brave soul who dares to venture into these woods. The hounds are believed to be harbingers of doom, striking fear into the hearts of those who cross their path.
Devon's Dragon Mine Haunting
Unknown tin mine, Manaton
Deep in the Devon countryside lies the eerie Dragon's Mine, an abandoned tin mine said to be haunted by the ghost of a fearsome dragon. Locals claim that the beast made its lair within the mine's depths, its menacing hisses echoing through the tunnels and out into the surrounding countryside, striking fear into the hearts of all who heard them. The dragon's reign of terror may have been brought to an end when it was killed within the mine, but its malevolent presence is said to still linger, a chilling reminder of a bygone era.
Dartmoor Pixie Haunting
Sheepstor, Dartmoor
Deep within the rugged landscape of Dartmoor National Park lies Sheepstor, a cave with a rather unusual history. It's said that during the English Civil War, this cave was shared by humans and the local pixie population, who were affectionately referred to as 'little people'. The idea of humans and supernatural creatures cohabiting might seem far-fetched, but this story has been passed down through the years, leaving behind a fascinating tale of unlikely roommates.
Boringdon Hall Hotel Ghosts: Lady Jane Grey and Sir Francis Drake
Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa, Plympton
The Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa is home to a multitude of ghostly apparitions. Guests have reported seeing the spirit of Lady Jane Grey, who was imprisoned on site in the 16th century. Sir Francis Drake, the famous naval commander, has also been spotted, often wearing his suit of armour and carrying a sword. Other paranormal activity includes unexplained noises, such as banging and footsteps, as well as cold spots and electricity failures. One guest even reported seeing a spectral horse and carriage.
Dartmoor Phantom Funeral
Childe's Tomb, Dartmoor
Childe's Tomb on Dartmoor is a spot where the veil between worlds seems remarkably thin. It's said that a hunter, known only as Childe, met a tragic end here, freezing to death on the unforgiving moor. His spirit has been seen being carried by phantom monks, a haunting sight that has captivated locals and visitors alike. The exact circumstances of Childe's death are shrouded in mystery, but his ghostly procession has become a well-known aspect of Dartmoor's paranormal folklore.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Fardel Hall

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

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

The Three Crowns
Chagford, Devon