The Blind Creature of Lydford
Deep in the Devon countryside, near the breathtaking Lydford Gorge, a bizarre encounter took place on a farm one fateful night. Maurice Knowles, a local farmer, was startled by a strange, dog-like creature that wandered onto his land. The creature was quite large, resembling a Great Dane, but with a few unsettling features - its snout was more like a pig's, and its eyes were nothing more than slits. The creature made a swift exit when Maurice shouted at it, leaving him shaken and curious about what he had just seen.
This peculiar sighting occurred on 5 April 1983, at 03:00h, and is a fascinating example of cryptozoology in the UK. While there's limited historical context for this specific event, it's intriguing to consider the possibility of unknown or unexplained creatures roaming the British countryside. Maurice Knowles' account is a valuable piece of evidence, providing a vivid description of the creature's appearance and behaviour. Although there's no further information on similar sightings, this incident remains an captivating enigma for those interested in the paranormal and unexplained phenomena.
Rural Devon in the late 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The White Lady Falls Ghost
White Lady Falls, Lydford Gorge
Deep within Lydford Gorge, the picturesque White Lady Falls has been a source of fascination for centuries. It's here, at the base of this breathtaking waterfall, that a phantom white woman in a long white gown is said to appear. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of this ethereal figure, leaving many to wonder about the story behind her haunting presence.
Dartmoor Inn Poltergeist
Dartmoor Inn Inn, Lydford
The Dartmoor Inn in Lydford is home to a mischievous poltergeist known as the Glass Thrower. This troublesome spirit is blamed for smashing glasses and tampering with the beer pumps if they malfunction. It seems the Glass Thrower has a particular grudge against new management, as it's reported to appear for only a couple of weeks after a new landlady or lord takes over. Locals and visitors alike have experienced the strange occurrences, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal.
Kitt's Pool Ghost
Lydford Gorge, Lydford
Deep within Lydford Gorge, a tranquil pool bears the name of Kitt, a woman who met a tragic end. They say she drowned in the water, and to this day, her spirit is seen re-enacting the moment of her death. She's easily recognisable, wearing a bright red scarf on her head and carrying a large basket in her arms. It's a poignant sight, and one that has been reported by many who have visited this beautiful but haunted spot.
Ghost of Judge Jeffereys
Lydford Castle, Lydford
Lydford Castle, a Norman fortification in Devon, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Judge Jeffereys, also known as the Black Pig. This eerie apparition is believed to be the spirit of the infamous judge who was involved in the Bloody Assizes, a series of trials that took place in the late 17th century. The Black Pig is said to roam the castle grounds, striking fear into the hearts of those who dare to venture near. Some believe that the ghostly apparition is a manifestation of Judge Jeffereys' guilt and remorse for his role in the brutal suppression of the Monmouth Rebellion.
Dartmoor Prison Ghost
Prison, Dartmoor
Dartmoor Prison, a foreboding structure nestled in the heart of Devon, is home to a multitude of paranormal activity. One of the most fascinating ghosts said to roam the prison grounds is that of David Davies, a former prison employee who tended to the prison sheep between 1869 and 1929. Davies' ghost is believed to appear on misty nights, walking the same grounds he once knew so well. His spirit is thought to be a manifestation of his dedication and connection to the prison, even in death.
The Devil's Church Stones
Church, Brentor
Brentor Church sits atop a tor in Devon, its foundation stones famously moved night after night by the Devil himself. The story goes that the Devil came to the construction site every night, relocating the stones to the top of the tor. The builders, exhausted and exasperated, finally gave up trying to move them back and decided to build the church right there on the tor. It's a curious tale that has become an integral part of the church's history and mystique.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Farm near Lydford Gorge

The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, Devon

Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, Devon

The Burrator Inn
Dousland, Devon

The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, Devon