Important: Locations are approximate and for reference only. Please verify before visiting and always respect private property, local laws, and landowner wishes. Many locations may be on private land or restricted areas.
Betsy Grimbal's Tower, Tavistock
Betsy Grimbal's Tower stands sentinel over the town of Tavistock, its stone walls bearing witness to a tragic tale of love and loss. It's said that Betsy met her untimely demise at the hands of a soldier on the tower's staircase, her spirit unable to rest. Locals claim that her shade can be seen staring out from one of the tower's windows, a haunting presence that draws in the curious and the brave.
The story of Betsy Grimbal's death has been passed down through the years, a grim reminder of the violence that can erupt in the most unexpected places. While the exact date of her death is unknown, it's clear that her spirit has lingered, a constant presence in the tower. Some believe that Betsy's ghost is a manifestation of her own guilt or regret, while others see her as a symbol of the transience of life. Whatever the reason, her ghostly apparition remains a popular draw for those interested in the paranormal.
The tower dates back to the medieval period, although the exact date of Betsy Grimbal's death is unknown.
Bedford Hotel, Tavistock
The Bedford Hotel in Tavistock, Devon, is home to a rather intriguing ghost. Locals believe the spectral female form that haunts this hotel is the same Betsy Grimbal who is said to haunt another part of the town. She's been spotted wearing a dark dress and bonnet, and one chef on the ground floor was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her. Staff have also reported hearing the rustling of her clothing, which suggests Betsy might be more than just a fleeting apparition.
Interestingly, the connection between Betsy Grimbal's hauntings in different parts of Tavistock suggests there might be a local legend or historical figure at play. Unfortunately, not much is known about Betsy's origins or how she came to haunt the Bedford Hotel and other locations in the town. What we do know is that her appearances and movements have been documented by multiple witnesses, including hotel staff. The fact that she's been seen in the hotel and heard rustling around adds to the mystery of her presence.
The Bedford Hotel has been a Tavistock landmark for over a century.
South Down Bridge, Tavistock
South Down Bridge in Tavistock, Devon, is a picturesque spot with a rather magical history. Legend has it that the Queen of the fairies herself played a role in its construction. Apparently, she turned some of the water below into boulders to help build the bridge. This charming tale has led to the bridge being affectionately known as 'Built by Fairies'. It's said that the fairy's involvement is still celebrated today, and the bridge remains a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
The origins of South Down Bridge date back to a time when folklore and myth were an integral part of everyday life. In this case, the story of fairy involvement adds to the bridge's allure and mystique. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the tale has become an integral part of Tavistock's heritage. The bridge itself is a sturdy structure that has withstood the test of time, and it's interesting to ponder the role that local legend has played in shaping its reputation. Visitors to the area can still see the bridge in all its glory, and who knows, they might even catch a glimpse of the fairy folk.
The bridge is believed to have been built in the medieval period, although the exact date is unknown.
Road between town and Plymouth, Tavistock
On the winding roads between Tavistock and Plymouth, locals claim to have seen a bizarre procession led by Sir Francis Drake himself. Pulled by black headless horses, a dark hearse is said to rumble down this stretch of road whenever his drum is heard beating in the distance. This eerie spectacle is often associated with the famous explorer's restless spirit, said to be forever doomed to relive his final journey.
Historical records confirm that Sir Francis Drake died in 1596, and his funeral procession would have indeed passed through this very area. Some believe that his spirit continues to roam these roads, reenacting his own funeral march. While there's no concrete evidence to support these claims, multiple witnesses have reported hearing the unmistakable sound of a drumbeat, followed by the unsettling sight of a ghostly procession. It's a chilling experience that has become an integral part of local folklore.
Sir Francis Drake was a renowned English explorer and naval commander during the Elizabethan era
Whitchurch Inn Inn, Tavistock
The Whitchurch Inn in Tavistock, Devon, has a rather unusual ghost story to tell. Back in 1979, the landlady of the inn had a very unsettling experience. She felt someone hug her, but when she turned around, there was no one there. It was as if an invisible presence had suddenly materialised and enveloped her in a warm, albeit unwelcome, embrace. This bizarre incident was just the beginning of a series of strange occurrences that would become synonymous with the Whitchurch Inn's ghostly reputation.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this haunting is the seemingly benign nature of the ghost's actions. In addition to the unexplained hugs, the spirit is also blamed for moving bottles and personal items around the inn. While these actions might be considered mischievous, they dont appear to be malevolent. The fact that the haunting has been documented since 1979 suggests that the ghost may have been a long-standing presence at the inn, possibly dating back to the Victorian era when many of the UK's historic buildings were first established. Unfortunately, we dont have much information on the inn's history prior to the reported haunting, but its clear that the Whitchurch Inn has a rich and fascinating paranormal legacy.
The Whitchurch Inn has been a Tavistock landmark for centuries, possibly dating back to the 16th or 17th century.
Kilworthy House, Tavistock
Kilworthy House in Tavistock is said to be haunted by the ghost of Judge John Glanville, a ruthless man who made a devastating decision in the 17th century. Glanville condemned his own daughter to death for murdering her husband, a crime that must have weighed heavily on his conscience. It's little wonder then that his spirit, along with his daughter's, is believed to roam the halls and grounds of Kilworthy House. The daughter's ghost is often seen headless, a grim reminder of her tragic fate.
The story of Judge Glanville's daughter is a tragic one. In the 17th century, she was accused of murdering her husband and subsequently condemned to death by her father, Judge Glanville. This haunting event has left a lasting legacy at Kilworthy House, where both Judge Glanville and his daughter are said to appear. Their ghostly manifestations are often reported to be accompanied by a sense of unease and fear. While there are no recorded dates or times for these sightings, the haunting has become a well-known aspect of the house's history.
17th century English history
Fitzford House driveway, Tavistock
Fitzford House driveway is where you'll find Lady Howard, a notorious figure from Tavistock's past. She's said to have poisoned two of her four husbands, and now she's doomed to roam the driveway in a rather eerie form. Lady Howard appears as a large black dog with a single eye, and she's often accompanied by a carriage pulled by headless horses. They make their way towards Okehampton Castle, a journey that's said to be a repetitive one. Legend has it that once they reach the castle, Lady Howard plucks a single blade of grass before returning home, only to repeat the action again and again until there's no grass left.
The story of Lady Howard's life is a dark one. She lived in the 16th century and was known for her ruthless ways. Her alleged crimes didn't go unnoticed, and now she's said to be trapped in this ghostly form. The procession is often seen heading towards Okehampton Castle, a 12th-century fortress that's steeped in history. While we don't know the exact date or time of these sightings, it's clear that Lady Howard's spirit is still very active in the area. Her ghostly procession is a well-known local legend, and it's a chilling reminder of the town's complex past.
16th-century Tavistock, Lady Howard's life and alleged crimes
Standon Farm, Tavistock
Standon Farm in Tavistock, Devon, has a rather intriguing history of paranormal activity. This rural farmhouse was briefly haunted by a mischievous entity back in the 1800s. The entity, classified as a poltergeist, was known to move items around the property, causing quite a stir among the farm's residents. Although there's limited information available about this haunting, it's clear that the farm's inhabitants were affected by the unexplained events.
Historical records of Dartmoor mention Standon Farm in passing, noting its brief but notable history of paranormal activity. It's likely that the haunting occurred during the Victorian era, given the timeframe of the 1800s. Unfortunately, there are no detailed witness accounts or documented evidence of the haunting. However, the fact that the farm is mentioned in an old guide to Dartmoor suggests that the haunting was significant enough to be remembered and recorded.
The farm has been in operation since the 18th century, with records of paranormal activity dating back to the 1800s.
Tunnels under Bedford Square, Tavistock
Deep beneath Bedford Square in Tavistock, a pair of ghostly monks are said to roam the ancient passageways that once connected the town's abbeys and churches. These spectral figures have yet to leave, and it's as if they're still on a mission, walking the same routes they did centuries ago. The tunnels, hidden from view, are a reminder of Tavistock's rich history and the monks who once called this town home.
Historical records show that the passageways under Bedford Square date back to the medieval period, when Tavistock was an important centre for monastic life. It's likely that the ghostly monks are the spirits of those who lived and worked in the town's abbeys and churches. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or circumstances of their haunting, the fact that they're seen in the tunnels suggests a strong connection to the town's past. The monks' continued presence is a fascinating phenomenon that adds to Tavistock's reputation as a hub for paranormal activity.
Tavistock's monastic past
Brent Tor, Tavistock
Perched atop Brent Tor in Tavistock, Devon, lies a church with a rather unusual history. It was meant to be built at the base of the hill, but it seems the Devil, or Old Nick as he's sometimes known, had other plans. Every night, he'd sneak down and relocate the foundation stones to the top of the hill. This nocturnal activity continued until St Michael himself appeared, scaring the Devil away. Yet, despite this divine intervention, the church ended up being built at the top of the hill, seemingly where the Devil wanted it all along.
Historically, the church on Brent Tor has been a significant landmark in the area. The story of the Devil's interference and St Michael's timely appearance has been passed down through the ages, adding a layer of intrigue to this already picturesque location. While the exact date of the church's construction is unclear, it's believed to have been built in the 13th century. The legend of Old Nick's meddling and St Michael's bravery has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing in those interested in the paranormal and the history of the area.
13th-century church construction
Church, Tavistock
Tavistock Parish Church stands tall in the heart of this historic town, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of secrets and stories. On Midsummer's Eve, 23 June, a chilling phenomenon is said to occur. The church is allegedly visited by the spirits of those who will meet their demise in the coming year. This unsettling event was reportedly witnessed by a pair of brothers, who were shocked to see their own apparitions among the ghostly gathering.
The legend of the Midsummer spirits has been a part of Tavistock's folklore for generations. While there's no documented evidence of the exact date of the first reported sighting, the story has been passed down through the years, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The fact that the brothers saw their own spirits in the crowd adds a sense of tragic foreboding to the tale. It's a haunting reminder of the town's connection to the supernatural and the enduring power of its legends.
The church has been a central part of Tavistock's community for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 7th century.
Down House Farm, Tavistock
Down House Farm in Tavistock is home to a rather unusual ghost story. Legend has it that the farmer's wife encountered a mysterious figure on the stairs one day. This ghostly apparition reportedly told her that a significant amount of wealth was hidden under the water pump at the farm. Intrigued by the claim, the wife decided to investigate further and, upon lifting the pump, she indeed found a considerable treasure. Interestingly, after the discovery of the treasure, the ghost was said to have never troubled anyone again at Down House Farm.
The story of the Treasure Guardian at Down House Farm is an intriguing one, especially when considering the context of rural legends and ghost stories common in Devon. While the exact date of the haunting is unknown, the tale has been passed down through local folklore. The ghost, described as an unknown type, seems to have had a specific purpose - to reveal the location of hidden treasure. This type of narrative, where a ghost acts as a guardian or guide, is not unique but remains captivating. The fact that the haunting ceased after the treasure was found adds a layer of mystery to the story, suggesting that the ghost's presence was indeed connected to the treasure's concealment.
The farm has been a part of local folklore for generations.
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