Blandford's Severed Hand
Deep in the Dorset countryside, Pimperne Churchyard holds a dark and curious secret. The severed hand of Blandford, a former Dragoons trumpeter turned poacher, is said to roam the graveyard, searching for its missing owner. Legend has it that Blandford was caught by gamekeepers while poaching and, in the ensuing fight, lost his hand. Although he managed to recover from his injury and eventually died in London, his hand was buried in Pimperne Churchyard. Locals claim that the hand has been crawling around the graveyard ever since, refusing to rest until it's reunited with Blandford's body.
The story of Blandford's hand dates back to the 18th century, when poaching was a serious offence and gamekeepers were determined to catch those breaking the law. Blandford, a skilled trumpeter with the Dragoons, had taken to poaching to supplement his income. On one fateful night, he was caught by a posse of gamekeepers and, during the fight, lost his hand. While Blandford went on to recover and live out his life in London, his hand was buried in Pimperne Churchyard. Over the years, locals have reported strange sightings of the hand crawling around the graveyard, sparking a mix of fascination and fear among those who know the story.
18th-century poaching and gamekeeping in rural Dorset
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Invisible Phantom Hound
Road between village and Letton Hill, Pimperne
In the sleepy Dorset village of Pimperne, a spine-tingling phenomenon has been reported by locals and travellers alike. On the winding road that connects the village to Letton Hill, a ghostly hound is said to roam, its presence marked by the unsettling sound of dragging chains. This phantom dog is reportedly invisible, yet some brave souls claim to have touched it as it passes by, a chilling experience that leaves them shaken. The eerie atmosphere of this rural road, combined with the inexplicable nature of the haunting, has cemented its place in local folklore.
Doggett's Phantom Carriage
Area near Eastbury Park, Blandford Forum
In the rolling countryside of Dorset, near the picturesque town of Blandford Forum, lies the site of a most intriguing haunting. The area around Eastbury Park is said to be traversed by the ghostly carriage of Doggett, a corrupt manservant who met a tragic end. His tale of deceit and ultimately, his own undoing, has led to a lingering presence that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Doggett's misdeeds led him to steal thousands of pounds from his employer, but his life of crime eventually caught up with him, culminating in his suicide. Now, his phantom carriage, drawn by a spectral horse, is said to make appearances along these roads.
Blandford Forum Ghostly Apparition
Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Forum
The Royal Signals Museum in Blandford Forum is home to a mischievous ghost known as Mary. This restless spirit is believed to be the lingering presence of a local woman who was brutally murdered just before her wedding day in the area now occupied by the museum. Mary's ghostly antics include moving small objects, creating phantom footsteps, and cold spots that send shivers down the spines of visitors. It's said that she was due to marry a US serviceman during World War II, but fate had other plans.
Phantom Funeral Procession
Grove Field, Blandford Forum
Grove Field in Blandford Forum, Dorset, is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of a funeral procession. This eerie phenomenon is believed to be connected to a long-forgotten battle that took place in the woods. Locals claim that phantom pallbearers can be seen carrying a spectral coffin through the trees, their mournful presence striking fear into the hearts of those who have witnessed it. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, but the legend has been passed down through generations, leaving many to wonder about the dark history behind this haunted field.
Raped Nurse Ghost
Army Base, Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum Army Base in Dorset is home to a tragic and unsettling ghost story. A nurse, dressed in white, is said to haunt the area around the barracks. Her spirit is reportedly seen floating about, her facial features eerily blank. The story goes that she was raped and killed near the base, and her shade has lingered, a heartbreaking reminder of her untimely and violent death.
Blandford Poltergeist Haunting
Coupar House, Blandford Forum
Coupar House in Blandford Forum is a hub of paranormal activity. This historic building, now home to the British Legion, has a reputation for being haunted by a mischievous poltergeist. Strange occurrences have been reported in the bar area, where small items mysteriously move around and snooker balls roll under their own steam. It's as if the building has a playful spirit that just can't resist a game. While the exact date of these events is unknown, one thing is certain - Coupar House is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained coexist.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Pimperne churchyard
