Murdered Farmer of Gain's Cross
Gain's Cross in Shillingstone, Dorset, is a rural lane with a dark history. A local legend tells of a murdered farmer who took up residence here, haunting the spot where an old wooden gate once stood. For years, passersby claimed to have seen the ghostly figure sitting on this gate, a sight that was both eerie and pitiful. The gate, however, was not destined to last, eventually falling apart and being replaced with a metal one. Interestingly, this change seemed to drive the ghost away, suggesting a strong attachment to the old gate.
The haunting at Gain's Cross dates back to the nineteenth century, a time when rural Dorset was a very different place. The fact that the ghost was reportedly that of a murdered farmer adds a tragic dimension to the story. While details of the murder are scarce, the image of the farmer sitting on the gate has become an enduring part of local folklore. The switch from a wooden to a metal gate appears to have been a significant factor in the ghost's disappearance, leaving us to wonder if the farmer's spirit was tied to the physical gate itself or the memories it represented.
The haunting is set in rural Dorset during the nineteenth century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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Stourpaine Church stands quietly in the Dorset countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. But on certain occasions, the church bells ring out with a soft, gentle tone that's said to be the work of the little people, or fairies. According to local legend, these mischievous creatures cover the bells with dew, creating a muffled sound that's seldom heard by mortals. It's a peculiar and enchanting phenomenon that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
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Phantom Roman Centurion
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Dancing Fairy Figures
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Gain's Cross

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire