Ancient Horseman Ghost
Deep in the Dorset countryside, near Sixpenny Handley, lies the hauntingly beautiful Bottlebush Down. This rural spot is home to a ghostly figure on horseback, believed to date back to the late Bronze Age. Imagine riding through the rolling hills and stumbling upon a spectral horseman, his presence as elusive as the fairies said to inhabit the area. The story goes that when a nearby barrow was excavated, the remains of a man and horse were found, fuelling speculation about the origins of this ancient ghost.
Historical records suggest that the ghostly horseman has been spotted from as early as 1924, and possibly even before. The fact that the figure is thought to originate from the Bronze Age makes him a contender for the UK's oldest ghost. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the haunting, the combination of the area's rich history, the discovery of the man and horse's remains, and multiple reported sightings all contribute to the mystique of this enigmatic figure. The presence of fairies, as reported by locals, adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating location.
The Bronze Age was a time of significant cultural and technological change in the UK
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Ducks of Endless Pit
Endless Pit, Sixpenny Handley
Deep in the Dorset countryside lies the enigmatic Endless Pit, a hollow in the ground shrouded in mystery. This unassuming pit has been the site of a most bizarre phenomenon - ducks swimming in its water-filled depths have been known to seemingly vanish and reappear several miles away in the village of Gussage. The incident has left many scratching their heads, wondering how such a feat could be possible.
Phantom Policeman of Sixpenny Handley
Spots Green, Sixpenny Handley
Spots Green in Sixpenny Handley is a rural spot where the ordinary and the unexplained collide. A phantom policeman has been seen walking along the road that runs between the village and Upwood. This eerie apparition was first spotted in the early 1910s and has left a lasting impression on those who claim to have seen him. The image of a lone policeman strolling along, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings, is a haunting one. His sudden disappearance only adds to the mystique of this Dorset ghost story.
Iceni Queen Battle Site
Exact location unknown, Handley Cross?
Deep in the Dorset countryside, near Handley Cross, lies a spot steeped in local legend. They say the Queen of the Iceni, a fierce Celtic tribe, fought a battle here, though there's no concrete evidence to back up the claim. The story's been passed down through generations, and it's hard not to imagine the site teeming with the sounds of clashing steel and war cries. It's a tantalising glimpse into the region's rich history, and one that's sure to captivate anyone interested in the paranormal.
Golden Coffin Legend
Wor barrow, Dealand
Wor Barrow, a ancient earthwork in Dealand, Dorset, has a fascinating legend attached to it. This barrow was once believed to have contained a coffin of solid gold. The story has been passed down for generations, but despite numerous excavations, no such treasure has ever been found. The site remains a mystery, leaving many to wonder if the legend is based on fact or just a myth. The barrow itself is a significant historical site, providing a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the area thousands of years ago.
The Walking Woman of Dorset
Road between Upwood and Deneland, Sixpenny Handley
In the rolling countryside of Dorset, a spine-tingling sighting has been reported on the road between Upwood and Deneland. A couple of villagers claim to have seen a tall, dark woman clad in a cape, walking along this stretch of road. What's particularly unsettling is that she vanishes into thin air while walking, leaving witnesses stunned and bewildered. This eerie apparition has become a local legend, with some speculating about her identity and the reason behind her ghostly wanderings.
Phantom Coach of Oakley Down
Area near the barrow, Oakley Down
Deep in the rural landscape of Oakley Down, Dorset, a chilling sighting has been reported for generations. A boy, tasked with transporting wheat during the early hours of the morning, was startled to see a coach pulled by two headless horses. This eerie apparition, known as the Phantom Coach of Oakley Down, has left a lasting impression on local folklore. The coach, a spectral vehicle from a bygone era, seems to materialize near a barrow, adding to the mystique of this ancient burial site.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bottlebush
