Christ Image Ghost
Billsdown Poultry Farm in St Ives, Dorset, is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. Back in 1976, a farmer or farmhand made a startling discovery on the wall of an asbestos hen house. The grey stains on the wall had formed an uncanny image - the head and shoulders of Christ on a cross. It's not clear who exactly spotted the apparition or what their reaction was, but it's certainly a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has been documented as a paranormal occurrence.
The history of the farm and its surroundings might provide some clues about this bizarre sighting, although there's no concrete evidence to explain why the image appeared. The farm has likely been in operation for many years, given the rural location and the type of building involved. The fact that the image was visible in stains on an asbestos wall suggests it may have been a fleeting or temporary apparition, rather than a more traditional ghostly encounter. Unfortunately, there aren't many details about witness accounts or further documentation of the event, but it remains an interesting footnote in the annals of Dorset's paranormal history.
Rural Dorset in the late 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Ghost of Alma Rattenbury
Three Arches Bend, Christchurch
Three Arches Bend, a picturesque railway bridge spanning the River Avon in Christchurch, Dorset, is home to a haunting apparition. This is the spot where Alma Rattenbury, a woman acquitted of murdering her husband, took her own life in the early 20th century. Her tragic figure is said to appear on June evenings, sitting in the long grass by the water's edge, a poignant reminder of her sorrowful end. The bridge, with its three arches, stands as a testament to the area's rich history, and Alma's ghostly presence has become an integral part of its folklore.
The Rower of Christchurch
Site of a former plantation on the River Stour, Christchurch
The River Stour in Christchurch, Dorset, is a place of eerie tranquility, its serene waters and lush surroundings belying a strange occurrence that took place back in 1931. It was here, in a marshland area roughly a mile north of the town, that people began to hear the unmistakable sound of oars dipping into the water. The odd thing was, the shallow water made it impossible for any boat to navigate the area, let alone row through it. The sound seemed to emanate from the marshland itself, leaving many to wonder what could be causing it.
The Lady of Place Mill
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White Lady of Millhams Lane
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Millhams Lane and the surrounding Longham area are said to be haunted by a ghostly presence, known as the White Lady. This phantom is reportedly a woman who was killed in a tragic accident involving a horse and trap along the road. The story goes that she appears as a white or grey figure, and some claim she tries to entice men to jump off the nearby bridge. The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but her spirit is said to reappear every February, a sighting that has been reported for many years.
The Cloven Hoof Card Player
Three hundred year old barn, Shaftesbury
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Roman Soldier Ghost
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Riddles Ford, a hillfort in the rolling Dorset countryside, is home to a ghostly presence that's steeped in history. A Roman soldier is said to roam these ancient earthworks, his spirit lingering long after the legions left Britain. The exact circumstances of his haunting are shrouded in mystery, but it's thought he may have been stationed in the area during the Roman occupation. His presence is a fascinating echo of a bygone era, a reminder of the complex and often turbulent history of this corner of England.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Billsdown Poultry Farm

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight