The Phantom Hound of Stourpaine
Stourpaine village square is a tranquil spot, surrounded by old cottages and historic buildings, but locals and visitors have reported a rather unsettling phenomenon. A phantom hound, believed to have died while escaping from a cruel master, is said to roam the area. The ghostly dog is never seen, but its presence is marked by the sound of dragging chains as it runs. This eerie noise has been heard by many, leaving them with a lasting impression of a mournful, restless spirit.
Historical records suggest that the phantom hound's story may be linked to a similar legend in nearby Pimperne, Dorset. Although the exact circumstances of the dog's death are unclear, it's thought that the animal was mistreated by its owner, leading to its tragic demise. The haunting, which was first reported in the 1960s, has become a well-known local legend, with many claiming to have heard the ghostly hound's chains being dragged across the village square. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims, the story has become an integral part of Stourpaine's folklore.
The haunting is believed to date back to the 1960s, although the exact circumstances of the dog's death are unclear.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Soft Ringing Bells
Church, Stourpaine
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.
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.
The Lady in White of Longham
River Stour, Longham
The River Stour winds its way gently through the Dorset countryside, its tranquil banks a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. Yet, locals whisper of a ghostly presence that haunts this idyllic spot - a woman in a flowing white dress, forever doomed to roam the river's edge. Her identity remains a mystery, but her ethereal form has been spotted by many, leaving behind more questions than answers.
The Little Girl of Throop Mill
Throop Mill river, Throop
Throop Mill stands serenely by the River Stour, its tranquil surroundings a stark contrast to the eerie experiences reported here. One of the most enduring and chilling tales is that of a little girl in Victorian clothes, seen by a witness not once but twice, in 2004 and again in 2012. Her presence is accompanied by the unsettling sound of crying, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly apparition.
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.
Blandford's Severed Hand
Pimperne churchyard, Pimperne
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Village square

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset