Skip to main content

The Duke of Monmouth's Ghostly Ride

Road leading to Yawl, Uplyme, Dorset Apparition 17th century

On a moonlit night, the sleepy village of Uplyme in Dorset can be a place of eerie beauty. The road leading to Yawl, a tiny hamlet nestled in the rolling hills, is where locals and travellers alike have reported a spine-tingling sighting. Around midnight, a ghostly procession appears, led by the Duke of Monmouth riding a white horse. He's sometimes accompanied by several ghostly guards, their presence adding an air of foreboding to this spectral cavalcade.

This haunting is steeped in history, dating back to the 17th century. The Duke of Monmouth, James Scott, was a claimant to the English throne and led a rebellion against King James II in 1685. His defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor led to his eventual execution. Some believe his ghostly ride is a manifestation of his restless spirit, doomed to relive his final moments. While there's no record of the exact date of the last sighting, the apparition remains a popular legend in local folklore.

Historical Context

The Duke of Monmouth's rebellion against King James II in 1685.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Road
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Around midnight, though date of last sighting unknown
Postcode Area
DT7

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.1 mi

The Fisherman of Lyme Regis

The Old Watchhouse, Lyme Regis

The Old Watchhouse in Lyme Regis, Dorset, has a reputation for being haunted by a mischievous spirit known as the Fisherman. Workers at this former fish shop started to feel like they were being watched, and it wasn't long before they began to experience strange occurrences. Laughter echoed through the shop, and people reported feeling a hand on their back, as if someone was playfully trying to get their attention. It's unclear what sparked this haunting, but it's clear that the Fisherman has made The Old Watchhouse his home.

Former Fish Shop Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

The Vanishing Coach of Lyme Regis

Road near Trent Manor House, Lyme Regis

On a stretch of road near Trent Manor House in Lyme Regis, Dorset, a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon has been reported for many years. This piece of road is said to be haunted by the ghost of a coach that vanished without trace, leaving behind only questions and a lingering sense of mystery. The exact date and time of the disappearance are unknown, but the legend has endured, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Road Victorian
Read Full Story
Shuck 0.4 mi

Lyme Regis Shuck Haunting

Old Black Dog Hotel, Lyme Regis

The Old Black Dog Hotel in Lyme Regis, Dorset, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. This hotel, formerly known as the Black Dog public house, has a corner that's mysteriously missing. Legend has it that a shuck, a type of ghostly dog, knocked off the corner while passing by one night. The shuck was reportedly last seen in 1959, and was described as being the size of a calf with glowing red eyes. It's said to have been a fairly regular sighting, but unfortunately, there aren't many records of its appearances.

Hotel Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.6 mi

Musketeer Ghosts of Lyme Regis

Volunteer Inn Inn, Lyme Regis

The Volunteer Inn in Lyme Regis is a hub of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions dating back to the English Civil War. On New Year's Day in 2000, a guest at the inn spotted three men wearing colourful musketeer-style military uniforms standing near the bar, drinking from tankards. The sighting was believed to be a glimpse of phantom Civil War officers, preparing for the siege that occurred in the town in 1644. The musketeers' uniforms and equipment suggest a connection to this pivotal event in British history.

Historic Inn English Civil War
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.6 mi

The Wobbly Head of Lyme Regis

Broad Street, Lyme Regis

Broad Street in Lyme Regis is home to a rather unusual ghost story. Locals claim that a man with a strangely rolling head haunts this historic street. The legend goes that he was hanged but continued to live after his neck was broken, a gruesome fate that has led to his unusual manifestation. It's said that if you're walking down Broad Street, you might catch a glimpse of this bizarre apparition.

Street Late 20th century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.6 mi

Duke of Monmouth's Ghostly Ride

Harbour area, Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Harbour, with its rich history and stunning coastline, is said to be haunted by the ghostly figure of the Duke of Monmouth. This spectral apparition is reported to ride a white horse, galloping inland from the harbour area. The image of the Duke on his majestic steed is a haunting one, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly sighting. What drives the Duke to ride these streets, and what is the significance of his white horse?

Harbour area 17th century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Road leading to Yawl