The Pitch Forked Dog Shuck
West Woodyates Manor in Dorset is home to a rather unusual ghost story. A farmhand once discovered a strange dog lying in the hay and, thinking it was just a regular animal, poked it with his pitchfork. But to his surprise, the dog vanished into thin air. This bizarre encounter is just one part of the paranormal activity reported at the manor, which also includes the sound of a coach stopping outside the house, even though no vehicle is ever seen.
Historically, West Woodyates Manor dates back to the Victorian era, a time when reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena were not uncommon. The incident with the pitchfork and the dog is a classic example of a Shuck, a type of ghostly dog said to roam the countryside. While the exact date of the encounter is unknown, it's clear that the manor has a long history of paranormal activity. The sound of a coach stopping outside the house adds to the mystery, leaving visitors to wonder if they're hearing the ghostly echoes of a bygone era.
The manor dates back to the Victorian era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ancient Horseman Ghost
Bottlebush, Sixpenny Handley
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.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Manor

