Doggett's Phantom Carriage
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.
Historical records indicate that Doggett's body was exhumed many years after his death from St Mary's Church in Tarrant Gunville. To the surprise of those present, his body was found to be uncorrupted, with a noticeable rosy tint to his cheeks. This has led some to speculate about the nature of his afterlife, with one local legend suggesting he returned as a vampire. While the veracity of such claims is difficult to ascertain, what is certain is that Doggett's actions during his life have had a lasting impact on the local community. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of one's actions, both in life and, according to some, beyond.
The haunting is set in the 18th century, a time of significant social and economic change in England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Funeral Procession
Grove Field, Blandford Forum
Grove Field in Blandford Forum, Dorset, is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of a funeral procession. This eerie phenomenon is believed to be connected to a long-forgotten battle that took place in the woods. Locals claim that phantom pallbearers can be seen carrying a spectral coffin through the trees, their mournful presence striking fear into the hearts of those who have witnessed it. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, but the legend has been passed down through generations, leaving many to wonder about the dark history behind this haunted field.
Raped Nurse Ghost
Army Base, Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum Army Base in Dorset is home to a tragic and unsettling ghost story. A nurse, dressed in white, is said to haunt the area around the barracks. Her spirit is reportedly seen floating about, her facial features eerily blank. The story goes that she was raped and killed near the base, and her shade has lingered, a heartbreaking reminder of her untimely and violent death.
Blandford Poltergeist Haunting
Coupar House, Blandford Forum
Coupar House in Blandford Forum is a hub of paranormal activity. This historic building, now home to the British Legion, has a reputation for being haunted by a mischievous poltergeist. Strange occurrences have been reported in the bar area, where small items mysteriously move around and snooker balls roll under their own steam. It's as if the building has a playful spirit that just can't resist a game. While the exact date of these events is unknown, one thing is certain - Coupar House is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained coexist.
The Stone Dogs of Bryanston
Bryanston gates, Blandford Forum
Bryanston Gates, a rural entrance in the picturesque Dorset countryside, is home to a most unusual and intriguing legend. The stone hounds perched atop the gateposts are said to come to life at night, making their way down to the nearby river to quench their thirst. It's a story that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, and one that adds to the mystique of this already atmospheric location. While the stone dogs themselves are a daytime sight, it's under the cover of darkness that they're said to reveal their supernatural side.
Dragon Train of Blandford
Fields in area which were replaced by railway station, Blandford Forum
In the quaint town of Blandford Forum, Dorset, a most intriguing phenomenon has been etched into local folklore. Baron Ryves had a vivid dream of a fiery dragon that roared over his land, its chest riddled with holes from which people could be seen. This fantastical creature vanished into the ground, leaving behind a legacy that would be remembered for centuries. The site of this alleged apparition later became a railway line and tunnel, now Alexandra Street and Edward Street. Was this dream a mere fantasy or a portent of things to come?
Blandford Forum White Woman
Exact location unknown, Blandford Forum
In the quaint town of Blandford Forum, Dorset, a spine-tingling encounter took place back in 1837. A child innocently mentioned to her mother that she'd seen a white woman drifting towards their house. Initially dismissed as a child's fanciful imagination, the mother's scepticism quickly turned to shock when news arrived that the child's father had drowned around the same time as the sighting. This unsettling coincidence has become a lasting part of local folklore.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area near Eastbury Park

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset