Blandford Forum Bridge Suicide Ghost
Standing on the bridge over the River Stour in Blandford Forum, you can't help but notice a small cross - a poignant reminder of a life tragically cut short. Locals believe this is the spot where a person took their own life, though the identity of the ghost remains a mystery. Some say it was a nun, others a nanny, but concrete evidence is scarce. What's certain, however, is that this bridge has become a hub for paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena.
Delving into the history of this haunted bridge, it's clear that the story of the suicide has become intertwined with local legend. While we can't pinpoint exactly who the ghost is, the presence of a phantom hound in the area has led some to speculate about a possible connection to the 'shuck', a type of ghostly dog said to roam certain parts of the country. Though the details are sketchy, one thing is certain - this bridge has a reputation for being one of the most haunted spots in Dorset, with many claiming to have seen or sensed the presence of something inexplicable.
The bridge over the River Stour has been a feature of Blandford Forum for centuries, though the specific details of the suicide are lost to history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Woman in Black of Blandford
Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum
In the heart of Blandford Forum, the Crown Hotel stands tall, its historic walls bearing witness to a multitude of paranormal sightings. One of the most enduring and eerie is that of a ghostly woman clad in a black crinoline dress, seen wandering the first floor. A member of the cleaning staff caught a glimpse of her entering a room, only to find it empty upon investigation. This fleeting encounter has left many questions unanswered, fuelling speculation about the woman's identity and her connection to the hotel.
The Hand on Shoulder Encounter
Unnamed shop in the town, Blandford Forum
Blandford Forum, a charming town in Dorset, is home to a mysterious shop where a rather unsettling experience took place. A shopper, browsing through the shelves, suddenly felt a large hand on her shoulder. Assuming it was her husband, who was also in the shop, she turned around, but to her surprise, there was no one near her. The incident left her with more questions than answers, and it's an experience that she won't soon forget.
Decapitated Jockey of Cranborne Chase
Edge of Cranborne Chase, Blandford Forum
Deep in the rolling hills of Dorset, on the edge of Cranborne Chase, a ghostly rider is said to haunt the rural route that was his undoing. This ill-fated jockey met his demise in a tragic accident, his horse and carriage crashing into a low-hanging branch that severed his head from his body. Now, centuries later, his spirit is doomed to relive that fatal moment, forever riding the same stretch of road that claimed his life.
Aunt Charlotte's Ghostly Apparition
Portman, Bryanston
Bryanston's Portman estate has a long history of paranormal activity, dating back to the pre-twentieth century. The ghostly presence of Aunt Charlotte was so strong that the original building was actually pulled down and rebuilt in an attempt to rid the living of her spirit. Although Charlotte's ghost may have disappeared, her legacy lives on in the form of a phantom horse and carriage that now haunts the estate's drive. This eerie apparition is said to be a manifestation of the estate's complex and intriguing history.
Phantom Sheep of Blandford
Sheep Market Hill and/or Damory Street, Blandford Forum
In the quiet streets of Blandford Forum, a rather unusual haunting has been reported. Residents and visitors alike claim to have spotted a herd of phantom sheep making their way along Sheep Market Hill and Damory Street. According to some accounts, these ghostly animals are headless, while others insist that there's just one sheep, complete with a head. The origins of this strange phenomenon are unclear, but it's certainly a talking point for locals and tourists alike.
Flying Bottle Poltergeist
Nelson's Wine Bar, Blandford Forum
Nelson's Wine Bar in Blandford Forum has a rather unusual reputation. It's said that a mischievous presence, possibly a female prisoner from the past, likes to throw bottles around. This poltergeist activity has been reported over the years, with some speculating that the restless spirit might have been locked up in the building at some point. The atmosphere upstairs is said to be particularly unsettling, with reports of children crying and unexplained noises.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bridge over the River Stour

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset