Skip to main content

The Gold Coffin Legend

Thickthorn Down barrow, Cashmoor, Dorset Legend Bronze Age

Thickthorn Down barrow stands quietly in the Dorset countryside, its unassuming presence belied by a rich history and a tantalising legend. For years, locals whispered about a golden coffin hidden within the barrow's earthy depths. The story sparked imaginations and drew treasure hunters, but when archaeologists excavated the site in 1933, they found no coffin, only a glimpse into the lives of Dorset's ancient past. Today, visitors can still explore the barrow, wondering if the golden coffin ever existed or if its tale was just a myth.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Thickthorn Down barrow is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, offering a glimpse into Dorset's prehistoric past. While the golden coffin remains a mystery, the site's historical significance is undeniable. Archaeological excavations have uncovered various artefacts, providing valuable insights into the lives of the people who built this ancient burial mound. Though there are no documented paranormal experiences, the site's eerie atmosphere and intriguing history make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the unexplained and the ancient.

Historical Context

The barrow dates back to the Bronze Age, around 2500-750 BCE.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Ancient Barrow
Activity Types
Visual
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Barrow
Postcode Area
BH21

Nearby Haunted Places

Legend 0.3 mi

Nine Kings Battle Site

Nine Barrow Down, Purbeck

Nine Barrow Down, a hill in the Purbeck Hills, Dorset, is steeped in legend. They say this was the site of a fierce battle where nine kings clashed and lost their lives. The area's rich history is woven from threads of myth and fact, leaving us with a compelling tale that sparks the imagination. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or details of this battle, the story of the nine kings has endured, captivating those interested in the paranormal and local history.

Hill Ancient
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.2 mi

The Lady of Godlingston Manor

Godlingston Manor, Swanage

Godlingston Manor in Swanage is home to a rather unsettling presence - a creepy lady with no known history. This mysterious female form is said to roam the manor's halls, leaving residents and visitors alike with a sense of unease. While there's little information on the lady's origins, her presence is undeniable, and those who have encountered her can't help but feel a chill run down their spine.

Historic Manor House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

Golden Treasure of Wilkswood

Wilkswood, Langton Matravers

Deep in the woods of Wilkswood, near Langton Matravers in Dorset, a legend has long been whispered about of a golden hoard hidden somewhere in the area. It's said that phantom Romans are often spotted walking these woods, sparking speculation that the treasure might be connected to these ghostly apparitions. While the exact location of the treasure remains a mystery, the allure of gold and ancient history draws many to explore these woods, hoping to catch a glimpse of something extraordinary.

Woods Roman
Read Full Story
Legend 1.4 mi

The Golden Table Well

Well in the village, Hillcombe

Deep in the Dorset village of Hillcombe lies a well shrouded in mystery and allure. They say that hidden beneath its surface lies a table made of either silver or gold, an treasure that has tantalised locals and visitors alike for centuries. Despite numerous attempts, no one has yet managed to recover this enigmatic table, fuelling speculation and curiosity about its existence and the well's secrets.

Village Well Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.5 mi

Dunshay Manor Gunfire Haunting

Dunshay Manor, Langton Matravers

Dunshay Manor in Langton Matravers is a place where the past refuses to be quiet. This historic manor house has been the site of strange occurrences, including unexplained knocks and sounds that have left many wondering if it's truly haunted. The most dramatic of these is the sound of gunfire, which is said to be connected to a tragic event in the manor's history. It's rumoured that a former occupier took their own life with a pistol, and it's this incident that many believe is the source of the strange noises.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.6 mi

Ghostly Coachman of Langton

Road passing the church, Langton Matravers

Langton Matravers, a quaint village in Dorset, is home to a rather eerie sighting - a ghostly coachman said to drive past the local church. The story goes that if you're in the right place at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of this spectral figure, expertly handling a phantom vehicle as if it's an everyday occurrence. It's a peculiar and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Road Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Thickthorn Down barrow