Easter Faces of Death
St Austin's Well in Cerne Abbas is a spot where locals and visitors alike have reported a rather unsettling experience on Easter morning. Those who peer into the well's waters during the early hours of this significant day claim to see the faces of people who are destined to pass away within the next year. This eerie phenomenon has been a part of local folklore for as long as anyone can remember, leaving many to wonder about the well's mysterious properties and the truth behind these apparitional faces.
Delving into the history of St Austin's Well, also known as St Augustine's Well, reveals a site of ancient significance. The well has been a place of pilgrimage and ritual for centuries. In addition to the faces appearing on Easter morning, there's a second, more positive legend associated with the well. Women who drink from its waters and pray to St Catherine are said to be blessed with a swift marriage. While the origins of these legends are unclear, they contribute to the well's enigmatic reputation and its continued fascination for both locals and paranormal enthusiasts.
The well has been a site of religious significance for centuries, linked to medieval Christian practices.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Cerne Abbas Giant
Hillside, Cerne Abbas
Perched on a hillside in Cerne Abbas, Dorset, lies one of England's most iconic and intriguing chalk figures - the Cerne Abbas Giant. This 180-foot-tall giant has been a local legend for centuries, with tales of a Danish giant who fell asleep on the hillside after a fierce battle with the local villagers. According to folklore, the villagers took advantage of the giant's exhaustion and cut off his head, drawing a chalk outline around his body to ward off any other would-be giants.
Cerne Abbas Abbey Ghosts
Site of former abbey, Cerne Abbas
The site of the former Cerne Abbas Abbey in Dorset is said to be haunted by phantom monks. These ghostly apparitions are reportedly most active around dawn, although there are no recorded witness accounts of actual sightings. The atmosphere is certainly right for a spectral encounter, with the crumbling ruins of the abbey standing sentinel over the surrounding countryside. It's a spot where the veil between the past and present seems thin, and one person who took shelter under the remains of the abbey porch on a rainy day was treated to a pungent whiff of frankincense.
Ghostly Figure at The New Inn
The New Inn, Cerne Abbas
The New Inn in Cerne Abbas is said to be haunted by a ghostly figure. This apparition is dressed in 19th century attire and has been spotted sitting near the fireplace. According to reports, the ghost looks up as if summoned and walks towards a door that leads to a corridor. This corridor was once used as a courtroom for administering justice in the town. In addition to the ghostly figure, a pair of young children have been seen playing in the rear garden, adding to the inn's paranormal charm.
Ghostly Girls of Cerne Abbas
New Inn Inn, Cerne Abbas
The New Inn Inn in Cerne Abbas is home to a rather unsettling presence, as two young girls are said to haunt its garden. Their ghostly apparitions have been reported by numerous visitors, who claim to have seen them wandering around the outdoor space. Inside the inn, near the bar, a man dressed in riding gear can often be seen sitting by the fireplace, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The girls' presence is particularly intriguing, as their identities and the circumstances of their deaths remain a mystery.
Little Girl Ghost Cerne Abbas
Royal Oak Public House, Cerne Abbas
The Royal Oak Public House in Cerne Abbas is home to a very unsettling presence - that of a little girl. This historic pub, dating back to 1540, seems to have a mind of its own, with reports of phantom footsteps echoing across the landing. It's as if the building is trying to tell us something, but what? The atmosphere inside is quite thick, making you wonder if you'll catch a glimpse of the elusive young spirit.
Tortured Man of Batcombe
Cross Hand Stone, Batcombe
Perched on Batcombe Down, the Cross Hand Stone stands as a haunting reminder of a gruesome crime. A felon, tortured to death, met his end on this very spot. His bones were eventually buried beneath it, but it seems his spirit refuses to rest. Locals claim that the ghost of the man occasionally appears, a chilling sight for those who stumble upon the stone. The atmosphere is said to be heavy with foreboding, as if the past lingers, waiting to be uncovered.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Austin's Well

The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset

The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset

The Bull Hotel
Bridport, Dorset

Golden Lion Hotel
Weymouth, Dorset