The Disembodied Hand of Chettle
In the sleepy Dorset village of Chettle, a rather gruesome legend has taken hold. It's said that a poacher, who got more than he bargained for during a scrap with local gamekeepers, lost his hand in the scuffle. This severed hand was then buried in the nearby churchyard, but the poacher himself was carted off to London, where he met his maker shortly after. Now, his hand is rumoured to roam the area, trying to find its way back to its master.
The story goes back to the days when poaching was a serious offence, and gamekeepers were hell-bent on catching those who broke the law. On this particular occasion, a posse of keepers confronted a poacher, and in the ensuing fight, his hand was severed. While the poacher was taken to London, his body never returned to Chettle, leaving his disembodied hand to crawl around the churchyard and Bloody Shard Gate, searching for its owner. It's a tale that's been passed down through the years, with many claiming to have spotted the ghostly hand making its way across the area.
The story dates back to the 18th century when poaching was rampant in rural England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Chetle Hotel Ghost Rumour
Castleman Hotel, Chettle
The Castleman Hotel in Chettle, Dorset, has a reputation that precedes it, albeit a shrouded one. A national newspaper once mentioned in passing that this hotel was rumoured to be haunted, but the specifics of the haunting remained a mystery. The whispers of paranormal activity have piqued the interest of many, leaving one to wonder what could be lurking in the shadows of this seemingly ordinary hotel.
Headless Horseman of Thickthorn Down
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Thickthorn Down in Dorset is a place where the boundaries between the living and the dead seem to blur. It's said that the first Lord Shaftesbury is driven in his coach by a rather unusual and unsettling figure - a headless horseman. This ghostly rider has a rather macabre appearance, with his head tucked under one arm, which still wears his hat. The image is one that's sure to send shivers down the spine of anyone who's familiar with the story.
Tarrant Gunville Ghostly Apparition
Eastbury, Tarrant Gunville
In the rural village of Eastbury, nestled in the heart of Dorset, lies the eerie remains of a house with a dark history. William Doggett, the former owner, was driven to madness and despair when he realised he couldnt pay off the massive loan he took to build his grand home. His tragic demise has led to a plethora of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly footsteps echoing through the empty halls and doors mysteriously opening and closing. Some brave souls have even caught a glimpse of Doggetts headless spirit, driving a coach through the overgrown grounds.
The Velvet Chain Phantom
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The Lepless Maid of Rushmore
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Deep in the woodland near Rushmore House, a chilling apparition is said to roam. This eerie ghost is that of Susan Gibbs, a young maid who met a tragic end. She was found hanging from a tree, and it's said that her spirit still haunts these woods, but with a terrifying twist - her ghostly form is missing its legs. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange sightings on the woodland path, where Susan's phantom is believed to appear, searching for something or someone.
Gussage St Michael Coffin Legend
Long barrow, Gussage St Michael
Deep in the Dorset countryside lies the ancient Long Barrow in Gussage St Michael, a site steeped in mystery and local legend. This historic earthwork is said to conceal a remarkable treasure - a gold or silver coffin. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries. The allure of a hidden coffin has led many to speculate about the barrow's secrets, but the truth remains elusive.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Churchyard and Bloody Shard Gate
