The Rower of Christchurch
The River Stour in Christchurch, Dorset, is a place of eerie tranquility, its serene waters and lush surroundings belying a strange occurrence that took place back in 1931. It was here, in a marshland area roughly a mile north of the town, that people began to hear the unmistakable sound of oars dipping into the water. The odd thing was, the shallow water made it impossible for any boat to navigate the area, let alone row through it. The sound seemed to emanate from the marshland itself, leaving many to wonder what could be causing it.
Historical records from the time dont provide much detail about the incident, but it is clear that the sound of oars was heard on multiple occasions. This unusual audio phenomenon has been classified as a haunting manifestation, with the 'rower' remaining an enigma to this day. The location, being a former plantation site, may hold some clues to the mystery, but without further investigation, the true nature of the 'rower' remains a mystery.
Former plantation site on the River Stour
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Ghost of Alma Rattenbury
Three Arches Bend, Christchurch
Three Arches Bend, a picturesque railway bridge spanning the River Avon in Christchurch, Dorset, is home to a haunting apparition. This is the spot where Alma Rattenbury, a woman acquitted of murdering her husband, took her own life in the early 20th century. Her tragic figure is said to appear on June evenings, sitting in the long grass by the water's edge, a poignant reminder of her sorrowful end. The bridge, with its three arches, stands as a testament to the area's rich history, and Alma's ghostly presence has become an integral part of its folklore.
The Lady of Place Mill
Area around Place Mill, Christchurch
Christchurch's Place Mill area has a reputation for being haunted, and at the heart of it all is the ghostly apparition of a lady wearing a long, old-fashioned dress with a bonnet. This eerie sighting has been reported near the mill and the adjacent quay, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this phantom woman. Some believe the tale may have originated from an old photograph featuring a woman blurred by a long exposure, but the image has become synonymous with the area's paranormal activity.
White Lady of Millhams Lane
Millhams Lane, Bournemouth
Millhams Lane and the surrounding Longham area are said to be haunted by a ghostly presence, known as the White Lady. This phantom is reportedly a woman who was killed in a tragic accident involving a horse and trap along the road. The story goes that she appears as a white or grey figure, and some claim she tries to entice men to jump off the nearby bridge. The exact circumstances of her death are unclear, but her spirit is said to reappear every February, a sighting that has been reported for many years.
Christchurch Sea Dragon Legend
Skies above and off coast, Christchurch
Christchurch has long been associated with a terrifying legend from the medieval period. In the early 12th century, a monstrous creature emerged from the sea and took to the skies, wreaking havoc on the town. The beast, described as a five-headed dragon, was said to have destroyed the local church and many surrounding houses, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The event was documented by the third abbot of Saint Martin of Tournai, providing a rare glimpse into the town's paranormal history.
Puck's Down Fairy Haunting
Pokesdown area, Bournemouth
Pokesdown, a suburb of Bournemouth, has a name that hints at a mystical past. The area was once known as Puck's Down or Fairy Down, a name that has been corrupted over time. While the reason for this name has been lost to history, it's clear that the area has a unique and intriguing heritage. The name Puck, after all, is associated with mischievous spirits in English folklore, often linked to the supernatural and the fae.
Christ Image Ghost
Billsdown Poultry Farm, St Ives
Billsdown Poultry Farm in St Ives, Dorset, is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. Back in 1976, a farmer or farmhand made a startling discovery on the wall of an asbestos hen house. The grey stains on the wall had formed an uncanny image - the head and shoulders of Christ on a cross. It's not clear who exactly spotted the apparition or what their reaction was, but it's certainly a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has been documented as a paranormal occurrence.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Site of a former plantation on the River Stour

Original White Hart
Ringwood, Hampshire

Rhinefield House Hotel
Brockenhurst, Hampshire

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight