The Tow Dog of Portland
The Isle of Portland, a picturesque island off the coast of Dorset, is said to be roamed by a mysterious and shaggy creature known as the Tow Dog, or Row Dog. This ghostly hound stands an astonishing six foot tall and has been known to appear to island residents and visitors alike. But what makes the Tow Dog unusual is its behaviour - it seems to only block people's path, never harming or injuring them. It's as if this phantom canine is trying to communicate or warn people of something, but what?
Historically, the Tow Dog is classified as a type of shuck, a term used to describe ghostly dogs said to roam the countryside. The origins of the Tow Dog are unclear, but it's believed to date back to the Victorian era, a time when the island was heavily populated and industrialised. Over the years, numerous people have reported encounters with the Tow Dog, describing it as a large, shaggy creature with an unsettling presence. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the Tow Dog's existence, its legend has become an integral part of Portland's folklore.
The Isle of Portland has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, with evidence of human habitation and industrial activity.
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Nearby Haunted Places
Fairies Flee Portland
General area, Portland
Portland, a place of rugged beauty and ancient history, has a rather unusual tale to tell. It's said that back in the 1750s, the local fairies got a bit of a fright when the first church bell rang out across the region. It seems they packed their bags and fled in a hurry, leaving behind a trail of whispers and wonder. The story may seem far-fetched, but it's been passed down through the years, a testament to the area's rich folklore.
Underground Mutton Curse
General area, Portland
On the rugged Isle of Portland in Dorset, a rather unusual superstition took hold back in the nineteenth century. It all started with the tragic death of a quarry crane operator, whose demise was blamed on a collapsing rabbit warren. This incident gave birth to a widespread belief that rabbits were unlucky creatures. Locals began referring to them as 'underground mutton', 'furry things', or simply 'bunnies' to avoid using the actual word. This quaint yet intriguing tale has evolved into a reported curse that still sends shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike.
The Lady of Boot Inn
Boot Inn Inn, Allington
Boot Inn in Allington, Dorset, is home to a particularly poignant ghost story. This historic inn, with its creaky floorboards and roaring fires, is said to be visited by the spirit of a former landlady who has a special concern for those who are ill. She makes her presence known only to those who are unwell, offering comfort and solace in times of need. It's a gentle and benevolent haunting that has been reported by numerous guests over the years.
The Sickness Indicator Ghost
Boot Inn Inn, Bridport
The Boot Inn in Bridport, Dorset, has a rather intriguing reputation for being haunted by a phantom that only manifests when a guest is unwell. This unusual phenomenon has sparked curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike. The story goes that the ghostly presence is a sort of indicator, alerting others to the fact that someone is ill. While the exact nature of this ghost remains a mystery, it's said to appear alongside a soldier and a man in old-fashioned clothing, adding to the inn's eerie atmosphere.
The Grey Lady of Christchurch
Ye Olde George Inn Inn, Christchurch
Ye Olde George Inn in Christchurch, Dorset, is home to a phantom known as the Grey Lady. During repair work, a priest hole was discovered containing a skeleton and old clothing, which may explain the ghostly apparition. Staff and guests have reported seeing a grey lady wandering around the inn, and some have even noticed wine bottles being mysteriously collected and moved to a single area.
Bettiscombe Phantom Coach
Road between Manor and the church, Bettiscombe
On a single mysterious night each year, a phantom coach rattles down the rural road in Bettiscombe, Dorset, its ghostly presence sending shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike. This eerie spectacle begins at the manor house and makes its way towards the village church, leaving many to wonder about the connection between the coach and the manor's infamous skull. While the reasons behind this haunting remain shrouded in mystery, the image of the phantom coach has become an enduring part of local folklore.
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