Skip to main content

Heavenly Shortcut Haunting

St Catherine's Chapel, Melbury Osmund, Dorset Legend Medieval

Perched on a hilltop in rural Dorset, St Catherine's Chapel is a 14th-century chapel with a rather unusual claim to fame. The words engraved over its entranceway state that a visit here will allow you to enter heaven 120 days sooner after death than normal. This intriguing inscription has led to the chapel being dubbed a 'shortcut to heaven'. While it's unclear whether this claim is meant to be taken literally, it's certainly a unique selling point for those interested in exploring the paranormal side of English heritage.

Built in the 1300s, St Catherine's Chapel has a long history of attracting pilgrims and travellers. The chapel's founder, Lord Thomas Hungerford, was a devout Christian who likely commissioned the inscription as a way of encouraging people to visit the chapel and reflect on their mortality. Today, visitors can still see the inscription, which remains remarkably well-preserved. While there are no documented reports of ghostly apparitions or unexplained occurrences at the chapel, its unusual history and picturesque setting make it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in exploring the weirder side of England.

Historical Context

14th-century chapel built by Lord Thomas Hungerford

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Chapel
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
No Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Writing still present
Postcode Area
DT21

Nearby Haunted Places

Legend 0 mi

Wishing Holes of Abbotsbury

St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

St Catherine's Chapel in Abbotsbury is home to a rather intriguing phenomenon known as the Wishing Holes. Located inside the chapel, these four holes - two for knees and two for hands - have been worn smooth by generations of hopefuls seeking to make a wish. Legend has it that by kneeling in these holes, people can send their deepest desires up to the heavens, and who knows, maybe even have them answered. The chapel itself is a stunning example of 14th-century architecture, perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque village of Abbotsbury. As you explore the chapel, you can't help but feel a sense of history and mystique surrounding these humble holes.

Historic Chapel Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

Ilchester Arms Ghostly Coin Collector

Ilchester Arms Public House, Abbotsbury

The Ilchester Arms in Abbotsbury is a hotspot for paranormal activity. This old pub is said to be haunted by the ghost of a coin collector named Charles. His presence is marked by the sound of jangling coins, which one witness was lucky enough to hear. But Charles isnt the only spirit said to roam the Ilchester Arms. A phantom woman has been spotted in the toilets, and a ghostly dog is known to approach the windows, making this a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the paranormal.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.6 mi

Abbotsbury Shadow Figure

B3157, Abbotsbury

On a dark and deserted stretch of the B3157, just outside Abbotsbury in Dorset, a driver had a terrifying encounter with a shadowy figure on the night of 31 August 2014. It was 02:00h and the driver was making their way along the winding road when suddenly they had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a dark shape that darted out in front of them. As they watched in amazement, the figure seemed to vanish into thin air, its legs disappearing before they could even reach the side of the road.

Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.8 mi

Roman Centurion Ghosts

New Barn, Abbotsbury

The rolling hills of New Barn in Abbotsbury, Dorset, are said to be haunted by the ghosts of Roman Centurions. This eerie presence is a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The area's rich history, dating back to the Roman era, provides a chilling backdrop for these ghostly apparitions. It's not hard to imagine the centurions, once stationed in this very region, now patrolling the hills in spirit form.

Hills Roman
Read Full Story
Shuck 2.5 mi

Phantom Hound of Portesham

Hardy's Monument, Portesham

Perched on a hill in the rolling Dorset countryside, Hardy's Monument has stood tall since 1844, commemorating the 1840 Battle of Tolpuddle. But it's not just the monument itself that draws visitors - a phantom hound is said to roam the surrounding area, striking fear into the hearts of locals and tourists alike. This ghostly canine is often referred to as a Shuck, a type of spectral hound said to bring bad luck or even death to those who cross its path.

Monument Victorian
Read Full Story
Unknown 2.6 mi

Solid Gold

, Littlebredy

Littlebredy is home to an ancient burial mound known as the Grey Mare and Her Colts, a site steeped in local legend. Hidden beneath the mound is said to be a coffin made from solid gold, a treasure that has captured the imagination of many. But that's not all - this spot is also famous for sightings of a phantom horse, said to run freely around the area. The horse's ghostly presence is a common thread in local folklore, with many claiming to have caught a glimpse of the ethereal creature.

Ancient Barrow Prehistoric
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Catherine's Chapel