The Broken Apron Legend
Castle Eden, a small village in County Durham, is home to a fascinating piece of paranormal history. The story goes that back in 1133, the Devil himself tried to sabotage the construction of Durham Cathedral. He flew over to Castle Eden, spotted a subpar piece of limestone, and thought it would be the perfect addition to the cathedral's foundations. He popped the stone into his apron pocket and took to the skies, but his plan was soon foiled when his apron snapped, sending the stone plummeting to the ground. The rock, now known as the Broken Apron, still bears the Devil's scratch marks, a testament to his failed attempt to catch it.
Historical records confirm that Durham Cathedral's construction began in 1093 and took several decades to complete. It's likely that the legend of the Broken Apron has been passed down through the centuries, evolving into the tale we know today. While there's no concrete evidence to support the supernatural events, the story has become an integral part of local folklore. Visitors to the area can see the rock with the alleged scratch marks, a tangible connection to the intriguing legend. The incident is often classified as a legend related to Old Nick, a colloquial term for the Devil.
The construction of Durham Cathedral began in 1093, during the medieval period.
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Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Poltergeist of Eden Street
4 Eden Street, Horden
In the small town of Horden, County Durham, there's a house on Eden Street that's said to be haunted by a mischievous poltergeist. The property has a history of unexplained occurrences that have left families fleeing in fear. Back in 1967, a family moved out after a failed exorcism, but they were reluctant to share what exactly had driven them away. Years later, another family experienced cold spots and an overwhelming feeling of depression that eventually forced them to leave too.
Cromwell's Fury Ghost Haunting
Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, Hartlepool
Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, situated in the quaint village of Hesleden, Hartlepool, is said to be haunted by the vengeful spirit of an elderly housekeeper. According to local legend, during the English Civil War, the housekeeper was left behind by the fleeing family to manage the hall. Unfortunately, she fell victim to the brutal forces of Oliver Cromwell, who tortured and killed her in a fit of rage upon finding the hall empty. Her ghostly presence is believed to roam the grounds between the hall and Monk Hesleden Church. Additionally, a 'Grey Lady' has been spotted by workmen floating down the staircase, leaving behind footprints in the varnish.
Phantom Monk of Finchale
Black Rock Woods, Finchale
Deep in Black Rock Woods, a spine-tingling sighting has been reported by numerous individuals. A phantom monk, eerily dragging one leg behind him, has been seen gliding through the trees. His unsettling gait has led to him being nicknamed Slew Foot. The woods, shrouded in mystery, seem to be the perfect setting for this ghostly apparition. As he walks, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs beneath his feet are the only signs of his presence, leaving witnesses with an unforgettable experience.
Peterlee Poltergeist Haunting
Three bedroom council house, Peterlee
On Basingstoke Road in Peterlee, a seemingly ordinary council house became the centre of paranormal attention in December 2007. The owners, convinced their home was haunted, sought help from a medium who claimed to have made contact with a poltergeist named Peter. According to the medium, Peter had a sinister intention - he wanted to take over the family's young daughter. The case drew significant attention, not just from local residents but also from the council, who faced criticism for agreeing to cover 50% of the exorcism costs.
Phantom Pony of Littleburn
Littleburn Colliery, Littleburn
Deep within the abandoned Littleburn Colliery, a chilling apparition has been witnessed by those brave enough to venture into its depths. On the night of 31 December 1919, a worker on the night shift reported seeing a phantom pony walking in the pit. The pony was said to have been grabbed by a disembodied arm, a sight that would leave even the most seasoned miner shaken. This eerie event occurred exactly fifteen years after a worker had been killed in the pit by a runaway pony, sparking speculation about a possible connection between the two incidents.
The Teenage Tearaway Ghost
Area around the Old Rectory, Durham
In the quaint town of Durham, near the Old Rectory, a spine-tingling encounter took place in the late nineteenth century. A postman, going about his daily rounds, caught sight of a ghostly shrouded child as he walked past the graveyard. Panicked, he took off in a sprint, the phantom hot on his heels. He dashed into his home, barricading himself and his wife in their bedroom. The sounds of the ghost smashing up the room next door must have been terrifying, and the couple seized the opportunity to make a run for it. They were lucky to have had a local wise woman on hand, who managed to calm the spirit and convince it to return to its grave.