The Shrinking Woman of Saffron Walden
Imagine walking across a quiet bridge in Saffron Walden on a dark night, only to be confronted with a bizarre and unsettling sight. That's exactly what happened to two friends in September 2002. As they strolled along South Road, they noticed a woman standing at the top of the bridge. She appeared to be an unusual 3 metres tall, but as she began to walk towards them, something strange occurred - she started to shrink before their very eyes. Within seconds, she had diminished to a more normal height of about 1.6 metres. The witnesses didn't stick around to find out what would happen next, quickly making a run for it.
Historically, Saffron Walden has been a significant market town in Essex since the 13th century. While there's no recorded history of paranormal activity specifically linked to this bridge, the town has its fair share of old buildings and infrastructure that could potentially harbour restless spirits. The witness account from 2002 remains a singular but compelling report of a strange visual phenomenon. It's worth noting that the witnesses claimed to be sober at the time of the encounter, adding credibility to their extraordinary experience.
Saffron Walden's history dates back to the 13th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly USAAF Pilot Sighting
B1052, Saffron Walden
On a quiet stretch of road in Essex, a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place back in November 1993. A woman driving along the B1052 between Saffron Walden and Hadstock reported a very unexpected passenger in the back seat of her car. It was the ghost of a USAAF pilot who had died fifty years earlier in a flying accident. The pilot's plane had crashed on that very spot, and it seems his spirit lingered, manifesting exactly five decades after his tragic death.
Phantom Headless Coach
Audley End Road & Chestnut Avenue., Audley End
In the sleepy Essex town of Audley End, a spine-tingling spectacle has been reported by locals and travellers alike. A phantom coach, eerily driven by a headless coachman, is said to depart from the Lions Gate and rattle its way through the local streets until it reaches the B1383. This ghostly procession has been a part of local folklore for years, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this bizarre apparition.
Cromwell's Ghostly Footsteps
Cross Keys Public House, Saffron Walden
The Cross Keys Public House in Saffron Walden is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. On Christmas Eve, around 23:00h, patrons and staff have reported hearing the sound of heavy footsteps marching up and down a passageway. The noise is said to be quite loud and can be unsettling for those who aren't expecting it. According to local legend, the footsteps belong to a soldier of Oliver Cromwell's army. It's a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has been occurring for years, leaving many to wonder about the history behind it.
Cockatrice of Saffron Walden
Exact location unknown, Saffron Walden
In the quaint town of Saffron Walden, Essex, a legendary creature known as the Cockatrice was said to have taken up residence. This medieval beast, with its deadly gaze, was rumoured to have been roaming the countryside, striking fear into the hearts of locals. According to folklore, the Cockatrice was eventually defeated by a brave man clad in mirrored armour, cleverly turning its deadly stare back on itself. While the exact location of this encounter remains a mystery, the tale has become an integral part of Saffron Walden's rich history.
Saffron Walden Poltergeist
Farm of Big Bill Campbell, Saffron Walden
In the quaint town of Saffron Walden, Essex, a rather unusual poltergeist was said to have made its presence known at the farm of Canadian entertainer Big Bill Campbell. This entity, which was reportedly friendly, had a peculiar habit of slamming doors, much to the surprise of those living on the farm. According to Campbell's seven-year-old daughter, the phantom meant no harm and was quite harmless. The entity was known to roam the site, slamming doors as it went about its business.
Ghost of Mrs de Freville
Hinxton Churchyard, Saffron Walden
Hinxton Churchyard in Essex is home to a fascinating post-mortem manifestation, that of Mrs de Freville. Shortly after her passing, a gardener spotted her ghostly figure standing by her husband's grave. The woman's face was deathly pale, and she was dressed in a long black gown. What's remarkable about this sighting is that the gardener was entirely unaware of Mrs de Freville's recent death at the time of the encounter. This eerie apparition has left many wondering about the nature of the afterlife and the connections between the living and the dead.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bridge in South Road

