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Henham Dragon Sighting

Field near Henham, Henham, Essex Dragon Stuart

In a field near Henham, Essex, a rather unusual creature was spotted back in the 17th century. This wasn't your average beast, but a nine foot long dragon with eyes as big as a sheep's. It seems this dragon wasn't looking for trouble, it just wanted to bask in the sun for a few days. The locals, however, weren't too keen on having a dragon in their neighbourhood and chased it away. The creature caused no damage and remained a popular local character until quite recently.

There are two versions of this tale. One has the dragon living in a cave, venturing out at night to eat cattle and sheep. This version takes a tragic turn when the cave roof collapsed, trapping the creature inside. The other, more benign account has the dragon simply visiting the area, causing no harm. Both stories have contributed to the enduring fascination with this Henham dragon sighting, which dates back to May 1669 or possibly 1699. The creature's legacy has endured, making it a notable part of local folklore.

Historical Context

The sighting occurred during the Stuart period, a time of significant change in England.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Field
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
May 1669 (or 1699)
Postcode Area
CB8

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