The Monk with No Legs
Winchcombe's Cowl Lane has a reputation for paranormal activity, particularly around the Pike Bank area. Residents and visitors have reported sightings of a ghostly black monk. Some claim the figure appears to sink slightly into the ground, while others say it floats about two feet above the path. The monk's appearance is shrouded in mystery, with no clear explanation for its presence in this quaint Gloucestershire town.
Historical records for Cowl Lane and Winchcombe don't provide specific details about a black monk. However, the area is rich in medieval history, with Winchcombe being an important centre during the 15th century. The ghostly monk's presence could be linked to the town's monastic past. Witnesses describe the figure as a black-clad, legless monk, with some reports dating back to 1993. The sightings are generally harmless, with no reported threats to those who have encountered the monk.
Winchcombe's medieval past and monastic connections
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Floating Monk of Winchcombe
Railway station, Winchcombe
Winchcombe Railway Station in Gloucestershire is home to a mystifying sighting - a monk dressed in a dark robe floating about half a metre above the ground. This holy figure has been spotted by numerous people, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly apparition. The station's rich history might hold some clues, but for now, the Floating Monk remains an enigma.
Ghostly Childrens Footsteps
Ye Old Corner Cupboard Public House, Winchcombe
Ye Old Corner Cupboard Public House in Winchcombe has a rather unsettling reputation thanks to reports of unexplained childrens footsteps. Patrons and staff have heard the sound of tiny feet running around the building on multiple occasions, even when there are no kids around. Its a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has left many wondering about the origins of this ghostly activity.
Flecked Cat of Winchcombe
Area around Mount View Drive, Winchcombe
Winchcombe's quiet streets were abuzz with whispers of a mysterious creature in April 2012. Residents around Mount View Drive reported sightings of a large, flecked brown cat, described as being the size of a Labrador. The creature seemed to be roaming the new housing estate, leaving behind a trail of curiosity and concern. One witness was particularly adamant about the cat's size and colour, sparking interest among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Victorian Housemaid Ghost
Sudeley Castle, Sudeley
Sudeley Castle, a grand estate nestled in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, is home to a most intriguing spectre - a ghostly housemaid from the Victorian era. It's said that during the summer months of August and September, this phantom servant can be seen busily cleaning and dusting, dressed in traditional Victorian working attire. Her ghostly presence was reportedly captured by a visiting American Professor back in the day, and since then, several others have come forward to share their own encounters with this elusive spirit.
Monks of Belas Knap
Belas Knap, Winchcombe
Perched above the charming town of Winchcombe in Gloucestershire, Belas Knap is a long barrow with a reputation for being rather strange. One visitor reported a bizarre experience here, claiming to have seen a group of monks approaching the barrow across the fields. She left the scene for just a few minutes, but when she returned, the landscape had seemingly changed - the grass was shorter, there were fewer trees, and the monks had vanished into thin air. This eerie transformation has left many to wonder about the nature of this ancient site.
Wispy Monks of Hailes
Hailes Abbey, Hailes
Hailes Abbey stands shrouded in an aura of mystique, its crumbling stones bearing testament to centuries of history. Under the cover of darkness, it's said that the monks who once called this place home return to continue their earthly chores. One can't help but wonder if they're safeguarding their most treasured relic - a glass container holding drops of Christ's blood. The monks' nocturnal activities remain a mystery, but one ghostly apparition has been captured in the flesh. In 1979, archaeologists working on site spotted a ghostly white female gliding past the doorway. They followed the entity as it moved along lanes and roads, leaving one archaeologist shaken enough to refuse further work on the site.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cowl Lane

Ellenborough Park
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Fownes Hotel
Worcester, Worcestershire

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire