The Running Dog of Saint Nick's
Saint Nick's church in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The tale begins with a gravedigger's dog that wouldn't stop yapping, causing the bell ringer to take drastic action. The poor animal was poisoned and died an agonised death. Some people now claim that the spirit of the dog, known as the Running Dog, runs around the church, floating slightly above the ground. This eerie phenomenon has become a popular legend among locals and visitors alike.
Historical records show that the incident occurred in the past, although the exact date is unknown. The church of Saint Nick has stood for centuries, and it's possible that the legend of the Running Dog has been passed down through generations. Witnesses describe seeing the ghostly dog running around the church, which has led to speculation about the connection between the animal's death and its restless spirit. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims, the story remains a fascinating example of a haunting manifestation.
The church of Saint Nick has been a place of worship for centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Cromwells Coaching Inn Paranormal Activity
Cromwell Hotel, Stevenage, Stevenage
The Cromwell Hotel has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. Staff and guests have reported seeing a shadowy figure in period attire, believed to be connected to Oliver Cromwell. This apparition is thought to haunt the cellar and old stables of the hotel.
The Lost Remains of Henry Trigg
National Westminster Bank, Stevenage
In the heart of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, stands the National Westminster Bank, a building with a dark and intriguing history. Once the site of the Old Castle Inn, this location has been home to a restless spirit for centuries. Henry Trigg, a local resident, lived in the building in the early eighteenth century and made a rather unusual request - that his body be concealed in the loft after he passed away. This wish was granted, but little did Trigg know that his final resting place would be disturbed countless times over the next 250 years.
The Fisherman's Ghostly Encounter
Area behind The Fisherman, Stevenage
Behind The Fisherman in Stevenage, a rather eerie encounter took place on September 3, 2006. Two people cutting across this area were startled by an old-fashioned figure clad in a wide-brimmed hat. The sudden appearance of this ghostly character was enough to send them running for cover. Interestingly, they later found out that a friend had a similar experience that same night, being chased by a shadowy figure wearing the same type of hat. This strange apparition seems to have made a few more appearances over the years, including one instance where a friend of a witness's brother claimed to have seen it.
Headless Horse of Burnham Green
Roads in the area, Burnham Green
In the quiet lanes around Burnham Green, a chilling apparition has been spotted by locals and travellers alike. This ghostly sighting is that of a horse, but not just any horse - its head is missing. The decapitated horse is said to run along the roads surrounding the area, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this paranormal phenomenon. It's a story that has been passed down through the centuries, with some claiming it's the result of a Danish skirmish over a thousand years ago.
Black Shuck Pack Haunting
Six Hills, Stevenage
Deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, the Six Hills area is home to a mysterious and ancient collection of barrows. Locals claim that this sacred site is patrolled by a pack of large black shucks, their ghostly forms seen roaming the hills under the cover of darkness. The barrows themselves are steeped in legend, with some saying they were constructed by the devil himself. It's little wonder that such a place would be associated with paranormal activity, and those who have ventured here have reported strange and unexplained occurrences.
Phantom Monks of Little Wymondley
Priory, Little Wymondley
The old priory at Little Wymondley is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparitions of phantom monks. This eerie presence is reportedly seen wandering the grounds of the ancient site, where only a long barn remains standing today. The atmosphere is said to be quite chilling, especially at dusk when the shadows grow long and ominous. It's little wonder that this location has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, with many claiming to have caught a glimpse of these spectral figures.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Saint Nick's church

Cromwell Hotel
Stevenage, Hertfordshire

The Brocket Arms
Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire

Flitwick Manor Hotel
Flitwick, Bedfordshire

The White Hart
Ampthill, Bedfordshire