Skip to main content

Five Monks of Braughing

General area, Braughing, Hertfordshire Apparition Early 20th century

In the quaint Hertfordshire village of Braughing, a most intriguing phenomenon has been observed. The ghosts of five monks, who tragically succumbed to food poisoning, are said to appear every five years. Locals firmly believe that these spectral visitations bring great prosperity to the area. The first recorded sighting of these phantoms was in May 1921, and it was thought that their appearances would continue indefinitely, bestowing good fortune upon the community.

Historical records indicate that the monks' deaths were a significant event in the village. When the phantoms failed to materialise in 1926 and subsequent years, many residents believed that the lucky streak had come to an end. The manifestation of these ghosts was seen as a blessing, and their absence was felt deeply. Although there are no detailed witness accounts or documented evidence of the sightings, the legend has endured, captivating the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Historical Context

The haunting is linked to the deaths of five monks in the early 20th century.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
General area
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
May 1921
Postcode Area
SG11

Nearby Haunted Places

Legend 2.5 mi

Bottomless Pit Albury

Halls Garden Pond near the church, Albury

In the heart of Albury, Hertfordshire, lies Halls Garden Pond, a tranquil spot with a dark legend. Locals whisper about the Bottomless Pit, a body of water said to be a one-way ticket to Hell for anyone foolish enough to try to swim to the bottom. The pond's serene atmosphere belies its sinister reputation, making it a fascinating spot for those drawn to the paranormal.

Public Garden Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.7 mi

Geoffrey De Mandeville Ghost

Pymms Brook, New Barnet

Deep in Hertfordshire, where Pymms Brook flows quietly through New Barnet, a spine-tingling encounter took place back in the early 1990s. A child, who wishes to remain anonymous, was out and about in the area when they stumbled upon a ghostly figure clad in a red habit with a hood pulled up over its head. The child's immediate reaction was to run home, not stopping until they were safely indoors. It wasn't until many years later that the child would come to believe the apparition was none other than Sir Geoffrey De Mandeville, a figure shrouded in history and mystery.

Brook or Stream Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.1 mi

Bell House Ghostly Apparitions

Bell House, Buntingford

Bell House in Buntingford is said to be haunted by a pair of restless spirits, Hannah and Hugh. This Hertfordshire home has a dark history that dates back to the 1940s when a seance revealed the presence of multiple unhappy spirits. Hannah, one of the entities, is believed to have tragically killed her child within the house and has remained there, consumed by grief. The other spirit, Hugh, is often seen as a ghostly figure dressed in black, spotted on the staircase.

Private Residence 20th century
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.7 mi

Brent Pelham Giant Haunting

St Mary church, Brent Pelham

St Mary church in Brent Pelham is said to be haunted by the ghost of Piers Shonks, a legendary dragon slayer. Locals claim that a tall figure roams the churchyard, often causing mischief. This apparition is believed to be the spirit of Piers Shonks, who was reportedly buried in the church. His tomb was opened in 1835, revealing enormous bones that suggested the person was at least nine foot tall.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.7 mi

Lavender Lady Ghost

Down Hall Hotel, Bishops Stortford

Down Hall Hotel, nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. The Lavender Lady, a spectral apparition, is said to roam the hotel's corridors, her presence announced by the unmistakable scent of lavender. According to reports, a builder who lost his life during the hotel's construction has also been spotted in one of the bedrooms, where he is seen tying his shoelaces in a rather eerie display.

Hotel Contemporary
Read Full Story
Dragon 3.8 mi

Brent Pelham Dragon Slayer

Exact location unknown, Brent Pelham

Brent Pelham's sleepy village is home to a rather unusual legend. Here, in the quaint St Mary church, lies the tomb of Piers Shonks, a celebrated dragon slayer from days gone by. His story is one of bravery and cunning, with a twist of the supernatural. Piers' battle with a dragon is immortalised on his tomb, a testament to his legendary feat. But it is what happened after his death that has led to whispers of a haunting. One story claims Satan came to avenge the death of his pet, while another suggests the Devil tried to claim Piers' soul on his deathbed.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area