Phantom of Michael Morey
In the sleepy town of Downend, nestled in the rolling hills of Islewight, a gruesome legend has been etched into the local folklore. They say that on certain evenings, a ghostly figure emerges from the shadows of Burnt House Lane, its presence marked by an unsettling sense of foreboding. This is the phantom of Michael Morey, a man who met a grisly end in 1735, when he was hanged in a public gibbet opposite the Hare and Hounds inn for the heinous crime of murdering his own grandson.
Historical records confirm that Michael Morey's execution was a public spectacle, designed to serve as a deterrent to others. It's said that his ghostly form still roams the roads in the area, driven by some restless energy. According to local lore, Morey's phantom is a terrifying sight to behold - his face a grinning skull, and in his hand, a large axe, the very instrument of his brutal crime. While there are no documented witness accounts to verify the sightings, the persistence of this legend over the centuries suggests that there may be some truth to the claims of paranormal activity in Burnt House Lane.
18th-century crime and punishment
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Michael Morey's Ghostly Ride
Barrow known as Michael Morey's Hump, Arreton
Perched atop a windswept hill on the Isle of Wight, Michael Morey's Hump stands as a haunting testament to a gruesome crime from centuries past. This ancient barrow, now a site of paranormal fascination, is where the ghostly figure of Michael Morey is said to appear at midnight. Legend has it that Morey, driven by a heinous act of murder and attempted concealment, now rides his ghostly steed three times around the barrow, crying out his own name in a chilling, otherworldly voice.
Grey Lady of Carisbrooke
Carisbrooke Castle, Carisbrooke
Carisbrooke Castle, a historic fortress on the Isle of Wight, is home to a rather charming ghostly apparition. Locals and visitors alike have spotted a grey lady strolling around the castle's moat, accompanied by her canine companion. It's a peaceful scene, one that's been played out for years, but the identity of this ghostly dog walker remains a mystery. Some speculate that she might be connected to another reported sighting - a face seen down the well within the castle walls.
Phantom Coach of Knighton
Knighton Shute, Knighton Gorges
Deep in the countryside of Knighton Gorges, a spine-tingling spectacle unfolds on July 4th every year. The ghostly procession of Tristram Dillington, former owner of the long-demolished Knighton Manor, makes its way through the rolling hills. His phantom coach, drawn by four ethereal horses, rattles along the winding roads, a haunting tribute to a life cut short. Locals and visitors alike claim to have caught glimpses of this eerie entourage, leaving many to wonder about the story behind Tristram's restless spirit.
Pointer Inn Ghostly Apparition
Pointer Inn Inn, Newchurch
The Pointer Inn in Newchurch is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. A semi-transparent apparition of an older woman, dressed in clothing from a couple of hundred years ago, has been spotted by a former landlady near the back door. The woman's attire suggests a date in the 18th or 19th century, adding to the inn's rich history. This ghostly encounter is just one of several paranormal experiences reported at the Pointer Inn.
Dancing Church Dog Legend
St Olave's Church, Gatcombe
St Olave's Church in Gatcombe on the Isle of Wight is home to a rather unusual legend. A carved wooden dog at the feet of the effigy of Edward Estur is said to come alive on summer nights. According to local lore, this wooden canine stands up on its hind legs and dances around the church. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of many. The churchyard is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl with blonde hair wearing a pale dress.
Lucy Lightfoot Time Slip
Gatcombe Church, Gatcombe
Gatcombe Church stands serene in the rolling hills of the Isle of Wight, its ancient stones bearing witness to a most intriguing tale. On 13 June 1831, a fierce hurricane struck the island, accompanied by a rare eclipse of the sun. It was on this turbulent day that Lucy Lightfoot, a local young woman, vanished mysteriously while on her way to church. The incident has become the stuff of local legend, with some claiming she was spirited away through time itself.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Burnt House Lane area

The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight
The Royal Hotel
Purfleet, Essex

The Royal Hotel
Ventnor, Isle of Wight

The Wight Mouse Inn
Chale, Isle of Wight