The Vanishing Gibbet of Dodpits Cross
Dodpits Cross is a spot where the ordinary and the bizarre collide. In October 1928, a young girl walking home encountered a gruesome sight - a gibbet with the body of a bearded man swinging from it. She ran off, and looking over her shoulder once more, realised that gibbet and man had vanished, replaced by the normal junction signpost. This chilling experience has left many wondering about the strange events that took place at this seemingly innocuous road junction.
The story of the vanishing gibbet is shrouded in mystery. Although we dont know the exact date of the gibbet's original installation, it's likely that it was a grim reminder of the severe punishments meted out in the past. The fact that the gibbet and body disappeared in an instant suggests that this was no ordinary occurrence. One theory is that the girl's terrified gaze somehow triggered the vanishing, but we may never know for certain what really happened that day. What's certain is that Dodpits Cross has earned its place in the annals of paranormal history.
The use of gibbets as a form of punishment dates back to the 17th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
St Catherine's Legendary Throw
Long Stone, Mottistone
Perched on the rolling hills of Mottistone, the Long Stone stands as a testament to a legendary tale of Saint Catherine and the Devil. This ancient boulder, said to have been thrown by the saint herself, has been a topic of fascination for locals and visitors alike. The story goes that to settle a dispute over who should control the island, Saint Catherine and the Devil agreed to a stone tossing contest. Saint Catherine's throw was straight and true, landing some seven miles away, while the Devil's throw fell short, and he left the island, true to his word.
Phantom Dispatch Rider Haunting
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The Flying Hare Phantom
Moortown Lane, Brighstone
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Maggie's Haunting at Three Bishops
Three Bishops Public House, Brighstone
The Three Bishops Public House in Brighstone, Isle of Wight, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. Maggie, a former owner of the inn, is said to roam the premises, muttering under her breath and unlocking doors. Some claim she also appears by beds, slowly fading away into thin air. It's a curious case, with Maggie seemingly going about her business as if she's still in charge. The inn itself has a long history, previously being known as the New Inn, but it's Maggie's presence that really sets it apart.
Hanged Man of Waytes Court
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Waytes Court Manor stands on a site with a dark history. It's said that a group of criminals were hanged from an oak tree on the grounds, and now one of the men is believed to haunt the location. The story goes that his presence is still felt to this day, a chilling reminder of the brutal justice meted out in centuries past. The manor itself is a grand structure, but it's the eerie atmosphere and unexplained occurrences that draw visitors to this haunted site.
The Albion Hotel Ghost
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Dodpits Cross

Albion Hotel
Freshwater Bay, Isle of Wight

The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight

The Wight Mouse Inn
Chale, Isle of Wight

The Filly Inn
Setley, Hampshire