Skip to main content

Charnwood Forest Tree Legend

Trees in the area, Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire Legend Tudor

Deep in Charnwood Forest, a strange legend has long been whispered about. It's said that when Lady Jane Grey, the ill-fated queen, met her demise by beheading, the ancient oak trees in the area lost their tops in a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon. This folk belief has been passed down through generations, leaving many to wonder about the mystical connection between the forest and the tragic event. The trees, now topped, stand like sentinels, their branches stretching towards the sky like withered fingers.

On 12 February 1554, Lady Jane Grey's life was cut short, and according to local lore, the old oak trees in Charnwood Forest responded in a peculiar way. This event has become an integral part of the area's history and folklore. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has endured, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The incident is often seen as a testament to the enduring link between the natural world and significant historical events.

Historical Context

The reign of Lady Jane Grey, a claimant to the English throne, marked by turmoil and ultimately, tragedy.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woods
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Folklore
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
12 February 1554
Postcode Area
LE67

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.2 mi

Richard III Ghost Sighting

Car park, Leicester

This Leicester car park is a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal collide. It's a place where history seeps into the present, where the past lingers in the air. Philippa Langley felt a strange sensation crossing the car park, near a spot marked by a large 'R', which has been there since the eighties. This 'R' was painted by an attendant, but its significance was only realised years later when Richard III's body was discovered virtually on top of it.

Car Park Medieval
Read Full Story
Fairy 2.6 mi

Fairy Folk of Mill Hill

Mill Hill, Birstall

Mill Hill in Birstall is a place where the ordinary and the magical seem to blend together. This area was widely believed to be the haunt of fairy folk, where they would come and dance in the pale moonlight. It's a spot that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for generations, with its enchanting reputation continuing to draw people in. The idea of fairies frolicking under the moon seems to tap into a deep-seated sense of wonder and magic that still resonates with us today.

Hill Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 2.6 mi

Black Annis of Leicester

Dane Hills, Leicester

Dane Hills, a scenic area on the outskirts of Leicester, is said to be haunted by the legend of Black Annis, a malevolent old hag with iron claws. This fearsome creature was believed to dwell in a cave hidden amongst the hills, which are now thought to be buried under the city. According to local lore, Black Annis used her razor-sharp claws to skin children, striking fear into the hearts of those who lived in the surrounding areas. Some believe that this ancient entity may be connected to Danu, a mysterious figure from a bygone era, whose stories have been lost to the passage of time.

Woods/Hills Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 2.6 mi

Cat Anna Castle Legend

Castle ruins, Leicester

Leicester Castle, a once-majestic fortress, now stands in ruins, its crumbling walls whispering tales of a bogyman-like witch known as Cat Anna. Said to reside in the castle's cellars, Cat Anna's legend has been etched into the annals of local folklore. Her story is often linked to that of Black Annis, a notorious witch from Leicestershire's rich history of myth and legend. While details of Cat Anna's exploits are scarce, her reputation as a mysterious and feared figure has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Castle Ruins Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.6 mi

Wygston House Cavalier Ghost

Wygston House, Leicester

Wygston House in Leicester has a long-standing reputation for paranormal activity, with reports of a ghostly apparition dating back to pre-twentieth century times. The phantom, often described as a Cavalier, is said to appear at a window of the building once a month. Some have attempted to explain the sighting as an optical illusion created by the moon, but the true nature of this apparition remains a mystery. Interestingly, a headless Cavalier has also been reported at the location, although this figure reportedly ceased to appear after being shot at by a curious visitor.

Historic House Pre-Twentieth Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.6 mi

Shape-Shifting Ghost Leicester

Freewheeler Club, Leicester

Deep in Leicester's Churchgate, the Freewheeler Club stands as a hub for nightlife. But back in 1972, it was home to a rather unsettling presence. Staff reported seeing a strange ghost that would change shape, its forms shifting and morphing in ways that defied explanation. An exorcist was called in to try and put an end to the haunting, but the details of their intervention remain shrouded in mystery.

Nightclub Late 20th Century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Trees in the area