Leicester Balls of Fire
Over the skies of Leicester, a strange and unexplained phenomenon occurred in the winter months of 1388. Residents and travellers alike reported seeing balls of flame spinning like wheels, their fiery forms illuminating the dark night skies. These bizarre sightings, which came to be known as the Balls of Fire, left a lasting impression on those who witnessed them, sparking both fascination and fear.
Historical records confirm that the Balls of Fire were seen on multiple occasions during November and December 1388. This was a tumultuous time in English history, with the country in the grip of the Peasants' Revolt and the Black Death having a profound impact on the population. While it's impossible to say for certain what caused the Balls of Fire, it's clear that they were a remarkable and unexplained event that has been etched into the annals of Leicester's history.
The Peasants' Revolt and the Black Death were having a profound impact on England in 1388
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Braunstone Hall Ghostly Apparitions
Braunstone Hall and Park, Leicester
Braunstone Hall and Park is said to be haunted by a multitude of ghostly entities. A young woman in white, named May, is often spotted walking the corridors, her presence a poignant reminder of the tragic life she led. May died at just eighteen years old, her short life cut short by tuberculosis. Her spirit is not alone, however, as other phantoms have been reported in the area, including carriages pulled by black horses that seem to vanish into thin air, a groom who met a tragic end above the stables, and a sad-looking boy who gazes out from an upstairs window.
Leicester Dragon Sighting
Skies over town, Leicester
Over the town of Leicester, a strange and terrifying sighting took place in April 1389. For several weeks, a dragon was seen flying and spitting fire as it passed over the town multiple times. The creature's appearances must have been quite a spectacle, causing concern and amazement among the townspeople. Its fire-spitting abilities, in particular, would have been a frightening sight, especially in an era with limited understanding of natural phenomena.
Winstanley House Ghost Haunting
Winstanley House, Hinckley
Winstanley House, a historic location in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has been associated with numerous paranormal sightings over the years. Visitors and witnesses have reported a range of ghostly phenomena, including apparitions and poltergeist-like activity. A phantom lady in a white robe, sometimes described as wearing a veil, has been sighted here. This ghost may be May Winstanley, a young woman who died of tuberculosis at the age of 18 while in a convent. Novice nuns wore white robes, which could explain the lady's attire. Other reported phenomena include a faint scream, the sensation of being pushed, a lady in a pink ballgown, a little girl hiding in the attic, a horse-drawn carriage that silently passes the hall at night, and a man dressed like a gamekeeper.
Shawled Woman of Narborough
Road outside Narborough Hall, Narborough
Outside Narborough Hall, a country house in Leicestershire, a rather eerie sighting has been reported. In the 1950s, an older woman emerged from a wall, dressed in a shawl, and proceeded to cross the road. She then vanished into thin air, specifically through a hedge that unfortunately no longer exists. This strange encounter has left many wondering about the story behind this ghostly apparition.
Leicester Guildhall Hotel Phantom Apparition
The Guildhall Hotel, Leicester
The Guildhall Hotel, situated in the heart of Leicester's historic city centre, is home to a fascinating paranormal presence. Staff and guests have long reported sightings of a gentle-looking Victorian gentleman ghost roaming the ballroom area, often seen in the evenings and particularly after midnight. While some claim to have caught glimpses of this apparition, others describe hearing an unseen pianist playing the hotel's piano with an air of quiet elegance.
Hooded Phantom of Leicester Cathedral
Cathedral Church of St Martin, Leicester
Leicester Cathedral, a stunning example of medieval architecture, is said to be haunted by a mysterious hooded figure. This phantom is known to glide around the churchyard, periodically kneeling with its head on the ground as if listening to the earth. The atmosphere is eerie, especially at dusk when the setting sun casts long shadows across the stone floor. It's little wonder that this apparition has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Skies over town
