Skip to main content

The Clawed Stone of Winceby

Boulder near area known as Slash Hollow, Winceby, Lincolnshire Legend Pre-Victorian

Deep in the Lincolnshire countryside, near the tiny village of Winceby, lies a mysterious boulder known as the Clawed Stone. This unassuming rock has been the centre of a bizarre legend for generations. The story goes that the stone was once believed to be sitting atop a treasure, but every attempt to move it was met with failure - until 1970, that is. A determined farmer finally managed to shift the stone to the side of a field, but not before a remarkable encounter with the Devil himself.

Historical records suggest that the stone has been a local curiosity for centuries. According to folklore, the stone was previously scratched by the Devil's claws when a would-be treasure hunter tried to move it. This only added to the stone's mystique, with many believing it to be cursed. When the farmer eventually buried the stone in a hole he dug next to it, he reportedly found no treasure - or Devil - in the process. The incident has been documented as a classic example of a ' Legend - Old Nick' type haunting, with the stone's strange history captivating locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.

Historical Context

The stone is believed to have been part of the local folklore for centuries

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Field
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Moved to the side of the field in 1970
Postcode Area
LN8

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 2.7 mi

Bolingbroke Castle Phantom Hare

Bolingbroke Castle, Bolingbroke

Bolingbroke Castle stands amidst the Lincolnshire countryside, its medieval grandeur a backdrop for a most unusual haunting. For centuries, locals have whispered about a phantom hare said to roam the castle grounds. This ghostly creature is believed to be the spirit of a witch who was once imprisoned within the castle walls. According to folklore, the hare would leap over people or run between their legs, causing quite a commotion. Any dog brave enough to chase after it would return with a terrified yelp.

Castle 1660s
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 3.8 mi

The Red Lion Hotel Haunting, Lincolnshire, UK

The Red Lion Hotel, Spalding

The Red Lion Hotel in Spalding, Lincolnshire, has a long history of paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported sightings of shadowy figures moving around the bar area, as well as unexplained crashes and broken items. One guest even reported an entity that seemed to be interacting with them, leaving a tray on their bed and running baths in room 28.

Hotel 18th century
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.9 mi

Tall American Ghost

East Kirkby Watch Tower, East Kirkby

The East Kirkby Watch Tower stands as a testament to the area's rich aviation history. This historic site has been the location of numerous paranormal sightings, most notably the apparition of a tall American officer. He is believed to have been a USAAF officer who lost his life when a Flying Fortress crash landed near the site in 1944. Since then, several people have reported seeing him in and around the watch tower, giving a glimpse into a tragic event that has left a lasting impact.

Aviation Heritage Centre World War II
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.2 mi

Phantom Cyclist of West Ashby

A153, West Ashby

The A153 in West Ashby, Lincolnshire, is a rural road with a dark reputation. It's said that a phantom cyclist haunts this stretch, causing horses to bolt and drivers to swerve. One account from the early twentieth century tells of a man driving a horse and cart home when his horse suddenly took off after nearing a cyclist who was travelling on the wrong side of the road. When the horse was finally brought under control, the cyclist had vanished into thin air.

Road Twentieth century
Read Full Story
Dragon 6.7 mi

Dragon Barrow Haunting

Barrow, Walmsgate

In the rolling hills of Lincolnshire lies the ancient Barrow of Walmsgate, a long barrow said to hold the remains of a fearsome dragon. Legend has it that Sir Hugh Bardolph slew the beast in the area, and its severed head was sent to the king as proof of his bravery. The barrow, a testament to a bygone era, is shrouded in mystery and whispers of a bygone terror. While there's no concrete evidence of paranormal activity, the site's rich history and eerie atmosphere make it a fascinating destination for those drawn to the unknown.

Long Barrow Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 6.8 mi

Halton Holegate Phantom Old Man

Unnamed Farmhouse in the area, Halton Holegate

In the quaint village of Halton Holegate, nestled in the heart of Lincolnshire, a most peculiar and intriguing haunting took place at an unnamed farmhouse. It began with strange rapping sounds on the walls, which Mrs and Mr Wilson, along with their servant, experienced in their home. The unexplained knocks seemed to be a precursor to a more astonishing encounter, as a few weeks later, Mrs Wilson caught a glimpse of a phantom old man in the house, rapping at the walls, only to vanish and reappear in different areas.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story