Skater of Hickling Broad Ghost
River Thurne winds its way through the Norfolk countryside, a tranquil waterway that belies a dark and romantic history. In the frozen winter months, a lone figure is said to appear on the river's surface, a drummer boy doomed to relive the tragic events of a bygone era. Legend has it that the young drummer was in love with a rich man's daughter, and would secretly skate across the frozen river to be with her. But on one fateful winter's night, the ice gave way beneath his feet, and the boy met a watery grave.
Historical records suggest that this tale of star-crossed lovers dates back to the Victorian era, a time of great social change and romanticism. The drummer boy's ghostly apparition is said to be accompanied by the sound of drumming, a mournful echo that haunts the river's banks. Some claim to have seen a phantom female rower gliding across the water, perhaps the rich man's daughter, forever searching for her lost love. While the story is steeped in tragedy, it remains a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit.
The Victorian era saw a surge in romanticism and social change, a backdrop to this tragic tale of love and loss.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Coach of Lady Carew
Arched Bridge, Potter Heigham
The Arched Bridge in Potter Heigham, Norfolk, is home to a spine-tingling spectacle that reoccurs every year on May 31st at midnight. A phantom coach, driven by a skeleton and pulled by four black horses, comes crashing into the side of the bridge, sending the vehicle tumbling into the River Thurne below. This eerie apparition is said to be the ghostly reenactment of a tragic event from centuries past, when Lady Carew's coach disappeared on her wedding day, allegedly after she sold her soul to the Devil.
Hickling Broad Ghostly Singing
Hickling Broad, Hickling
Hickling Broad is a tranquil spot, surrounded by the Norfolk countryside. Yet, on one day a year, a gentle female voice can be heard singing across the water. This haunting manifestation is often associated with the Woman in White, who is said to be seen punting from one side of the Broad to the other, heading towards a mill. The atmosphere is peaceful, but there's an air of mystery surrounding this ghostly singing.
Children's Paradise Ghostly Play
Horsey Mere, Horsey
Horsey Mere, a peaceful lake in Norfolk, is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of thousands of children. Legend has it that these youngsters, who may have been buried here since Roman times, return to the site once a year to play for a couple of hours. The exact date of their ghostly frolic is said to be on June 13th, around midnight. Imagine the eerie sight of countless childlike apparitions, laughing and playing in the darkness, their joyful energy infusing the atmosphere with an otherworldly charm.
Mad Canon of Hickling
Hickling Priory, Hickling
Hickling Priory stands as a testament to the region's rich history, its crumbling walls whispering tales of a bygone era. Among the whispers is the legend of a ghostly monk, said to roam the priory's ruins and the marshes to the northeast. The story goes that he was a canon driven to madness while attempting to balance the priory's books, a task that proved too great for his sanity. This spectral figure, known as the Mad Canon, is a haunting presence that draws the curious and the brave to these historic grounds.
Dragon of St Benet's Abbey
Ruins of St Benet's Abbey, Ludham
Deep within the crumbling vaults of St Benet's Abbey in Ludham, Norfolk, a legendary creature is said to have made its home. A local tale tells of a dragon that was once prevented from entering its former lair in a nearby hill, and in a fit of pique, it relocated to the abbey's ancient stones. This mysterious creature, affectionately known as the dragon of St Benet's, has become an integral part of the site's folklore, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Monk's Betrayal Ghost
St. Benet's Abbey, Ludham
St Benet's Abbey, a once-thriving monastic community, now lies in ruins close to the serene River Bure. The site is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk who made a fateful decision to betray his brothers to Norman soldiers. This treacherous act ultimately led to his demise, as the troops hanged him regardless of his cooperation. On 25 May, a monk is reportedly seen wandering the ruins, a haunting manifestation of his restless spirit. The atmosphere is tense, and the sense of unease is palpable, as if the past is still very much alive here.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near River Thurne
