Ghostly Chase in Reedham
Reedham village on the Norfolk Broads is home to a rather unusual ghost story. On August 21st every year, locals claim that the ghost of Old Man Bern is chased through the village by an angry mob of spirits. According to legend, Bern makes his way down High Street, pursued by his tormentors, before reaching the river and making his escape in a boat. It's said that if you're in the village on this night, you might just catch a glimpse of this spectral procession.
The origins of this haunting are unclear, but it's believed to date back to the Victorian era. Some say that Old Man Bern was a local troublemaker who earned the ire of the villagers, while others claim he was a wronged soul seeking justice. Whatever the truth may be, the story of Bern's ghostly chase has become a well-known part of Reedham's folklore. Witnesses describe seeing a ghostly figure running down the High Street, often accompanied by strange noises and unexplained movements.
The haunting is believed to have originated in the Victorian era, possibly linked to a local legend or historical event.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Jack O'Lantern Ghost
Marshes, Thurlton
Deep in the Thurlton Marshes, a ghostly figure is said to roam, searching for a way home. This is the spirit of Joseph Bexfield, a local man who met his untimely demise in August 1809. His death was a tragic one, caused by a misleading Jack O'Lantern - a phenomenon now known to be burning marsh gas. The story goes that Bexfield followed the flickering light into the marshes, where he ultimately drowned. To this day, his ghost is believed to haunt the area, still seeking a path back home.
The Red Woman of Hardley
Small block of stone at the crossing of three roads and a dirt path, Hardley
In the quiet Norfolk village of Hardley, there's a spot where the ordinary and the paranormal intersect. At the crossroads of three roads and a dirt path, a small stone block stands sentinel, bearing witness to a phenomenon that has puzzled locals for generations. On certain nights of the year, at the stroke of midnight, a ghostly woman clad in red appears, sitting serenely on this unassuming stone. The exact dates of these apparitions remain a mystery, adding to the allure and enigma of this spectral visitor.
Petrified Knight of Wickhampton
Church, Wickhampton
Deep in the Norfolk countryside, Wickhampton Church stands as a testament to the village's rich history. It's here that a gruesome legend has been etched into the stone, quite literally. A knight, known for his brutal act of tearing his brother's heart out with his bare hands, was supposedly turned to stone by God himself. The Petrified Knight now rests inside the church, still clutching the heart in his stone grip. This macabre tale has been passed down through generations, leaving many to wonder if the stone figure is indeed a haunted relic of a bygone era.
Cantley Headless Horseman
Road into village, Cantley
Cantley, a peaceful village in Norfolk, is home to a rather unsettling apparition - the Headless Horseman. This ghostly figure emerges from a deep pit near the village and rides off towards Cantley on horseback, minus its head. The eerie sight has been reported by locals and travellers alike, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this decapitated spirit.
Devil's Treasure Haunting
Old church and Callow Pit, Southwood
Deep in the Norfolk countryside, near the village of Southwood, lies a chilling legend that has been etched into local folklore for generations. The story revolves around Callow Pit, a site where three men allegedly stumbled upon a treasure chest at the bottom of the pit. As they attempted to drag it back to the surface, a malevolent force, referred to as Old Nick, suddenly appeared and began to pull at the other end. In the ensuing struggle, the men managed to escape, but not without leaving behind a significant portion of the treasure - all they could salvage was a single door handle from the chest, which they later attached to the door of the nearby old church.
Golden Plough Legend
Mill Hill, Belton
Belton Common, a tranquil spot in Norfolk, is home to a fascinating piece of local legend. The Golden Plough, a story passed down through generations, revolves around a barrow once believed to contain a golden plough. This intriguing tale has captured the imagination of many, sparking curiosity about the history and potential paranormal significance of the site. While details about the legend's origins are scarce, it remains a captivating part of the area's folklore.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near High Street
