Devil's Treasure Haunting
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.
Historical records of the area do not provide a specific date for this alleged event, but it is clear that the legend has been a part of Norfolk's paranormal folklore for a considerable amount of time. The involvement of Old Nick, a colloquial term for the devil, adds a layer of intrigue and malevolence to the story. While details of the event are shrouded in mystery, the door handle on the church door serves as a tangible link to the legend. Researchers and paranormal enthusiasts have long been fascinated by such tales, which often provide a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of a region.
The legend is part of Norfolk's rich folklore heritage.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Mysterious Church Organ Music
St Mary's Church, Hassingham
St Mary's Church in Hassingham stands quietly in the Norfolk countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. On one ordinary morning, a family stopped by the church during an early drive, drawn in by the sound of organ music drifting through the air. They listened for several minutes, intrigued, before deciding to enter. But as they pushed open the front door, the music abruptly stopped. An eerie silence fell over the church, and despite a thorough search, they found no one inside to account for the haunting melody.
The Devil's Bell Hole
Church, Tunstall
In the sleepy Norfolk village of Tunstall, a mysterious marsh known as Bell Hole or Hell Hole has been the site of a bizarre legend for centuries. The story goes that the Devil himself appeared in the village, making off with the church bells and sinking them into the treacherous marsh. Locals claim that bubbles rising to the surface of the marsh are evidence that the bells are still sinking, swallowed up by the seemingly bottomless pit.
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.
Ghostly Chase in Reedham
High Street, 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.
Acle Ghostly Apparition
Heading west into Acle from Halvergate turnoff, Acle
On a quiet stretch of road heading west into Acle from Halvergate, a driver had a startling encounter on 30 March 2009. As they approached the turn off to Halvergate, a middle aged man suddenly walked out into the middle of the road from the right hand side, right in the path of their car. The figure then turned to look at the driver, and in a bizarre and unsettling moment, the car passed straight through him. This area has long been associated with paranormal activity, traditionally known for sightings of a horse and cart, but this particular incident stands out for its clarity and the direct interaction with the driver.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old church and Callow Pit
