Mysterious Big Cat Sighting
Barnham Common, a tranquil woodland area in Norfolk, has been the site of a bizarre and unexplained sighting. On 19 April 1985, an unidentified large cat was seen roaming the woods, leaving residents and visitors alike scratching their heads. The creature, dubbed the 'Big Cat', was reportedly spotted in the area, but details of the sighting remain scarce. What could this mysterious feline have been, and what brought it to this Norfolk woodland?
Historically, Norfolk has been home to several reported sightings of strange animals, including large cats. While some have been attributed to escaped pets or misidentifications, others remain unexplained. The Barnham Common sighting is one such enigma. Without further evidence or witness accounts, it's difficult to determine the origin or nature of the creature. However, the incident remains a fascinating footnote in the region's paranormal history.
Rural Norfolk in the late 20th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Green Eyed Creature
Unstated road in the area, Thompson
Deep in Norfolk's countryside, near the village of Thompson, a strange encounter took place on a rural road one midnight in 2004. A driver, returning home by car, was startled by a large cat-like creature standing just a few metres away from a deer. The witness got a clear view of the creature's side profile - a long, sleek body with a long tail that drooped to the ground before hooking upwards - before it vanished into a hedge. The sudden disappearance left the driver with more questions than answers.
The Devil's Quick Drink
Devil's Punchbowl, Thetford
Deep in the Norfolk countryside lies the enigmatic Devil's Punchbowl, a mere with a water level that seems to fluctuate of its own accord. Locals have long attributed the sudden disappearance of water to the Devil himself taking a quick drink while passing by. This strange phenomenon has captured the imagination of many, sparking whispers of paranormal activity in the area. The Devil's Punchbowl is a place where myth and mystery converge, leaving visitors to ponder the truth behind the legend.
Thetford's Tragic Little George
St George's Nunnery, Thetford
St George's Nunnery in Thetford has a heartbreaking tale of a young boy's untimely death. In May 1559, seven-year-old George tumbled from a wooden horse and cracked his skull on the wall of a nearby bridge, succumbing to his injuries. It's said that George's spirit haunted the area for years, riding a headless wooden horse in a haunting display of his final moments. Locals have reported sightings of the little ghost, and it's believed that his restless energy lingered until he was eventually exorcised.
Thetford Ghost Apparition
Bell Hotel, Thetford
The Bell Hotel in Thetford has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests have reported seeing strange apparitions and experiencing unexplained phenomena in room 29, which was previously numbered 10 and 12. One guest on his honeymoon described seeing a young girl with fair hair wearing a white gown and garland. The girl was seen in the room on two consecutive nights and eventually woke the guest by sitting on his bed.
Thet Hill Redheaded Warrior
Barrow known as Thet Hill, Thetford
Thet Hill stands sentinel alongside the River Thet, its ancient barrow a testament to the area's rich history. Locals claim that a redheaded warrior or chieftain is often seen standing near the barrow, which may contain his remains. The image of this fiery-haired figure has sparked the imagination of many, leaving us to wonder about the story behind this ghostly apparition.
The Bell Hotel Ghost
The Bell Hotel, Thetford
The Bell Hotel in Thetford, Norfolk, has a long history of paranormal activity, with one of its most famous ghosts being that of Betty Radcliffe, the landlady who was tragically killed by her lover in 1750. Guests and staff have reported seeing her wandering the corridors at night, checking that her guests are comfortable. She is often seen accompanied by the sound of her heavy skirt swishing as she passes the doors, and a flickering light like that of a candle can be spotted. Betty's presence is considered to be a benign one, and she is often described as a gentle ghost.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Barnham Common

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk

The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire