Skip to main content

Blickling Black Dog Haunting

Forests in area, Blickling, Norfolk Apparition 17th Century

Deep in the forests of Blickling, Norfolk, a ghostly presence is said to roam, believed to be the spirit of a hunting dog mistakenly killed after the death of its master. This spectral hound, known as the Black Dog of Blickling, has been a part of local folklore since the 17th century. Its story is one of loyalty and tragedy, a poignant reminder of the bond between a hunter and his faithful companion. The Black Dog is not to be confused with the more malevolent Shuck, a ghostly hound said to roam other parts of England. Instead, this phantom dog is seen as a harmless, if somewhat sorrowful, apparition.

The history of the Black Dog is tied to the local gentry and their hunting traditions. In the 17th century, it was not uncommon for hunting dogs to be put down after their masters had passed away, to prevent them from being sold or mistreated. The Black Dog of Blickling is said to be the ghost of one such loyal companion. While there are few detailed accounts of sightings, the legend has endured, captivating those interested in Norfolk's paranormal history. The lack of specific witness accounts and detailed documentation does not diminish the allure of this ghost story, which continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.

Historical Context

17th century hunting traditions and gentry lifestyle

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woods
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Folklore
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
17th Century onwards
Postcode Area
NR11

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1 mi

The Vanishing Gamekeeper of Old Costessey

Wooded area, Old Costessey

Deep in the Norfolk woods, near Old Costessey, a peculiar encounter took place in the 1980s. A dog walker, strolling along a wooded path, came across a middle-aged man dressed in earthy tones, wearing a cap and knee-length boots, and carrying a rifle. The two exchanged a friendly greeting, with the man smiling in response. But in an instant, the man vanished into thin air. The dog walker was left bewildered, wondering if they'd just imagined the whole thing.

Woods Edwardian
Read Full Story
Shuck 1 mi

The Shuck of Old Costessey

Area around The Heart of Costessy Pub, Old Costessey

In the quaint village of Old Costessey, Norfolk, a strange and unexplained phenomenon has been reported. The area around The Heart of Costessy Pub has been the site of a mysterious black dog sighting, which has left many wondering about the origins of this ghostly apparition. Described as a large black dog, this phantom creature has been seen wandering the streets and countryside, its presence both intriguing and unsettling. While some might dismiss this as a mere hallucination, the consistency of the reports suggests that there may be more to this story.

Public House Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 1 mi

The Reading Monk of Costessey

Presbytery, Costessey

In the sleepy Norfolk village of Costessey, a haunting has been reported at the local Presbytery. This eerie phenomenon centres around a monk doomed to roam the library in search of a specific book. According to legend, the monk had scribed a confession in a particular volume and now he is cursed to search for it for eternity. The Presbytery, with its rich history and atmospheric setting, provides the perfect backdrop for this ghostly tale.

Presbytery Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.5 mi

Bawburgh Church Blue Lights

Church, Bawburgh

In the quaint Norfolk village of Bawburgh, a mystifying spectacle has been observed for years at St Michael's Church. On the 30th of May every year, blue lights are said to materialise and dance above the church well, entrancing all who are lucky enough to witness this paranormal phenomenon. The exact origin of this haunting manifestation remains a mystery, but its reputation has grown, attracting those with a keen interest in the unexplained.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.5 mi

Uncle George Poltergeist

Cold Comfort Farm, Thorpe Marriott

Cold Comfort Farm in Thorpe Marriott was once home to a rather restless spirit known as Uncle George. This Norfolk residence became a hub of paranormal activity following the death of George, a blood relative of the occupants, just a few months prior to the reported hauntings in 2004. George's presence was anything but subtle; he made his existence known by banging on walls throughout the night and holding doors open, as if trying to make contact or perhaps even communicate with the living. His appearances were also noted, with George spotted standing at the foot of a bed, a sight that undoubtedly sent chills down the spines of those who encountered him.

Private Residence Contemporary
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.8 mi

The Dark-Haired Woman of Norwich

St John Ambulance Training Centre, Norwich

The St John Ambulance Training Centre in Norwich is home to a mysterious and intriguing presence. A woman with dark black hair, dressed in a striking red dress, has been spotted by numerous individuals. What's particularly unsettling about her apparition is that her legs appear to be below floor level, suggesting that the current building may be situated on higher ground than the original land. This eerie anomaly has sparked curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike.

Training Centre Modern
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Forests in area