The Stalking Black Hound
Imagine cycling through the Norfolk countryside on a crisp autumn evening in November 1945. The trees cast long shadows in the fading light as you make your way towards the former RAF base, Swanton Morley. This is exactly what John Harries was doing when he experienced a terrifying encounter with a black dog. As he pedalled, the hound began to stalk him, its presence seeming to be always just out of sight. The dog stopped when Harries stopped, creating an unnerving sense of connection between them. But as Harries continued on his way to the RAF base, the hound vanished into thin air.
The story of the stalking black hound has been documented since November 1945. It is categorised as a Shuck, a type of ghostly hound said to roam the countryside. The incident took place near the former RAF Swanton Morley, which was operational during World War II. While there are no further details about the hound's appearance or any subsequent sightings, the encounter left a lasting impression on John Harries. This part of Norfolk has a rich history, with many sites of historical significance nearby.
The area was home to several RAF bases during World War II, including RAF Swanton Morley.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Lyng Nuns Apparition
Druid Stone Grove, Lyng
Deep in the Norfolk countryside, Druid Stone Grove is home to a haunting that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The apparition of several nuns, dressed in black and white, is said to drift along a route they took many years previous, their ghostly procession seemingly emanating from the direction of the old nunnery. This eerie spectacle has become a staple of local folklore, with many claiming to have caught a glimpse of the spectral nuns as they glide silently through the woods.
Moat Farm Battlefield Screams
Moat Farm, Downham Market
Moat Farm in Downham Market, Norfolk, is a place where the past seems to linger. In the late 1800s, locals reported hearing blood-curdling screams and shouting echoing across the fields, sending shivers down the spines of anyone who dared to venture near. The air was said to be filled with a spooky mist that shrouded the area, adding to the sense of unease. It's as if the farm was a battleground, where the sounds of conflict and chaos still resonated long after the fighting had stopped.
Downham West Ghostly Apparitions
Bridge Stores, Downham West
Bridge Stores in Downham West has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in Norfolk. In 1977, a ghost hunter investigated the shop and attached house, detecting a staggering eight ghosts. Although they were only able to track down five or six of them, this still remains one of the most significant ghostly encounters in British paranormal history. The sheer number of spirits reportedly present at this location has led to much speculation about its past and the possible connections between the entities.
Pie Eating Madman Haunting
The Hares Arms Public House, Stow Bardolph
The Hares Arms Public House in Stow Bardolph is home to a rather unusual ghost story. Capon, one of the first landlords of the pub, is said to have met a grisly end after indulging in a pie made by his wife. The story goes that he killed himself, possibly driven mad by a heavy metal that might have been added to the baking. This tragic event has led to reports of paranormal activity, with many believing that Capon's spirit still roams the pub, forever trapped in a state of madness.
Sister Barbara's Ghostly Procession
Vinegar Hill, Marham
Vinegar Hill in Marham, Norfolk, is home to a rather unsavory spirit known as Sister Barbara. This hill has been witness to the ghostly procession of a sister who met her demise in a rather unpleasant manner. According to historical records, Sister Barbara would pay men to pretend to rob travellers, only to 'save' them and receive rewards that she used to pamper herself. Her deceitful ways were eventually exposed by a group of monks, and as punishment, she was bricked up alive behind a wall. Now, she is said to glide silently along the hill, a haunting presence that is felt by those who venture to this spot, particularly in November.
The Ringing Church Bell
Church, Northwold
Northwold Church stands tall in the quaint Norfolk village, its history and mystery intertwined. On a November evening in 1956, a policeman cycled through the village, surprised to hear the church bell ringing out. The bell tolled twenty-five times, then stopped abruptly as the officer approached the church. He found the door locked, with no one inside, yet the bell rope swung gently, as if someone had just let it go. The sudden silence was unsettling, leaving the policeman with a puzzling experience that would be remembered for years to come.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Between village and

Tudor Rose Hotel
King's Lynn, Norfolk

Dukes Head Hotel
King's Lynn, Norfolk

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire

Ye Olde Griffin Hotel
March, Cambridgeshire