Skip to main content

Don't Upset the Tramp

, Semerwater, North Yorkshire Unknown Unknown

Semerwater Lake, a serene spot in North Yorkshire, is said to be haunted by the vengeful spirit of a tramp who was turned away from every house in the neighbourhood. The story goes that this mysterious figure, sometimes described as an angel or witch, was seeking a place to rest but was refused shelter by the local residents. Eventually, a kind farm on the hillside took him in, providing food and shelter. Grateful for their kindness, the tramp thanked his hosts but punished the other households by unleashing a flood that created the lake.

Historical records suggest that Semerwater Lake, also known as Simmer Water or Simmerwater, was formed as a result of a flood. Two large rocks on its banks, known as the Mermaid Stones, were said to have been thrown there by the Devil and a giant. While the story of the tramp may be a legend, it's clear that the lake has a rich history and a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors have reported strange occurrences and sightings, adding to the lake's mystique.

Historical Context

The lake was formed as a result of a flood, possibly in the Victorian era.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Lake
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
DL8

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

The Woman in Dress of Countersett Hall

Countersett Hall, Semerwater

Countersett Hall in Semerwater is home to a mysterious female presence, often referred to as the Woman in Dress. Little is known about this elusive shade that is said to stalk the building, leaving many questions unanswered. What we do know is that her presence has been reported by multiple witnesses, adding credibility to the claims of paranormal activity within these historic walls.

Country House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

The Grey Lady of Yorkshire

Exact location not known, Stalling Busk

In the rolling hills of Yorkshire lies the quaint village of Stalling Busk, home to a mysterious and elusive spirit known as the Grey Lady. This feminine phantom is said to roam the large halls of the area, her presence as enigmatic as it is intriguing. With no specific location pinpointed, the Grey Lady remains a ghostly enigma, leaving many to wonder about her story and significance.

Large Hall Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2 mi

Semmerdale Hall White Figures

Semmerdale Hall, Bainbridge

Semmerdale Hall in Bainbridge is a place where the past seems to linger, particularly if you're travelling along the old dirt track that winds its way through the Yorkshire countryside. It's said that on certain occasions, you can catch a glimpse of white ghostly figures wandering around the hall. These apparitions have been a part of local folklore for centuries, with tales of them dating back to the pre-nineteenth century. The exact nature of these figures remains a mystery, but their presence has become an integral part of the hall's history.

Country House Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.9 mi

Fors Abbey Monk Ghosts

Fors Abbey, Askrigg

Fors Abbey in Askrigg, Yorkshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. It was once believed that the ghosts of monks would extinguish any torch taken into a particular stone passage. At first glance, it seems like a classic case of wind blowing out flames, but locals and visitors alike have long been convinced that something more sinister - or at least, more paranormal - is at play. The story has been doing the rounds for centuries, and while it's hard to pinpoint exactly when it started, one thing is certain: Fors Abbey has a reputation for being one of Yorkshire's most haunted spots.

Abbey Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.6 mi

Mary Queen of Scots Ghost

Nappa Hall, Askrigg

Nappa Hall in Askrigg is a hotbed of paranormal activity, and one of its most intriguing residents is the spirit of Mary Queen of Scots. This 16th-century queen has been known to haunt these hallowed halls, and her ghostly apparition has been spotted wearing a stunning black velvet dress. The year was 1878 when her presence was first noted, and since then, numerous people have reported encountering her ethereal form.

Historic Country House Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 4.1 mi

Flying CDs Poltergeist

Green Dragon Public House, Hardraw

In the quaint village of Hardraw, nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, the Green Dragon Public House has been a hub of paranormal activity since 2001. The phenomenon centres around a mischievous poltergeist known for sending compact discs flying through the air, seemingly with a mind of its own. Owner Mark Thompson has been witness to this bizarre behaviour, watching in amazement as a pile of CDs suddenly take to the skies, scattering in different directions. The entity's antics dont stop there; it also appears to have a fascination with a small glass ball, pushing it around with an unseen force. On one notable occasion, a glass of Guinness was lifted from a patron's hand, only to be smashed to the floor.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story