Skip to main content

Saint Serf's Dragon Slaying

Area around the iron age fort, Dunning, North Yorkshire Dragon Medieval

The rolling hills around Dunning in Perthshire are said to be haunted by the legend of Saint Serf, a sixth-century bishop who bravely defeated a fearsome dragon that had been terrorising the local population. Using his trusty bishop's staff, Serf managed to vanquish the beast, bringing peace back to the area. While there's no concrete evidence of paranormal activity, the site of the iron age fort where the battle supposedly took place is still a place of interest for those drawn to the supernatural and the rich history of the region.

Historical records suggest that Saint Serf, also known as Servanus, was a real figure who lived during the sixth century. His legendary battle with a dragon has become an integral part of local folklore, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Although there's no definitive proof of the dragon's existence, the story has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The iron age fort, where the battle is said to have taken place, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for those interested in history, mythology, and the paranormal.

Historical Context

6th century, Medieval Scotland

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Iron Age Fort
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Legendary
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Sixth century
Postcode Area
PH10

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.5 mi

The Grimston Lodge Cupboard Ghost

Grimston Lodge, York

Grimston Lodge has been witness to a rather unusual haunting. This entity can be heard tapping on cupboard doors throughout the building, creating a strange and unexplained noise. The sound is quite distinct, and it seems to stop immediately when the doors are opened. It's as if the ghostly presence is hesitant to be discovered, or perhaps it's simply a playful spirit that enjoys a good game of hide and seek.

Historic Lodge Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.5 mi

Stockton Council Flat Ghost

Council flat, Stockton

In the heart of Stockton, Yorkshire, a council flat was once home to a terrifying ghostly presence. A nineteen year old girl living with her parents woke up one night to find a bald man standing by her bed, his hand resting on her leg. He asked her to 'come into the bathroom', a request that sent her into hysterics. Her screams drove the entity away and brought her parents running to her aid. This harrowing experience was enough to prompt an exorcism at the property, a testament to the traumatic impact it had on those who witnessed it.

Council Flat Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Environmental 2.5 mi

The Army in the Sky

Skies above area, Stockton on the Forest

Stockton on the Forest, a small village in Yorkshire, is home to a most unusual and intriguing paranormal sighting. On a January evening in 1792, several people reported seeing a forest in the sky, complete with soldiers in black uniforms moving about in formation. What's more, additional soldiers clad in white clothing seemed to be allied with the black-uniformed troops, rather than being in conflict with them. This bizarre spectacle has left many questions unanswered, and its interpretation remains a topic of debate among paranormal enthusiasts.

Skies above rural area Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.1 mi

Prioress of Kirklees Haunting

Three Nuns Public House, Mirfield

The Three Nuns Public House in Mirfield is renowned for its paranormal activity. This historic building has been plagued by unexplained occurrences, including doors opening unaided and sightings of shadowy figures. It's said that two spirits reside here: a nun named Katherine Grice, who tragically took her own life on site, and the Prioress of Kirklees, who allegedly bled Robin Hood to death. The haunting manifestations have been reported from 1985 onwards, with investigations conducted by Ghost Chasers UK in 2013.

Public House Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.2 mi

The Misty Woman of Malton Road

A64 Malton Road, York

On misty or foggy evenings, a tragic figure appears on Malton Road, just outside York. This ghostly woman, carrying a child, is said to be the spirit of a victim of a brutal crime. Her story is one of heartbreak and loss, and her presence is a poignant reminder of the dark history that lies beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary road.

Road Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.5 mi

Elgin York Tower Shadows

York Tower, Elgin

York Tower in Elgin is home to a strange and unsettling phenomenon - moving shadows that dart around the tower after dark. These dark shapes seem to be drawn to the tower on stormy nights, when the weather is at its most turbulent. The atmosphere is already tense, and the shadows only add to the sense of unease. Some people have reported hearing screeching and laughter, which only adds to the eerie ambiance. It's not hard to see why people are hesitant to investigate these shadows further - there's something unnerving about the way they seem to move of their own accord.

Tower Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area around the iron age fort