Gliding Woman of Chirton
In the quaint village of Chirton, Northumberland, there's a stretch of road that leads down to the river, where a rather unsettling encounter took place in the late nineteenth century. A miner, making his way home, was startled by a tall, elderly woman dressed in a black dress and bonnet, accompanied by a black dog. She emerged from a hedge, her eyes fixed on the miner, and touched the top of his head, leaving him paralysed with fear. The woman then drifted back into the hedge, vanishing as suddenly as she appeared. It was only when a twig snapped beneath his feet that the miner broke free from his petrification, allowing him to make a hasty retreat.
This eerie apparition has been etched in local folklore for generations. The incident, though unverified by multiple witnesses, remains a chilling account of a ghostly encounter. The woman's identity and motivations for her actions remain a mystery. Some speculate that she may have been a local resident, possibly a victim of tragic circumstances, while others believe she could be a restless spirit, doomed to roam the earth. Whatever the reason, her encounter with the miner has become a lasting part of Chirton's paranormal legacy.
The encounter took place in the late nineteenth century, a time of great change and industrialisation in Northumberland.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Lovesick Windmill Ghost
Windmill on the Cleadon Hills, Cleadon
Perched atop the Cleadon Hills, the old windmill stands as a haunting reminder of a tragic love affair gone wrong. They say a young woman, jilted by her lover, took the drastic step of leaping from the windmill's heights, and her spirit has lingered ever since. Locals claim to have spotted her ghostly form flitting about the area, a melancholy presence that seems to relive the heartbreak of that fateful day.
North Shields Sea Monster
North Sea, North Shields
Out in the North Sea, just off the coast of North Shields in Northumberland, a strange encounter took place back in July 1945. A crew of fishermen set off from the town, only to find themselves face to face with something utterly bizarre. As they approached what they thought was a piece of wreckage floating on the surface, they quickly realised it was actually the head and neck of a creature - and it was very much alive. The men watched in amazement as the creature swam away, its body diving beneath the waves to reveal a massive nine-foot wide form.
Just Another Wishing Well
, Key Heugh
In the quaint village of Key Heugh, Northumberland, stands an unassuming well with a rich history of paranormal activity. This well, affectionately known as Sandy Crag or Just Another Wishing Well, has been a site of fascination for locals and visitors alike. For centuries, people have been drawn to this spot, not just for its natural beauty but also for its reputation as a place where wishes can be made. The well became a repository for pins left by hopeful visitors, a peculiar practice that underscores the site's significance in local folklore.
Winter's Gibbet Haunting
Winter's Gibbet, Elsdon
Winter's Gibbet stands as a grim reminder of a bygone era in the quaint village of Elsdon, Northumberland. This ancient gibbet is where Bill Winter, the last man to be displayed on a gibbet in England, met his fate after being convicted of murder. Locals believe that Winter's spirit still lingers, forever tied to the spot where his body was left to rot. Interestingly, a local legend claims that wood from the gibbet can be used to banish toothache, adding a peculiar twist to the site's dark history.
Brown Man of Elsdon Moor
Elsdon Moor, Elsdon
Elsdon Moor, a rugged and windswept expanse in Northumberland, is said to be home to a most intriguing and somewhat sinister presence - the Brown Man. This stocky, dwarf-like figure is often described as a fierce protector of the local wildlife, and those who have crossed paths with him can attest to his unwavering dedication to maintaining the natural balance. Some say that if you're unlucky enough to harm the environment, the Brown Man might just make you pay the price.
Ella the Danish Giant
General area, Elsdon
Elsdon, a quaint village in Northumberland, is said to be named after a fearsome Danish giant named Ella. Legend has it that Ella terrorised the area, reducing the once thriving city to the small village it is today. The story of Ella has been passed down through generations, and while its historical accuracy is uncertain, it remains an integral part of the village's folklore. The eerie tale of Ella continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike, leaving many to wonder if there's truth behind the legend.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Unnamed road leading down to the river