Skip to main content

Ella the Danish Giant

General area, Elsdon, Northumberland Legend Medieval

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.

Historical records suggest that Elsdon was indeed an important settlement in the past, but its significance declined over time. The story of Ella, the Danish giant, might be a metaphor for the devastating impact of Viking raids on the area. Although there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of Ella, the legend has become an integral part of Elsdon's identity. Visitors to the village can still experience its charming atmosphere, but be prepared for an unsettling feeling that Ella might be watching from the shadows.

Historical Context

Elsdon was an important settlement in the past, but declined over time due to Viking raids.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Village
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
NE60

Nearby Haunted Places

Fairy 0 mi

Elsdon Moat Brownie Haunting

Elsdon Moat, Elsdon

Elsdon Moat, a picturesque spot in Northumberland, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The tale revolves around Hobthrush, a brownie-like entity who tirelessly worked at the moat until he was offended by a careless comment about his hat. Someone spotted it was a bit worse for wear and made him a new one, which Hobthrush took as an insult. He left and never returned, depriving the moat of his hard work and enigmatic presence.

Moat Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Fairy 1.4 mi

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.

Moor Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.2 mi

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.

Historic Gibbet 18th century
Read Full Story
Unknown 3 mi

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.

Ancient Well Victorian
Read Full Story
Fairy 3.2 mi

Fairy Dancers of Dowcraig

Dowcraig Top, Otterburn

Dowcraig Top, a solitary spot just a mile north of the village of Otterburn, has a whimsical reputation. This is a place where the fairies were said to meet and dance to their heart's content. Imagine a secluded spot, surrounded by rolling hills and heather-covered moors, where myth and magic seem to seep from the very earth itself. It's a location that sparks the imagination and invites you to ponder the mysteries of the unknown.

Rural Location Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.2 mi

Phantom Soldiers of Otterburn

Fourteenth Century battle site, Otterburn

Otterburn is a place where history and mystery collide. It's here, in the rolling hills of Northumberland, that a group of travellers experienced a most unsettling encounter. They were in a taxi, cruising along, when suddenly the engine died without warning. As they looked around, they found themselves surrounded by phantom soldiers. The apparitions seemed to be closing in on the car, but as the witnesses watched in a mix of fear and fascination, the ghostly soldiers began to fade away.

Battle Site Medieval
Read Full Story