Elsdon Moat Brownie Haunting
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.
Digging deeper into the history of this peculiar haunting, it's clear that Hobthrush was a valued, albeit invisible, member of the community. Brownies, as folklore tells us, are generally benign, household spirits that work in exchange for food or small gifts. Hobthrush's story, while brief, highlights the complex relationship between humans and these mystical entities. The fact that he was driven away by a thoughtless gesture speaks volumes about the delicate balance of these relationships and the importance of respecting even the most seemingly insignificant of creatures.
The moat dates back to medieval times
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.