The Blinded Fairground Encounter
Longhorsley, a small village in Northumberland, is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. The story begins with a man from Netherwitton who found himself entangled in a curious affair with a fairy child. He was given an ointment to wash the child's eyes, but his curiosity got the better of him and he decided to try it on his own eye. This impulsive decision would change his life forever. While attending the Longhorsley fair, he encountered the fairy child's parents and, to his surprise, they could see him. When they asked which eye could see them, he pointed to the one he had experimented on, and one of the fairies blew into it, leaving him permanently blinded in that eye.
Dating back to a time when belief in the supernatural was commonplace, this account offers a glimpse into the folklore of Northumberland. The incident at Longhorsley fair highlights the often capricious nature of fairies in folklore, which could be benevolent or malevolent depending on the circumstances. This particular event is a stark reminder of the consequences of meddling with forces beyond human understanding. The fair, now a site of historical interest, continues to attract those fascinated by the paranormal and local history.
The story is rooted in local folklore, reflecting the traditional beliefs in fairies and supernatural entities prevalent in rural Northumberland.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Grey Lady of Langley Castle
Langley Castle Hotel, Allendale Town
Langley Castle Hotel, situated in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, is home to a haunting believed to be that of Maud de Lucy, the widow of Sir Thomas. According to legend, Maud died in tragic circumstances, with various accounts suggesting she either fell or jumped from the battlements or a window after hearing of her husband's death at the Battle of Shrewsbury. Guests and visitors have reported sightings of the Grey Lady, often seen at the window where she kept watch for her husband's return, muttering his name before re-enacting her fatal fall. Her apparition has also been spotted in the Great Hall, adding to the mystique of this 14th-century castle hotel.
Langley Castle White Woman
Castle, Langley
Langley Castle stands tall in the Northumberland countryside, its stone walls bearing witness to centuries of history. But it's not just the castle's rich past that's drawing attention - reports have surfaced of a ghostly woman dressed in white, roaming the empty halls. The sound of singing has also been heard emanating from within the castle walls, leaving many to wonder if this phantom presence is a benevolent spirit or a restless soul.
Hardriding Farm Haunting
Hardriding Farm, Bardon Mill
Hardriding Farm in Bardon Mill is home to a rather unsettling presence. This rural Northumberland farm has been witness to a mysterious entity, believed to be the ghost of a murdered robber. The haunting manifestation is characterised by the sound of a struggle, with furniture crashing to the floor. However, when investigated, the rooms are always found to be calm and undisturbed, leaving one to wonder if the commotion was just a product of the imagination. The eerie atmosphere is palpable, and it's little wonder that locals have whispered about this strange occurrence for years.
Murdered Chieftain Legend
Cummings Cross, Haydon Bridge
Cummings Cross, a spot steeped in legend, lies near Haydon Bridge in Northumberland. This ancient site is said to be the final resting place of Cummings, a Northern chieftain who forged an unlikely bond with the legendary King Arthur. Their meeting, shrouded in mystery, resulted in Cummings being gifted a golden cup as a token of friendship. However, fate had other plans. Depending on which version of the legend you believe, Cummings was brutally murdered on his way back to camp, either by his own sons or those of King Arthur, who coveted the precious cup.
Fairy Kitchen
, Vindolanda
Deep in the Northumberland countryside lies the ancient Roman settlement of Vindolanda, home to the mysterious Fairy Kitchen. This enigmatic site, also known as Chesterholm, boasts a history shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The ruins, containing impressive hypocausts, have sparked local legend and speculation about their past use. Scorch marks on the walls have led some to believe that fairies once utilised this site as their very own kitchen. While the origins of this claim remain unclear, the Fairy Kitchen's reputation as a site of paranormal interest continues to captivate those drawn to the unexplained.
Excalibur
, Broomlee Lough
Broomlee Lough, a serene lake in Northumberland, has a mystical allure that's rooted in legend. This body of water is said to be connected to the legend of King Arthur's sword, Excalibur. Some believe it might be the resting place of the iconic sword, sparking the imagination of many. The lake's tranquil atmosphere seems to whisper tales of a treasure hidden beneath its surface, waiting to be discovered.