The Devil's Quoits Haunting
Perched on a hilltop in Oxfordshire, the Devil's Quoits stand as a mysterious testament to a legendary encounter between the Devil and a group of locals. According to folklore, the Devil was playing quoits on Beacon Hill, a couple of miles away, when he was told he wasnt doing it right. In a fit of rage, he hurled the stones across the countryside, and they landed where they still stand today. This curious monument has been a source of fascination for centuries, with many wondering about the story behind its unusual name and the circumstances of its creation.
The story of the Devil's Quoits has been passed down through the years, with various versions of the legend emerging. While its unclear when exactly the monument was formed, its believed to date back to the prehistoric era. The stones themselves are a type of limestone, and its thought that they may have been brought from a nearby quarry. Despite the many retellings of the legend, one thing remains certain - the Devil's Quoits remain an intriguing and enigmatic presence in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Prehistoric monument with medieval legend
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Nearby Haunted Places
Lady Alice Harcourt's Ghostly Return
Pope's Tower and nearby pond, Stanton Harcourt
In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Stanton Harcourt, a chilling tale of murder and restless spirits unfolds at Pope's Tower and its nearby pond. Lady Alice Harcourt met her untimely demise within the tower's walls, and her protesting ghost was said to have returned to the scene of the crime. However, her spirit was not laid to rest until she was finally calmed in the nearby pond, where another female shade was also laid to rest. It's said that when the pond dries out, these two female spirits can briefly return to haunt the area, causing a stir among the locals.
Amy Robsart's Tragic Fall
Cumnor Place, Cumnor
Cumnor Place in Oxfordshire is said to be haunted by the shade of Amy Robsart, a woman whose life was cut short in a tragic and suspicious circumstances. The story goes that Amy was pushed or perhaps she jumped down the staircase, breaking her neck in the process. This event is believed to have occurred on the orders of her husband, Robert Dudley, who was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. The staircase where Amy met her demise is said to be the location of her ghostly apparition.
Madam Dudley's Restless Spirit
Cumnor Park, Cumnor
Cumnor Park is said to be haunted by the ghost of Madam Dudley, a spirit so restless it took nine parsons to finally lay her to rest. This parkland, once a tranquil retreat, has been witness to numerous paranormal occurrences, all centred around the enigmatic Madam Dudley. Her haunting manifestation is a fascinating case, one that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Ghostly Cavalry of Yarnton
Road through village, Yarnton
Yarnton village in Oxfordshire is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. On the anniversary of King Charles I's daring escape from the siege of Oxford, on 4 July, a spectral procession makes its way through the village. The king himself, accompanied by six thousand horsemen, is said to reenact their historic journey to Worcester, which took place back in 1644. This ghostly cavalcade is a manifestation of the original event, when the royal party managed to slip away undetected, and it's a testament to the enduring legacy of this pivotal moment in English history.
The Beer Barrel Ghost
Manor House, Bampton
In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Bampton stands a manor house with a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. They say that clergy once attempted to exorcise a stubborn shade, only to find it surprisingly strong and resistant to their efforts. The ghost proved so troublesome that the only way to subdue it was to confine it to a large barrel of beer, which was then stored in the cellar of the house for many years. Although the barrel's present whereabouts are unknown, the legend of Mrs Whittaker's ghost lives on.
Singing Nuns of Godstow
Godstow Nunnery, Oxford
Godstow Nunnery stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin, its history steeped in mystery and its present seemingly trapped in time. As dawn breaks on May 1st, an ethereal melody drifts through the empty chapel, a phantom singing that has been reported for years. This eerie serenade is said to be the work of the nuns who once called Godstow home, their voices lingering long after their departure. The atmosphere is heavy with anticipation, as if the very walls are holding their breath in expectation of the singing.