Devil's Mortar Mound
Crouch Hill stands as a mysterious landmark near Banbury, its origins steeped in local legend. The story goes that during the construction of nearby churches in Bloxham, Adderbury, and King's Sutton, the Devil himself lent a hand. As he worked, he accidentally dropped some of the mortar he was carrying, creating the hill that now bears his clumsy imprint. This curious tale has been passed down through generations, leaving behind a site that sparks imagination and intrigue.
The construction of the churches in the area dates back to the medieval period, a time when such supernatural explanations for natural features were common. While there's no concrete evidence to support the Devil's involvement, the story of Crouch Hill remains a fascinating piece of local folklore. The hill still exists today, a testament to the enduring power of these ancient legends. Visitors can explore the area and ponder the story for themselves, taking in the scenic views and perhaps even catching a glimpse of something unexplained.
Medieval church construction in Oxfordshire
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Banburyshire Big Cat Sightings
Surrounding area, Banbury
The rolling hills and countryside of Banbury have been home to a string of bizarre sightings in the twenty-first century. Dubbed a big cat hotspot this area of Oxfordshire has had dozens of reports of large felines roaming the surrounding area. Residents and visitors alike have claimed to have spotted these mysterious creatures often describing them as large and elusive. While some have dismissed the sightings as mere fantasy others believe that there may be some truth to the claims.
Father Bernard's Banbury Bane
Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury
Whately Hall Hotel in Banbury is home to a rather mischievous spirit known as Father Bernard. This poor chap met his maker back in 1687 when he died of fright, or so the story goes. Apparently, he thought his persecutors had finally caught up with him, but it was just a servant playing a nasty practical joke that led to his demise. Now, Father Bernard is said to haunt the staircase and garden of the hotel, perhaps still searching for a way out of his troubles.
Father Bernard Haunts Whately Hall Hotel
Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury
The Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel is home to the friendly spirit of Father Bernard. He's a Catholic priest who lived and practised his faith in this historic building centuries ago - a time when Catholics faced persecution. The story goes that he was killed after a servant rang a bell as a prank, thinking it would warn him of danger. But did Father Bernard really die from a heart attack, or did he pass away naturally? Whatever the truth, his ghost is said to be a jolly one, often seen hurrying down corridors with a smile on his face.
The Cavalier of Banbury
Reindeer Inn Inn, Banbury
The Reindeer Inn in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a cavalier. This gruesome entity was once a regular sighting at the inn, but it vanished many years ago and is now reasonably certain to be gone forever. The cavalier's presence was a well-known phenomenon in the area, and its disappearance has left behind only memories and speculation about its origins.
Banbury Office Poltergeist
Co, Banbury
In the heart of Banbury, Oxfordshire, a most unusual and intriguing poltergeist has been reported. This entity, aptly nicknamed the File Flinger, has been causing quite a stir in a local office. It seems that the mischievous spirit has a penchant for locking the toilet door, creating the unmistakable smell of toast, and most notably, knocking files of documentation from the shelves. The exact nature of this entity and its motivations remain unclear, but one thing is certain - it's got a flair for the dramatic and a taste for office supplies.
The Devil Helps Thrice
Church, Bloxham
Bloxham Church stands tall in the Oxfordshire countryside, its tower a testament to the mysterious and intriguing tale of The Devil Helps Thrice. Legend has it that three brothers commissioned the construction of this church, along with two others in the area - King's Sutton and Adderbury. One of their workers, who laboured tirelessly without rest or payment, vanished as soon as the tower was completed. The brothers were convinced that their anonymous helper was none other than Old Nick himself, a euphemism for the devil. This enigmatic event has become an integral part of the church's folklore, drawing in those fascinated by the paranormal.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Crouch Hill

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Fawsley Hall Hotel
Fawsley, Northamptonshire

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire