Grey Geese of Addlestrop Hill
High up on Addlestrop Hill in Chastleton, Oxfordshire, stand the mysterious Goose Stones, a pair of ancient stones steeped in local legend. The story goes that an elderly lady, driving her geese down the road, encountered a witch who asked for charity. Refusing the witch's request, she was subsequently cursed, and her geese were turned to stone. Today, two of the stones remain, a testament to the enduring power of this old tale.
This legend has been a part of local folklore for centuries, passed down through generations. While the exact date of the event is unknown, the stones themselves are believed to date back to a much earlier period. The story of the Grey Geese of Addlestrop Hill serves as a reminder of the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Although there are no recorded witness accounts of paranormal activity, the stones remain a popular spot for those interested in the paranormal and local history.
The stones are believed to be a relic from a pre-Christian burial site or boundary marker.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Kingham Ghost Pilot
Woodland near Kingham Hill School, Kingham
Deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, near the sleepy village of Kingham, lies a woodland with a haunting reputation. It's said that a ghostly pilot has been spotted here, and the story goes back to the 1970s. Guy Pratt, in his autobiography, mentions a peculiar encounter with a ghost while at Kingham Hill School. Although he doesn't elaborate, he does mention a local legend about a RAF pilot who crashed in the nearby woods, but was never found. It's a story that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Hanged Vicar of Chipping Norton
Church and surrounding area, Chipping Norton
Chipping Norton's historic church is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former vicar who met a grisly end. According to local legend, the vicar was hanged from the church tower for his part in a rebellion. His spirit is still seen walking about his parish, a poignant reminder of the tragic events that took place centuries ago. The church, with its stunning architecture and serene surroundings, is a peaceful spot, but visitors have reported feeling a sense of unease, as if they're being watched by unseen eyes.
Heythrop House Haunting
Heythrop House, Heythrop
Heythrop House in Oxfordshire has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in the country. The story goes that back in 1831, one room in the property was said to be haunted, with staff too afraid to enter it after dark. This fear proved costly, as an unattended fire spread out of control and burned the house down to the ground. The house was later rebuilt, but the memory of that fateful event lives on.
Burning Witches of Chadlington
Hawk Stone, Chadlington
Hawk Stone stands sentinel in the Oxfordshire countryside, its rugged presence a testament to the region's rich history. This ancient stone has been the subject of local legend for centuries, with tales of witchcraft and burning persecution. According to folklore, a chain would be passed through the eye hole in the stone, allowing witches to be held and subsequently burnt at the site. While the stone itself remains, the gruesome practices of the past are now a dark relic of a bygone era.
The Wandering Monk of Fifield
Footpath leading to Shipton Under Wychwood, Fifield
On a quiet footpath leading to Shipton Under Wychwood in Fifield, Oxfordshire, a lone figure is said to roam. This is the haunting of a monk, a refugee from a vanished local monastery who has yet to find his way home. The exact date and time of the haunting are unknown, but the legend of the wandering monk has persisted. Some say he's a benign presence, simply trying to find his way back to a place he once called home.
The Sheppard of Bampton
Road between town and Clanfield, Bampton
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Goose Stones

Ettington Park Hotel
Alderminster, Warwickshire

Ellenborough Park
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Alveston Manor Hotel
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire