Skip to main content

Petrified Man of Enstone

Hoar Stone, Enstone, Oxfordshire Apparition Prehistoric

Deep in Oxfordshire's rolling hills lies the Hoar Stone, a mysterious site steeped in local legend. This ancient spot features three standing stones, said to represent a man, his loyal dog, and his trusty horse. As Midsummer Eve approaches, an eerie phenomenon is said to occur - the larger stone, believed to be the petrified man, is rumoured to wander down to the village stream. This strange event has been etched into the annals of local folklore, drawing curiosity seekers and paranormal enthusiasts alike to the Hoar Stone.

The history of the Hoar Stone is shrouded in mystery, but its connection to the local landscape is undeniable. The stones have stood watch over the village of Enstone for centuries, their origins and purpose lost to the sands of time. What's fascinating is that if anyone attempts to remove the stones, they're said to mysteriously return to their original positions - a testament to the site's enduring mystique. On Midsummer Eve, June 23rd, the petrified man's supposed nocturnal journey down to the stream is a highlight of the local paranormal calendar, captivating those who dare to venture into the Oxfordshire night.

Historical Context

The Hoar Stone dates back to prehistoric times, with local legends evolving over the centuries.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Megalithic Site
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
23 June (or Midsummer Eve) (reoccurring)
Postcode Area
OX7

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 2.7 mi

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.

Country House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.1 mi

Phantom Coach of Great Tew

General area, Great Tew

Great Tew village in Oxfordshire is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of Sir Lawrence Tanfield and his wife Lady Tanfield, who are believed to revisit the area in their phantom coach. This eerie spectacle is part of a larger pattern of paranormal activity attributed to the Tanfields, who reportedly visited several locations in Oxfordshire before being banished. The village of Great Tew is one of the places where their ghostly coach has been spotted.

Village Tudor
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 3.1 mi

Wychwood Bear Sighting

Wychwood area, Charlbury

Deep in the Wychwood area of Oxfordshire, a strange creature was said to have made its home in the surrounding woodland back in the early 1990s. This mysterious beast was described as being dark brown and roughly the size of a sheepdog. Although there's no concrete evidence to prove its existence, the creature's alleged footprints were discovered in the woods, sparking curiosity and debate among locals and cryptozoology enthusiasts alike.

Woodland Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Legend 3.3 mi

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.

Ancient Stone Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Crisis Apparition 3.6 mi

Amy Robsart's Fatal Apparition

Cornbury Park, Cornbury

Deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, Cornbury Park is home to a chilling legend. They say that anyone who lays eyes on the ghostly figure of Amy Robsart will meet a grisly fate within days. Her husband, who was unfortunate enough to see her spirit, died a mere ten days later. This eerie apparition is known as a crisis manifestation, a type of ghostly encounter that's said to signal impending doom. Amy's story has been shrouded in mystery for centuries, leaving many to wonder if her spirit still roams the park, searching for peace.

Country House Tudor
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.1 mi

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.

Church 17th century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hoar Stone