Lady Blacket's Haunting
North Leigh's St Peter's Church is home to a rather unusual haunting. Two medieval effigies lie within the church, those of Sir William Wilcote and his wife Lady Elizabeth Blacket. According to local legend, these two were once depicted with their hands clasped together, but over time they've drifted apart. It's said that when the distance between them becomes too great, Lady Blacket will return to haunt the village. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The story of Sir William and Lady Elizabeth dates back to the 14th century. The couple were members of the local gentry, and their effigies have been lying in the church for centuries. The exact date of their burial is unknown, but it's thought to be around 1360. While there's no record of Lady Blacket's ghostly appearances, the legend has been passed down through the years, with some claiming to have seen her wandering the village. The church itself has undergone several restorations, but the effigies remain, a testament to the enduring power of love and loyalty.
The church dates back to the 12th century, with several restorations over the centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Wilcote Phantom Coach
General area, Wilcote
In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Wilcote, a spine-tingling spectacle is said to unfold under the cover of darkness. Sir William Wilcote and his wife Lady Elizabeth Blacket are believed to make their ghostly presence known by travelling through the village in a phantom coach, a haunting apparition that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The exact date and time of these sightings are shrouded in mystery, but the legend has endured for generations.
The White Stallion of Charlbury
Countryside around village, Charlbury
In the rolling countryside around Charlbury, Oxfordshire, a bizarre and intriguing haunting has been reported for years. Locals and travellers alike claim to have spotted a riderless white or grey horse, roaming freely and jumping large hedges with ease. This ghostly steed appears to run wild, untethered and unaccompanied, leaving onlookers to wonder about its origins and purpose.
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.
The Black Cloud of Burford
Road between Burford and Minster Lovell, Burford
On the winding road between Burford and Minster Lovell in Oxfordshire, a sense of unease settles over drivers and pedestrians alike. It's here that a mysterious black cloud has been spotted moving against the wind, its presence striking fear into the hearts of those who witness it. The cloud seems to appear out of nowhere, and those who have seen it report an extreme state of terror that lingers long after it's vanished.
Lovell Family Ghosts
Minster Lovell Hall, Minster Lovell
Minster Lovell Hall in Oxfordshire is home to a haunting that's as tragic as it is terrifying. Two members of the Lovell family are said to roam these ancient halls, their spirits trapped by the circumstances of their deaths. Francis Lovell met his end in a most dreadful way, becoming trapped in an underground room when the rest of the building came crashing down on top of the trap door. His body wasn't found for 250 years, a grim testament to the family's dark history.
The Weeping Lady of Minster Lovell
White Hart Public House, Minster Lovell
Deep in the heart of Oxfordshire, the historic White Hart Public House in Minster Lovell is home to a mournful presence. A Victorian lady, Rosalind, is said to have taken her own life by hanging herself from the staircase. Her spirit, now known as the Weeping Lady, is believed to shed tears as a sign of remorse for her rash actions. Her face, hidden behind a veil, adds an air of mystery to this tragic tale.