Bleeding Elm Tree Legend
Round Hill Tump, a small village in Somerset, is home to a rather unusual legend. The Bleeding Elm, also known as Woodborough, is an ancient tree that grew on a barrow, or burial mound. According to local folklore, if this elm - or possibly oak - tree was cut, it would bleed. This strange phenomenon has been recorded since at least 1937, and its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Was this tree considered sacred by ancient cultures, or was it simply a peculiar quirk of nature?
Historical records of the Bleeding Elm date back to the early 20th century, although its exact age is unknown. The tree's association with the barrow suggests a possible connection to ancient burial practices or pagan rituals. While there are no documented eyewitness accounts of the tree bleeding, the legend has persisted in local folklore. The exact type of tree - elm or oak - is also unclear, adding to the enigma. Further research into the history of Round Hill Tump and the tree's significance may uncover more about this bizarre phenomenon.
The Bleeding Elm is associated with an ancient barrow in Somerset, dating back to prehistoric times.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghost of Thomas at Jolliffe Arms
Jolliffe Arms Public House, Kilmersdon
The Jolliffe Arms in Kilmersdon is a place where the past lingers, quite literally. This quaint public house has been home to a rather unsettling presence - the ghost of a young boy named Thomas. His story is a tragic one; it's said that his father starved him to death in the very attic of the Jolliffe Arms. The circumstances of Thomas's death are heartbreaking and have left an indelible mark on the pub. Paranormal investigators have captured evidence of his spirit, and locals whisper about the phantom woman also said to roam the premises.
Phantom Military Cyclist
Road outside the Morton Guest House, Frome
On a stretch of road just outside the Morton Guest House in Frome, Somerset, a rather unusual paranormal phenomenon has been observed. It's a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to intersect. A photograph taken here back in 1990 appears to show either a phantom motorcyclist or, more prosaically, a double exposure of the photographer himself. The image leaves room for interpretation, but what's undeniable is the haunting history of this location. It was here that a fatal motorbike accident occurred in 1940, a tragic event that seems to have left an indelible mark on the site.
Phantom Horseman of Camerton
Skinner's Hill towards A367 Inn, Camerton
Skinner's Hill in Camerton, Somerset, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A cyclist, who had travelled up this hill countless times, reported a most unusual sighting just after sunset in late spring 1984. As he cycled up the hill towards the A367 Inn, a passing car momentarily illuminated what appeared to be a man on horseback, clad in a cape or long coat and a hat, just ahead of him. The cyclist was understandably startled, but before he could process what he'd seen, the figure simply vanished into thin air. What's particularly interesting about this account is that the cyclist never saw the horseman again, despite making the same journey numerous times before and after the sighting.
Giant Goram of Holcombe
Giant's Grave, Holcombe
Deep in the Somerset countryside lies the Giant's Grave, a spot steeped in local legend. They say this is where Goram, or Gorm, a giant of old, was laid to rest. The story goes that this enormous being once roamed the land, and his burial site has become a place of fascination for those drawn to the mysterious and the unexplained. While there's no concrete evidence to prove Goram's existence, the enduring nature of this tale suggests that something remarkable about this site has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
The Tall Man of Peasdown
Waggon & Horse Public House, Peasdown St John
The Waggon & Horse Public House in Peasdown St John is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Strange sightings have been reported in the bar area, including a tall man wearing unusual black headwear. This eerie apparition is just one of many unexplained occurrences that have led to the pub's reputation as a haunted hotspot. Alongside sightings of the tall man, visitors have also reported experiencing typical poltergeist activity, adding to the pub's mystique.
Mary Hunt's Ghostly Apparition
Crossroads on the Dowlish road, Ilminster
On the misty stretches of Dowlish Road in Ilminster, locals whisper about a ghostly presence tied to a long-forgotten grave. This spot, known as Mary Hunt's Grave, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Mary Hunt herself. While the details of her life remain shrouded in mystery, her death seems to have left an indelible mark on the area. Some claim that on certain evenings, a fleeting figure can be seen darting across the road, as if trying to relive a moment from a past life. The circumstances surrounding her burial and the reasons behind her haunting are unclear, but one thing is certain - Mary Hunt's presence continues to captivate those who dare to venture into this part of Somerset.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Round Hill Tump
