The Man with Torch Phantom
On the A38 near Wellington in Somerset, a peculiar ghostly apparition has been spotted by numerous drivers. This phantom, known as the Man with Torch, is seen wearing a raincoat and carrying a torch which he uses to try to flag down passing cars. One woman who refused to stop narrowly avoided hitting him, while a truck driver once gave the ghostly man a lift to Holcombe Bridge, not realising he was a ghost until much later. The driver almost hit the man again as he stood in the same spot where he was first picked up. Stopping to check on the hitcher, the truck driver watched in amazement as the stranger vanished before his eyes.
Interestingly, this entity may be connected to similar sightings in Taunton, suggesting that the Man with Torch could be a roaming spirit. The incident involving the truck driver is particularly noteworthy as it showcases the ghost's ability to interact with the living, at least initially. The fact that multiple people have reported seeing this apparition, often under similar circumstances, lends credibility to the claims. While the true identity and motivations of the Man with Torch remain a mystery, his appearances continue to intrigue and sometimes unsettle those who encounter him on the A38.
The A38 has been a major route through Somerset for decades, potentially linking various paranormal sightings in the area.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Fire Breathing Hounds of Wellington
General Area, Wellington
In the sleepy town of Wellington, Somerset, a chilling legend has been passed down through the years. They say that on certain nights, a pack of albino dogs can be seen running through the streets, their mouths breathing fire. This eerie phenomenon is known as the Fire Breathing Hounds, and its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Some claim to have caught a glimpse of these ghostly canines, their snowy coats glowing in the dark as they bound through the town.
The Headless Woman of Wellington Barracks
Barracks, Wellington
Imagine standing guard at Wellington Barracks on a dark and stormy night in 1804 when suddenly a ghostly figure materialises before your eyes. Several guards stationed at the barracks reported seeing the apparition of a headless woman wearing a striped dress. She rose from the ground in front of them and set off towards St James Park. The image must have been terrifying, especially given the circumstances of her appearance - a woman without a head, wandering the grounds in search of something or someone.
Treasure of Cockcrow Stone
Cockcrow Stone, Wellington
Cockcrow Stone stands sentinel in the Somerset countryside, its rugged presence shrouded in mystery. This ancient megalith is said to conceal a secret treasure, its existence hinted at by the sound of a cockerel's crow. According to local legend, the stone is animated by this distinctive sound, sparking the imagination of treasure hunters and paranormal enthusiasts alike. While there's no concrete evidence to support the treasure's existence, the stone's mystique has endured for centuries, drawing visitors to its weathered grandeur.
The Cavalier of Wells
King Charles Parlour Public House, Wells
The King Charles Parlour Public House in Wells, Somerset, has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted venues. A phantom Cavalier has been spotted on the staircase several times by owners or members of their family. Footsteps and the sound of a harpsichord have also been reported, adding to the eerie atmosphere of this historic pub. It's said that the Cavalier's appearances are often accompanied by strange occurrences, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal.
Hellsmouth Haunting
Park Farm, Wellington
Park Farm in Wellington, Somerset, is home to a rather unusual and intriguing paranormal phenomenon known as Hellsmouth. This eerie site is a muddy pool located near the farm, which was once believed to be an entrance to the underworld. The idea that ghosts and ghouls could come and go as they pleased from this spot must have been a daunting prospect for locals and travellers alike. Imagine walking past this pool and feeling a chill run down your spine, wondering what sort of entities might emerge from its murky depths.
The Reading Man of Wellington
Blue Mantle Hotel, Wellington
The Blue Mantle Hotel in Wellington, Somerset, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. It's said that back in the mid 1990s, the hotel's owner, Peter Green, spotted an older gentleman sitting in the lounge, engrossed in a newspaper. The atmosphere was calm, with no reason to suspect anything out of the ordinary, until the man suddenly vanished into thin air. What's more, he didn't trigger the alarm, nor was he seen leaving by anyone else. This bizarre incident left Green puzzled, wondering if he'd just imagined the whole thing.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near A38
