Fairy Fairs of Black Down
Deep in the rolling hills of Black Down, Somerset, a mystical tradition was once said to take place. The locals believed that fairies would gather on these hills to hold their annual fairs, reveling in music and dance throughout the night. It's a charming notion that has captured the imagination of many, and one that speaks to the area's rich history of folklore and myth. While there's no concrete evidence to support these claims, the idea of these mischievous creatures frolicking under the moonlight has become an integral part of the region's cultural heritage.
The concept of fairy fairs dates back to the seventeenth century, a time when superstition and folklore were woven into everyday life. In rural communities like Black Down Hills, people genuinely believed in the existence of supernatural beings, and the fairy fairs were seen as a manifestation of their magical world. Although there's no definitive proof of these events, the persistence of such stories highlights the significance of these legends in shaping local identity. The fairy fairs remain a captivating aspect of Somerset's history, offering a glimpse into a world where myth and reality blurred.
The area has a rich history of folklore and myth, with many stories of supernatural beings and events.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Bar Woman of Cheddar
Cox's Mill Hotel, Cheddar
Cox's Mill Hotel in Cheddar, Somerset, is home to a rather intriguing presence. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, including the sight of a phantom woman sitting by the bar. This ghostly figure seems to be a regular feature, but it's not just her presence that's been noted - small items have been known to move themselves to new locations, adding a touch of the unexplained to the hotel's atmosphere.
Fairy Treasure of Dolebury Warren
Dolebury Warren hillfort, Dinghurst
Perched atop Dolebury Warren hillfort in Somerset, a mischievous band of fairies is said to have kept a watchful eye on their buried treasure. Dressed in vibrant red cloth, these mythical creatures were rumoured to inhabit the site, where ancient earthworks and ramparts crisscross the landscape. The fairies' treasure, hidden deep beneath the hillfort, was said to be guarded jealously by its diminutive owners.
Bristol Stomping Ghost
House, Bristol
In the heart of Bristol, a rather unusual phantom was said to roam the site where a house once stood. This house, constructed on the historic St Philip's churchyard, was reportedly home to a heavy-footed man who would occasionally stomp around, causing quite a commotion. The building materials used to construct the house included gravestones, which was thought to be a contributing factor to the haunting. It's said that the restless spirit was that of a former occupant or perhaps someone buried in the churchyard, whose final rest was disturbed by the construction of the house.
Cheddar Car Stoper Ghost
B3135 between Green Ore & Cheddar, Cheddar
On a dark October evening in 2003, a driver travelling along the B3135 between Green Ore and Cheddar in Somerset encountered a bizarre and unsettling experience. As they drove past a figure standing on the side of the road, their vehicle suddenly cut out. The car's lights remained on, but they were dim, and the engine wouldn't turn over. The driver tried to restart the car for several minutes, but it was only when the figure reappeared and moved into the nearby woodland that the vehicle roared back to life. The driver quickly got out of there, left with more than a few questions about what they'd just experienced.
Shawled Woman of Wembdon
Highest part of the area, Wembdon
Perched on the highest point of Wembdon, a sense of unease settles over the surrounding landscape. Here, locals claim to have spotted a young lady with a wild gaze, clad in a shawl, gazing down at the houses below. Legend has it that she was responsible for a heinous crime - the murder of her husband, whose body she allegedly hid within their own home. The hilltop location seems fitting for this tragic figure, as if she's forever trapped in a moment of anguish, surveying the scene of her dark past.
Ghostly Young Couple
Car park near Tesco, Cheddar
In the Tesco car park at Cheddar, a rather strange encounter took place on a summer evening in 2018. A witness had just parked his car and was walking towards the grocery store when he noticed a couple of young people about ten steps ahead of him. They seemed to be heading for what he assumed was a side door to the shop. However, as he approached the spot where they had disappeared, he was surprised to find a solid wall with no doorway in sight. It was as if the young couple had vanished into thin air.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area
