Golden Coffin of Small Down Knoll
Perched on the rolling hills of Somerset, Small Down Knoll is home to a fascinating legend. This ancient burial ground contains nine barrows, but it's said that only one holds a treasure beyond the grave - a golden coffin. The story has sparked the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries, leaving many to wonder if the tales are rooted in fact or simply a product of myth and legend. As the sun sets over the knoll, it's easy to imagine the whispers of the past lingering in the air.
Historical records indicate that the barrows date back to the Bronze Age or Iron Age, although the exact date of the golden coffin legend is unknown. The site has likely been a place of interest for many years, given its unique features and the allure of the treasure said to be buried within. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of the golden coffin, the site remains a captivating destination for those drawn to the mysteries of the paranormal. Visitors can explore the knoll and ponder the stories that have been passed down through the ages.
The barrows on Small Down Knoll date back to the Bronze Age or Iron Age
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Golden Coffin Legend
Barrow on Small Down, Evercreech
Barrow on Small Down in Evercreech, Somerset, is a spot shrouded in mystery, with tales of a golden coffin buried beneath its earth. This enigmatic site has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. While there's little concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of the supposed burial, the legend has endured, beckoning those fascinated by the unexplained to explore the area.
The Blacksmith of Batcombe
Burn Hill, Batcombe
Perched atop Burn Hill in the rolling Somerset countryside, a legendary figure is said to roam, waiting to be summoned by brave adventurers. They say that if you call out his name while standing on this windswept hill, a giant blacksmith will materialise before your very eyes. The locals have long whispered about this apparition, and many claim to have caught a glimpse of the towering figure, clad in traditional blacksmithing attire. But be warned, summoning the blacksmith is not for the faint of heart.
The Chained Hound of Batcombe
Gold Hill, Batcombe
Deep in the woodland of Gold Hill, Batcombe, a spine-tingling legend has long been whispered about - that of a phantom hound, said to roam the area with a large chain around its neck. This eerie apparition, known as the Chained Hound, is a type of ghostly creature known as a Shuck, a spectral hound said to haunt rural areas. The story goes that the hound was buried in the nearby woodland by its owner, but its restless spirit refused to stay buried.
Cannard's Well Ghost Apparition
The Well Inn, Shepton Mallet
The Well Inn in Shepton Mallet is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former landlord. His story is one of tragic downfall, having received stolen goods from highwaymen and smugglers, then attempting to forge documents. When caught, he chose death over surrender, taking his own life. His body was buried at a nearby crossroads. People claim to have seen him around the pub and on nearby roads, clutching a rope around his neck and acting strangely.
Ghost of Giles Cannard
Area of Cannard's Grave Public House, Shepton Mallet
The Cannard's Grave Public House in Shepton Mallet stands on a spot where legend has it a rather unsavoury character met his maker. Giles Cannard, the man behind the haunting, took his own life to avoid arrest for a string of alleged crimes including sheep stealing, forgery, and robbery - the exact offence is lost to history. What is known is that he was given a grim burial at a crossroads with a stake through his heart, a supposed safeguard against his return. It seems this preventive measure didnt quite work as planned.
The Laughing Man of Creech Hill
Creech Hill, Milton Clevedon
Creech Hill in Milton Clevedon is home to a rather unsettling presence known as the Laughing Man. This tall, gaunt figure has a chilling way of announcing his presence - with hysterical laughter that sends shivers down the spines of those who are unfortunate enough to encounter him. The hill, with its rural landscape and quiet roads, seems an unlikely place for such a sinister figure to roam, yet locals and visitors alike have reported his eerie presence.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Small Down Knoll
