The Legless Men of Lichfield
On a chilly December evening in 2005, Sue Cowley was driving home with her husband and child along the M6 toll road near Lichfield. As she approached a stretch of road, she noticed what initially seemed like animals crossing the tarmac. But as she stopped her vehicle, she realised with a start that they were no ordinary creatures. A group of about twenty shadowy figures, dressed in Roman attire, began to cross the road, seemingly waist-deep in the asphalt as if it were water. Their movement was unimpeded, and Sue watched in amazement as they glided across the road.
Historical records of Roman settlements in Staffordshire date back to the 1st century AD, which could provide a clue to the origins of this bizarre sighting. The Roman presence in the area is well-documented, with archaeological finds and historical accounts confirming their influence. While the exact nature of the legless men remains a mystery, their Roman garb and unusual movement across the road have sparked interest among paranormal enthusiasts. The witness, Sue Cowley, was driving with her family, adding credibility to her account as it was not a solitary observation.
Roman settlement in Staffordshire dates back to 1st century AD
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Molly Leigh's Ghost
Turk's Head and St John's Church Public House, Burslem
The Turk's Head and St John's Church Public House in Burslem, Staffordshire, is home to a most intriguing haunting. This historic pub is said to be frequented by the ghost of Molly Leigh, a woman accused of witchcraft during her lifetime. According to local legend, Molly's spirit briefly returned from the dead on the day of her burial in 1748 and took up residence in the pub. Her malevolent presence was so feared that she was eventually exorcised, but her legacy lives on.
Ghostly Drunkard of Cannock
Four Crosses Inn Inn, Cannock
The Four Crosses Inn in Cannock, Staffordshire, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the UK. It was here in 2005 that a series of bizarre occurrences took place, prompting a visit from local psychic Mystic Ed. Guests and staff had reported strange happenings, including the smashing of glasses and the fireplace igniting itself. Mystic Ed claimed that several spirits were at work within the inn, including a nineteenth century drunk named Charlie, a middle-aged woman, a soldier, and the ghost of a young boy called Scotty.
The Sentinel Office Ghost
The Sentinel offices, Hanley
In the heart of Hanley's bustling business district, strange occurrences have been reported at The Sentinel offices on Bethesda Street. A receptionist claimed to have seen a figure standing behind a customer, only to vanish into thin air. This sighting was corroborated by a ghost hunting group who captured evidence of unexplained banging noises at the site. The incident took place between 2013 and 2016, leaving many to wonder if the office building is home to a mischievous spirit.
Wishing Bridge Haunting
Conscience Bridge, Carnock
Conscience Bridge, locally known as Wishing Bridge, stands in Carnock, Lowlands, with a haunting legacy. This spot was once renowned for its supposed ability to grant wishes, but its origins are far darker. A murderer, wracked with guilt, chose this site to confess to his crimes, forever linking the bridge to a tale of remorse and tragedy.
Hatherton Hall Ghost
Hatherton Hall, Cannock
Hatherton Hall, a grand country house in Staffordshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sir Hugh de Hatherton, its former lord. He's often described as a tall figure dressed in a cloak, wandering the halls, though curiously, he's never been spotted by a member of the family. This eerie apparition is a relatively modern sighting, from the twentieth century. It's thought that Sir Hugh's restless spirit may be connected to a rather gruesome story from the past.
Gabriel Hounds of Cannock
The Chase and surrounding moorlands, Cannock Chase
Deep within Cannock Chase, a foreboding landscape of heather and gorse, a chilling spectacle unfolds on stormy nights. The Gabriel Hounds, a pack of ghostly dogs, glide effortlessly across the moorlands, their eyes blazing with an otherworldly fire. As they move, their blood-curdling howls are carried on the wind, striking fear into the hearts of those who hear them. This eerie apparition has been witnessed for centuries, leaving many to wonder about the origins of these demonic hounds.