The Green Children of Woolpit
Woolpit in Suffolk is home to one of England's most bizarre and intriguing legends. The story begins with two children, a boy and a girl, who suddenly appeared in the village with a strange and unexplainable green pigmentation to their skin. They claimed to have been watching their family's sheep in a place called St Martins when they heard a loud noise, and before they knew it, they found themselves in this strange new village. Their origins and the cause of their green skin remain a mystery to this day, sparking debate about whether they were alien, fairy children, or simply lost human children.
Historical records of the incident date back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Stephen. The green children were taken in by a local family, where the boy soon fell ill and died. The girl, however, recovered and eventually married a man from Norfolk. She reportedly lost her green complexion over time. The incident has been documented by medieval writers, including William of Newburgh and Ralph of Diceto, adding credibility to the account. While the true nature of the green children's appearance remains unknown, their story has become a fascinating part of English folklore.
Medieval England, 12th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Healing Spring of Woolpit
Spring in meadow near the church, Woolpit
Tucked away in a serene meadow near Woolpit church, Lady's Well is a spring with a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century. This unassuming spot was once renowned for its healing properties, particularly in curing sore eyes. The well's tranquil surroundings and picturesque setting make it an intriguing location for those interested in exploring the paranormal aspects of English folklore.
Woolpit Phantom Wolf Sighting
Exact location not known, Woolpit
Deep in the Suffolk countryside, near the village of Woolpit, a bizarre and unexplained encounter took place. A local farmer, out doing his rounds, came across what he thought was a calf stuck in a pit. Rushing to help, he was shocked to find that the creature was actually a large wolf. His instincts kicked in and he ran off to fetch his gun, but when he returned, there was no sign of the beast. It was as if the wolf had vanished into thin air.
Talking Shuck of Woolpit
Road approaching the village, Woolpit
On a rural road approaching the village of Woolpit in Suffolk, a chilling encounter took place in the nineteenth century. A shuck, a type of ghostly apparition, reportedly caught a man and spoke to him, uttering a dire warning that he would be dead within a week. The poor gentleman's fate was sealed, and he tragically passed away the following night. This unsettling incident has become a notorious local legend, leaving many to wonder about the nature of these supernatural entities.
Wetherden Cursed Field
Field between Wetherden and Woolpit, Wetherden
In a rural Suffolk field, not far from the villages of Wetherden and Woolpit, a dark history has led to a peculiar and enduring curse. This ordinary-looking pasture has been blighted for over 400 years, with no one able to successfully harvest a crop since Robert Rosier was brutally burnt to death here in 1556. His tragic fate, at the hands of a former friend, seems to have tainted the land, leaving it cursed for generations to come.
Mysterious Church Hill Encounter
Path on hill leading to the church, Tostock
On a summer's day in the late 1990s, a stroll up the hill in Tostock, Suffolk, took an unexpected turn for two walkers. As they made their way towards the church, they suddenly felt an inexplicable force holding them back. For around ten seconds, they were unable to move, as if an unseen barrier had been erected. The sensation was intense but short-lived, and once it had passed, they continued on their way. However, their experience was far from over. A short distance away, along a lane past the church, they spotted a bright white light that seemed to illuminate the area around them. The encounter was so unsettling that both witnesses chose to retreat back to the village.
Mysterious Footsteps at Drinkstone Hill Bridge
Drinkstone Hill Bridge, Rattlesden
Drinkstone Hill Bridge, a seemingly ordinary spot in rural Suffolk, has been the site of some rather unusual occurrences. Locals have grown accustomed to hearing splashing sounds and footfalls coming from the water below, but whenever they investigate, there's never anyone or anything to be found. It's as if the bridge itself is harbouring a secret, one that's been puzzling residents for decades. The footfalls and splashes have been reported frequently, leaving many to wonder what's behind this strange phenomenon.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Exact location of discovery unknown

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Bull Hotel
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Lower Bell
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