The Headless Monk of Bentley
Bentley Bridge in Suffolk is home to a rather unsettling spectre - the Headless Monk. This ghostly figure is said to haunt the road between Brantham and Bentley, a route that was once much more travelled when the nearby Dodnash Priory was still standing. Today, only a single stone remains at the site of the priory, sparking the imagination of those who wonder what secrets lie hidden beneath. The legend of the Headless Monk has been passed down through the years, leaving many to ponder the story behind this eerie apparition.
The history of Dodnash Priory dates back to the medieval period, and it's here that the story of the Headless Monk originates. Although the priory no longer stands, its legacy lives on in the form of this ghostly monk. Some believe that the monk's spirit was disturbed when the priory was demolished, leading to its restless haunting of the nearby road. A local treasure hunt has also become part of the folklore, with some claiming that treasure is concealed beneath the remaining stone at the priory site. While the truth behind these claims remains a mystery, one thing is certain - the Headless Monk of Bentley continues to captivate those interested in the paranormal.
The site of Dodnash Priory dates back to the medieval period
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Lion Sighting Darsham
Near Little Chef restaurant, Darsham
In the quiet village of Darsham, Suffolk, a bizarre sighting took place in 2003 near the popular Little Chef restaurant. Two witnesses reported seeing a large, sandy coloured cat, remarkably similar to a lion or puma, basking in the early morning sun. The creature was spotted at Two Magpies Bakery, now a well known local business. This unusual sighting has left many questions unanswered, and the identity of the mysterious feline remains a mystery.
Ghostly Children's Singing
Churchyard, Capel St Mary
Capel St Mary's sleepy churchyard was the unlikely setting for a chilling encounter in 1999. A witness staying nearby was startled to hear the unmistakable sound of children singing 'Ring a Ring of Roses' at half past midnight. The haunting melody seemed to emanate from within the churchyard itself. Intrigued and a bit concerned, the witness investigated further but couldn't find anyone. The sudden, unexplained presence of this childhood nursery rhyme in the dead of night left a lasting impression.
Phantom Monk Apparition at Best Western Priory Hotel
Best Western Priory Hotel, Bury Saint Edmunds
The Best Western Priory Hotel in Bury Saint Edmunds has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported sightings of an apparition in one of the hotel's bedrooms. The haunting is believed to be connected to the fact that the hotel was partially built on the burial ground of a medieval priory. Visitors can explore the hotel's historic grounds and get a glimpse into its rich past.
Capel St Mary Fairies
Old house on edge of woods, Capel St Mary
In the quaint village of Capel St Mary, Suffolk, there's an old house on the edge of woods that's said to be a hotspot for fairy activity. This locale has been associated with mythical creatures for who-knows-how-long, with tales of fairies frequenting the area. It's a spot that'll capture your imagination and leave you wondering about the magic that might still linger.
Four Sisters Ghostly Apparition
Four Sisters, Wherstead
Four Sisters is a spot on the A14/A137 junction in Wherstead, Suffolk, where local folklore claims that four sisters took their own lives. They are said to have remained in the area ever since, forming a haunting presence that has been noted for years. This haunted location is a well-known spot for paranormal activity, with many reporting strange occurrences.
Brantham UFO Sighting
Slough Road, Brantham
Brantham, a small village in Suffolk, is home to a rather unusual paranormal sighting that took place on a evening in 1986. A brother and sister were the lucky - or perhaps unlucky - witnesses to a large, round, metal-looking object hovering above the field opposite their home on Slough Road. The object was adorned with blue and red lights around its sides and remained stationary for a full three minutes, giving the siblings ample time to take in the surreal scene. Before they knew it, the object vanished in a flash, leaving behind more questions than answers.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bridge on road linking Brantham and Bentley

The Mistley Thorn Hotel
Mistley (near Manningtree), Essex

Seckford Hall Hotel
Woodbridge, Suffolk

The Rose and Crown
Colchester, Essex
Brook Red Lion Hotel
Colchester, Essex