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The Flitting Woman of Dallinghoo

Lanes in the area, Dallinghoo, Suffolk Apparition Victorian

In the quiet lanes around Dallinghoo, a small village in Suffolk, a peculiar and unsettling phenomenon has been reported for centuries. Locals claim to have seen the ghostly apparition of a woman, known as the Flitting Woman, who is said to haunt these rural roads. According to legend, she was a widow named Shawe who, in a fit of despair, took her own life by slitting her throat. But it was what happened next that has led to her enduring presence in these lanes. Without visible feet, she is said to flit about, a fleeting and eerie sight for those unfortunate enough to cross her path.

This haunting dates back to the nineteenth century, a time of great social change and personal hardship for many. The story of the Flitting Woman has been passed down through generations, with various attempts to explain her restless spirit. While the exact circumstances of her death are unclear, it is thought that her spirit was unable to rest due to the tragic nature of her passing. Witnesses describe her as a fleeting presence, often seen out of the corner of their eye, and her ability to seemingly defy the laws of physics by moving without feet has led to much speculation about her ghostly state.

Historical Context

The haunting is set in rural Suffolk during the Victorian era, a time of significant social and economic change.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Rural Lanes
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Circa nineteenth century
Postcode Area
IP12

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