The Missing Steeple of East Bergholt
In the quaint village of East Bergholt, Suffolk, stands St Mary's Church, home to a bizarre and intriguing legend. Night after night, during the construction of the church, the Devil appeared and pulled down the steeple. It's said the builders finally gave up building the tower, and the bells now stand in a little bell house. This peculiar tale has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the mysterious events that took place. Was it really the Devil's doing, or was there a more practical explanation?
The story of the missing steeple dates back to the church's construction period. According to local lore, the Devil's nocturnal visits made it impossible to complete the tower. As a result, the bells were housed in a separate bell house, which still stands today. While there's no concrete evidence to support the supernatural claims, the legend has become an integral part of East Bergholt's history and folklore. The church itself remains a beautiful and historic landmark, attracting visitors from far and wide.
The church dates back to the medieval period
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Fred Poltergeist
The Hare and Hounds Inn Inn, East Bergholt
The Hare and Hounds Inn in East Bergholt is home to a mischievous poltergeist known as Fred. This ghostly presence is characterised by its love of slamming doors, causing a ruckus in the evenings. While little is known about Fred's history, its antics have been reported by numerous patrons and staff members over the years. If you're feeling brave, drop by for a pint and see if you can catch a glimpse of this troublesome spirit.
Ghostly Apparitions of East Bergholt
Old Friary, East Bergholt
The Old Hall in East Bergholt, Suffolk, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in the country. This historic building, originally a friary, was used as a barracks during the Second World War. It was here that soldiers reported strange occurrences, including doors that would open and close by themselves. One young soldier, just 18 years old, had a terrifying experience when he awoke to find a ghostly figure trying to strangle him. The shock was so intense that within 24 hours, his jet-black hair had turned white.
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.
Floating Shadows of Tenterfield
Tenterfield, Stratford St Mary
Tenterfield in Stratford St Mary has been home to a rather unnerving phenomenon. A witness who lived there for ten years reported that shadows would float through consecutive rooms, leaving those who saw them feeling quite spooked. It's not hard to imagine why - the building's history as a makeshift hospital for injured soldiers could be a factor in these strange occurrences. The idea that the building has seen its fair share of pain and suffering in the past could be linked to the unsettling presence of these floating shadows.
The Four Sisters Gallows Apparition
Four Sisters Crossroads, Stratford St Mary
Four Sisters Crossroads, a spot along the A12 in Suffolk, is home to a rather unsettling phenomenon. Locals and travellers alike have reported seeing four figures standing around a gallows, their presence seemingly tied to an evil feeling that permeates the area. It's not clear when these sightings first began, but the fact that they persist suggests there's more to this spot than meets the eye. Some say the figures are a grim reminder of the area's history, while others believe they're a manifestation of something more sinister.
Fanny Clarke's Tragic Ghost
Brantham Place, Brantham
Brantham Place in Suffolk has a dark history that's said to be haunted by the ghost of Fanny Clarke. The original house where Fanny met her untimely demise no longer stands, but her spirit is rumoured to have remained earthbound. According to reports, Fanny was shot and killed outside the building by a jealous lover back in the mid-to-late twentieth century. Her presence is still felt by those who claim to have experienced paranormal activity in the area.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Church

The Mistley Thorn Hotel
Mistley (near Manningtree), Essex

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

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk