Edmund's Lost Head Legend
Deep in the Suffolk woods near Hoxne lies a legend about a king's severed head. After a fierce battle, Edmund of East Anglia, later known as St Edmund, was defeated and his enemies took his head, hiding it deep within the forest. His supporters searched far and wide but couldn't find it until they called out 'where are you?' and heard a reply 'here!'. They followed the voice and found his head, protected by a wolf that surprisingly allowed them to take it back to his body.
This story dates back to November 869, a time of great turmoil in East Anglia. King Edmund's death was a significant event, and his martyrdom led to his veneration as a saint. The tale of his head's discovery has been passed down through the centuries, with the woodland location remaining a mystery. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact spot, the legend has become an integral part of local folklore, symbolising the enduring power of faith and loyalty.
Anglo-Saxon era, 869 AD
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Glint of King Edmund's Spurs
Goldbrook Bridge, Hoxne
Goldbrook Bridge in Hoxne, Suffolk, is said to be haunted by the ghost of King Edmund, who met his untimely demise under this very bridge. Legend has it that the king's spurs caught the attention of a pair of newlyweds, leading to his capture and beheading. To this day, the glint of his spurs is still seen, and it's considered a bad omen for newlywed couples to cross the bridge. Locals believe that the king's spirit still lingers, a reminder of the tragic events that unfolded over 1,150 years ago.
The Eye Police Station Ghost
Police station, Eye
Eye Police Station in Suffolk has been home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. It was here that staff reported strange occurrences, including a cell bell ringing when the cell was empty. This eerie sound was often accompanied by the noise of a typewriter and moving chairs in other empty areas of the building. The frequency of these events was completely unpredictable, happening at any time of day or night, and could be heard by individuals or groups of staff. It's a mystery that has left many wondering what's behind these unexplained events.
Ghostly Flying Fortress
Old Horham Airfield, Horham
Old Horham Airfield in Suffolk is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. A phantom B-17 Flying Fortress is said to appear in the skies above the airfield, seemingly out of nowhere, before landing on the remains of the old runway. This eerie apparition has left many to wonder about the history of the airfield and the story behind this ghostly aircraft.
Henrietta's Vengeful Spirit
Yaxley Hall, Yaxley
Yaxley Hall in Suffolk is home to a rather unusual ghost story. It centres around Henrietta Nelson, a member of the family who lived there in the nineteenth century. Apparently, Henrietta wasn't too popular with her relatives, which led her to exact a rather unusual revenge. She requested to be buried in a special mausoleum on the estate, which, much to everyone's dismay, ruined the view from the hall. Fast forward a few generations, and her chamber was knocked down. This seemed to stir up some unfinished business, as Henrietta's ghost began to make appearances. But here's the twist - instead of haunting the building itself, her spirit took a liking to her portrait. When the painting was sold, Henrietta's ghost followed it, only returning to Yaxley Hall in 2005, 100 years after it was removed.
The Headless Monks of Thornham Parva
Road heading towards the village, Thornham Parva
On a dark night in 1975, a lone cyclist was making his way home along the road heading towards Thornham Parva in Suffolk. As he cycled, he noticed two hooded figures standing by the roadside, accompanied by a white dog. The figures, dressed in monks' garb, raised a hand in greeting and wished the cyclist goodnight. But as he looked directly at them, he was met with a chilling sight - the inside of their hoods were empty, with no heads to speak of. This bizarre encounter has become a well-known ghost story in the area, with many wondering who these headless monks might be and what they're doing on that Suffolk road.
The Walled Garden Ghost
The Walled Garden, Thornham Magna
The Walled Garden in Thornham Magna is home to a mischievous spirit known as Mr Perkins. This head gardener from 1840 seems to have stuck around, often seen wandering the garden when changes are afoot. He's been blamed for moving items, but will also occasionally open and hold doors for people. Dressed in a large black coat and hat, Perkins has been spotted whistling as he approaches, and some have even reported him criticising their work before walking off into thin air.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Woodland

The Scole Inn
Scole, Norfolk

The Crown
Framlingham, Suffolk

Seckford Hall Hotel
Woodbridge, Suffolk

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk