Glowing Gravestone of Lawshall
In the quiet village of Lawshall, nestled in the Suffolk countryside, a mystifying encounter took place in the late twentieth century. Two men, returning from a night out at the local pub, stumbled upon a remarkable sight in the churchyard. They claimed to have seen a glowing gravestone, an image that has stayed with them ever since. What's intriguing is that when they returned the following day, they could find no trace of any gravestone that resembled the one they had seen. The incident leaves us with more questions than answers, and it's a testament to the enduring enigma of the paranormal.
Historical records of the churchyard date back centuries, and it's possible that the glowing gravestone was a transient apparition linked to a specific individual or event. Although we don't have the names of the two men who witnessed the phenomenon, their account remains one of the most compelling in the annals of Suffolk's paranormal history. The fact that they couldn't locate the gravestone the next day adds to the mystery, suggesting that the experience may have been more than just a trick of the light. While we can't pinpoint the exact date or time of the encounter, it's clear that this event has become a fascinating footnote in the region's ghostlore.
The churchyard has been in existence for several centuries
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Penelope the Phantom Nun
Coldham Hall, Stanningfield
Coldham Hall in Stanningfield, Suffolk, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. The hall has been associated with a phantom nun named Penelope, whose presence was brought to the attention of Claudia Schiffer when she moved in. The Ghost Club reportedly warned her about Penelope, which suggests that the nun's ghost has been a long-standing resident of the hall. Two cursed paintings are also housed onsite, one of which purports to show Penelope herself, while the other depicts a mother superior. It's unclear whether these paintings are connected to the sightings of two phantom older ladies back in 1807.
Roman Rite Transformation
St Nicholas Church, Stanningfield
St Nicholas Church in Stanningfield, Suffolk, is a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary seem to collide. In 1933, a passing gentleman stumbled upon something quite remarkable. He found the church doors open and, curiosity getting the better of him, he stepped inside. What he encountered was nothing short of astonishing - the altar, normally a simple affair in an Anglican church, was transformed. It was adorned with flowers and set up for a Roman Catholic service, a sight that would have been out of place in this particular church.
Mysterious Black Cat Sighting
Exact location not known, Hartest
In the quaint village of Hartest, Suffolk, a bizarre encounter took place in mid-1996. A witness claimed to have seen a large black cat, approximately fifteen metres away. The cat's size was notable, leaving a lasting impression on the witness. Although the exact location of the sighting is unknown, it's clear that this was an unusual experience.
Black Leopard of Boxted
Stream near woodland behind houses, Boxted
Deep in the Suffolk countryside, near the sleepy village of Boxted, a strange creature has been spotted lurking in the shadows. A stream running through a woodland area, near the B1066 road, is said to be the haunt of a large black cat with a long tail. In 1994, a motorcyclist and passenger claimed to have chased the creature, which disappeared into a hedge. The incident was documented on the Big Cats of Suffolk website, and similar sightings were reported in the mid 2010s along the Boxted to Hartest Road.
Countess Rivers Ghost
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford is said to be haunted by the ghost of Countess Rivers. One story goes that she leaped out of her bedroom window and drowned in the moat below, unable to escape the noise of a party. However, it seems this might not be the case, and she actually died quietly in St Osyth's in Essex. Either way, her presence is still felt on the grounds, with reports of strange noises and objects moving on their own.
The Angel's Smiling Ghost
The Angel Public House, Lavenham
The Angel Public House in Lavenham, Suffolk, is home to a friendly ghost. Locals and visitors alike have spotted the spirit of Mrs Goodhew, an early landlady of the pub, wandering around the building. She's often seen smiling at anyone who crosses her path before vanishing into thin air. It's a pleasant surprise for those who stumble upon her, and a reminder of the pub's rich history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Churchyard

The Angel Hotel Lavenham
Babergh District, Suffolk

Swan Hotel
Babergh District, Suffolk

Bull Hotel
Long Melford, Suffolk

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk