Shepley Lion Sighting
Shepley Railway Line was the scene of a bizarre incident on 6 November 2011 when trains were delayed for around two hours after police received a report of a lion and possibly a cub on the rail tracks. The area was thoroughly searched by twelve officers and a helicopter but nothing was found and rail travel resumed. It's not every day you hear of a lion causing a rail delay in Yorkshire.
The search operation was quite extensive with multiple officers and a helicopter involved. This incident happened at around 15:30h on a November afternoon. Although no physical evidence was found it remains a curious case. The fact that multiple witnesses reported the sighting suggests it wasn't just a case of mistaken identity.
The incident occurred in the 21st century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Coach of Shepley
Roads around the Shepley War Memorial, Shepley
In the quiet village of Shepley, nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, a spine-tingling spectacle has been reported for generations. At night, particularly during the winter months, a phantom coach and four horses hurtles along the roads surrounding the Shepley War Memorial at breakneck speed. This ghostly carriage, with its team of ethereal steeds, has left many a local and traveller alike in a state of bewilderment and awe. The roads, normally peaceful and serene under the cover of darkness, are suddenly filled with the sound of pounding hooves and rattling wheels, only to vanish as mysteriously as it appeared.
Ghostly Inn Haunting
Sovereign Inn Inn, Shepley
The Sovereign Inn in Shepley is said to be haunted by the ghost of Elizabeth Smith. She is often seen sitting in a room upstairs, gazing out of a window, as if watching the world go by. It's a rather eerie sight, and one that has been reported by numerous guests and staff over the years. The atmosphere upstairs can be quite unsettling, especially in the evenings when the lights are low.
Hester's Vicarage Ghost
Old vicarage, Kirkburton
The Old Vicarage in Kirkburton is a place where history and heartbreak collide. This unassuming house has borne witness to a tragic event that has left an indelible mark on its fabric. During the First English Civil War, Reverend Gamaliel Whitaker found himself on the wrong side of the law for supporting the Royalist cause. His wife, Hester, paid the ultimate price when she was shot and killed during his arrest. It's said that her spirit still lingers, a poignant reminder of the violence and upheaval that once shook this quiet Yorkshire village.
Wombwell Ghost Woman in White
Low Valley Arms Public House, Wombwell
Deep in the heart of Wombwell, the Low Valley Arms Public House stands as a hub of local life, but little do patrons know, it's also home to a rather unsettling presence. It's here that landlord Roger Froggatt encountered a phantom lady dressed in white in the ladies' toilet during the early hours of the morning in April 2006. He had been investigating what he believed was a break-in, but what he found was far more chilling. The figure was described as an elderly woman, but it was her missing cheek and jaw structure that left Roger terrified.
Ilkley Moor Black Hound
Moorland to the north of the village, Ilkley
Ilkley Moor, a vast and windswept expanse of heather-covered moorland to the north of the village of Ilkley, is said to be home to a legendary creature known as the Barguest. This eerie entity is described as a large black hound, believed to roam the moors, striking fear into the hearts of locals and visitors alike. The Barguest is a type of Shuck, a mythical dog said to haunt rural areas of England. Its presence is shrouded in mystery, with many wondering what this ghostly hound is doing out on the moors.
Ghosts of Penistone Moor
Dog and Partridge Public House, Penistone
The Dog and Partridge Public House in Penistone has a dark history that seems to be lingering long after the dead have been laid to rest. It's said that the pub was once used to store bodies found on the nearby moorland, and it's believed that some of these unfortunate souls have remained earthbound. People have reported catching fleeting glimpses of shadows out of the corner of their eye, and strange smells have also been detected. It's a chilling thought that the pub's history might be repeating itself in some way, with the restless spirits of the dead still roaming the premises.