The Short Fellow of Horbury
In the quaint Yorkshire town of Horbury, a most unusual encounter took place in the nineteenth century. A lane, now lost to time, was once the scene of a bizarre meeting between Sabine Baring-Gould's wife and a tiny, green-clad figure. This little being, dubbed the Short Fellow, was reportedly just two feet tall and was perched on a hedge, making strange faces at the startled woman. The encounter was brief but intense, with the woman quickly fleeing the scene.
Historical records suggest that this curious incident was documented by Sabine Baring-Gould, a well-known folklorist and writer. The fact that his wife was the witness lends credibility to the account, as it was not simply a hearsay tale. The Short Fellow is classified as a fairy, a type of mythical creature often associated with rural landscapes and the supernatural. While the incident itself was isolated, it contributes to the rich tapestry of paranormal folklore in Yorkshire.
19th-century rural Yorkshire folklore
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Horbury Boggart Haunting
General area around the village, Horbury
In the sleepy village of Horbury, nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, a chilling legend has been lurking in the shadows for centuries. The Boggart, a malevolent entity from local folklore, has been blamed for a string of terrifying attacks on unsuspecting villagers. In the early twentieth century, two people were reportedly assaulted by a creature described as ice cold, hairy, and sporting glowing eyes. These encounters sent shockwaves through the community, fuelling long-held fears of the Boggart's presence.
Horbury White Dog Shuck
Jenkin Road area, Horbury
In the quaint town of Horbury, nestled in West Yorkshire, a spine-tingling legend has been etched into local folklore. The Padfoot, a shrouded figure known for its unsettling presence, is said to haunt the Jenkin Road area. This phantom entity, often described as a white dog, has been the subject of whispered tales for centuries. One fateful evening, a man returning home spotted the creature in a hedgerow and, mistaking it for a real animal, struck out at it with a stick. The stick passed straight through the apparition, which then turned to stare at its attacker with an unnerving gaze. The man, understandably shaken, fled home, only to fall ill and succumb to death shortly after.
Falling Horses Phantom
Denby Dale Road bridge, Wakefield
Denby Dale Road bridge has a haunting reputation that's tied to a tragic event from the 19th century. Amanda West was walking her dog across the bridge when she was startled by the sound of horses galloping past her - but there were no horses in sight. The sudden and unexplained noise was followed by a loud splash from the river below. Looking down, Amanda saw that the water was calm, yet the sounds of panicking horses seemed to be coming from beneath the surface. This bizarre experience left her frozen with fear, wondering what she had just witnessed.
Shipman's Haunted Prison Cell
HMP Wakefield Prison, Wakefield
HMP Wakefield Prison, a place with a dark history, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Harold Shipman, one of Britain's most notorious serial killers. Shipman, who was convicted of murdering 15 of his patients in 2000, was held in cell D336 before his trial. According to reports from The Argus newspaper, staff and inmates have experienced strange occurrences, including scary noises, which some attribute to Shipman's restless spirit. While prison staff are quick to dismiss these events as the work of men in nearby cells, the legend of Shipman's haunting has persisted.
Poltergeist Plough Public House
Plough Public House, Ormskirk
The Plough Public House in Ormskirk, Yorkshire, has a reputation for being one of the most haunted pubs in the North West. It all started in January 2012 when a car crashed into the building. After the crash, landlady Linda Roughley reported strange occurrences, including items moving and flying off surfaces unaided. She also claimed to have felt an invisible hand touch her back. These bizarre events have left many wondering if the Plough Public House is indeed haunted by a mischievous poltergeist.
Phantom Terrier of Sandal Castle
Sandal Castle, Wakefield
Sandal Castle stands tall in Wakefield, Yorkshire, but beware of its feisty phantom inhabitant. This small, yapping dog has been known to attack and scare creatures much larger than itself. Its bravery is matched only by its elusive nature, as it vanishes into thin air when touched. The terrier's antics have been reported since 1987, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly canine.