The Hanged Lord's Noose
Salisbury Cathedral, one of England's most iconic and historic buildings, is home to a rather unsettling legend. Deep within its grounds lies the grave of Lord Stourton, a man convicted of murder and executed by hanging in the marketplace. His final resting place within the cathedral walls is marked by a haunting reminder of his demise - a noose that was left to hang over his grave. This gruesome relic was eventually removed in the eighteenth century, but that wasnt the end of the story. Locals and visitors alike have reported that the noose occasionally reappears, sparking curiosity and unease among those who catch a glimpse of it.
The story of Lord Stourton's execution and burial is well-documented. He was hanged in the marketplace outside the cathedral in the 15th century and subsequently buried within the cathedral. The noose left over his grave was a grim reminder of his fate. Although it was removed during the 18th century, reports of its reappearance have persisted. This phenomenon has led to speculation about the connection between the physical object and the reported paranormal activity. While some might interpret the reappearance of the noose as a manifestation of Lord Stourton's restless spirit, others see it as a symbol of the enduring legacy of his tragic end.
15th-century execution and burial
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Nearby Haunted Places
The Close Hauntings
The Close, Salisbury
The Close in Salisbury, Wiltshire, is a picturesque and historic area that's home to several buildings with a reputation for being haunted. One property near St Anne's Gate is said to be the former residence of Dr Baker, a canon who passed away many years ago, but his presence still lingers. His ghostly form is believed to still roam the halls of his old home, a testament to the enduring legacy of this former resident. The Close is a charming and atmospheric area, with many beautiful old buildings that date back centuries, and it's easy to imagine the ghost of Dr Baker wandering the streets, reliving memories of times past.
Mysterious Fish Fall
Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club, Salisbury
On a stormy day in 2001, four golfers took shelter on the second hole of the Salisbury & South Wilts Golf Club. When they emerged, they were met with a bizarre sight - the fairway was covered in Koi carp and goldfish. It was as if they had fallen from the sky. The golfers were left scratching their heads, wondering how the fish had ended up on the golf course. The club's grounds were searched, but no nearby pond or water feature was found that could have been the source of the mysterious fish.
The Wansdyke Funeral Procession
Various places along the post Roman dyke, The Wansdyke
The Wansdyke, a post-Roman dyke stretching across Wiltshire, is said to be haunted by a mournful funeral procession. A wooden wagon, bearing a coffin and pulled by jet black horses, has been spotted making its way along this ancient earthwork. The somber spectacle vanishes if witnesses become too close, leaving behind only questions about the identity of the deceased and the significance of this haunting apparition.
Phantom Footfalls of Salisbury
Haunch of Venison Public House, Salisbury
The Haunch of Venison Public House in Salisbury is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence. Footfalls echo through the pub on random days between 11:30 and midnight, with no apparent source. Some believe these phantom footsteps belong to the former owner of a severed hand that was discovered behind a secret panel within the pub. The hand was mysteriously stolen in March 2004, leaving behind only speculation about its significance. Patrons have also reported dirty glasses being moved in the bar, adding to the mystique of this Wiltshire haunting.
Mysterious Tool Movements
Old George Inn Inn, Salisbury
The Old George Inn in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has a strange reputation for mysterious tool movements. It's said that when work was carried out on the site, construction tools would move around the building every night. This bizarre occurrence was consistent enough to be noticed by the workers, who must have been both puzzled and a bit spooked by the unexplained movements. On one occasion, the building was locked up, only to be found completely open the following day. It's little wonder that a former manager of the inn didn't fancy being on the site alone at night, finding it 'too scary'.
Mysterious Catgarookey Sighting
Laverstock area, Salisbury
In the rolling countryside of Laverstock, a bizarre creature was spotted several times back in June 2005. This strange beast, christened 'Catgarookey' by locals, was described as being around sixty centimetres tall and resembled a cat-kangaroo-monkey hybrid. Its unusual appearance, featuring a black and yellow tail with a white tip, sparked much interest and debate among cryptozoology enthusiasts. While some believe it could have been an escaped raccoon or a similar animal, the creature's exact identity remains a mystery.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Cathedral
