The Dead Drummer of Salisbury Plain
Salisbury Plain, a vast expanse of open grassland in Wiltshire, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. It's said that two men, Harry and Bill, were crossing the plain during a storm when a ghostly drummer suddenly appeared. But here's the thing - only Harry could see the apparition. The drummer's presence was so unsettling that Harry cracked under the pressure and confessed to a previous, unsolved murder. His companion, Bill, reported the crime to the authorities, and Harry was subsequently executed. It's a story that's been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the truth behind the Dead Drummer of Salisbury Plain.
The story of the Dead Drummer is deeply rooted in the history of Salisbury Plain, an area known for its military training grounds and sparse population. The fact that Harry's guilt was uncovered in such a dramatic fashion has led some to speculate about the role of the ghostly drummer - was it a genuine paranormal entity, or just a product of Harry's guilty conscience? While we may never know for certain, the account remains a fascinating example of a haunting that allegedly led to the solving of a crime. The incident is also a reminder of the often-harsh justice system of the past, where a confession, no matter how extraordinary the circumstances, could lead to severe consequences.
The story of the Dead Drummer dates back to the 19th century, a time when Salisbury Plain was used for military training and agriculture.
Location
Location Details
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.
The Hanged Lord's Noose
Cathedral, Salisbury
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.
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.
The Bloody Hand of Salisbury
Likely the road towards Blandford, Salisbury
On a stretch of road near Salisbury in Wiltshire, a rather unsettling phenomenon has been reported. Circa 1932, a lorry driver was startled when a blood-stained hand suddenly materialised on his steering wheel, causing him to faint. This eerie apparition was not an isolated incident, as other drivers had previously encountered a phantom face in the road, the ghostly wreckage of a car, and disembodied groaning sounds. The area seems to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, leaving many to wonder about the cause of these bizarre occurrences.
Headless Duke of Buckingham Ghost
Debenhams' department store, Salisbury
Debenhams department store in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was once home to a rather unsettling presence. In the late twentieth century, a British Telecom employee working on the site was terrified by the headless apparition of the Duke of Buckingham, who was executed in the fifteenth century. The poor chap refused to re-enter the building after his encounter with the ghostly duke. This location is no longer operational as a department store, but its paranormal history lives on.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Near the Devizes/Lavington junction
