The Thyme Tree Ghost
In the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, there's a spot known as the Thyme Tree, nestled between the village of Bishop's Cannings and Coate. This seemingly ordinary stretch of land has a rather intriguing reputation. It's said that a gentle, unmistakable scent of thyme wafts through the air, marking the spot where a woman met a tragic end. The story goes that she was brutally murdered here, and her spirit lingers, leaving behind this fragrant whisper of her presence. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching a whiff of thyme in this area, even though there's no obvious source for the smell - no thyme plants, no nearby gardens, just a quiet, rural expanse.
Historical records are scarce, but the legend of the Thyme Tree murder has been passed down through generations. While we can't pinpoint the exact date or circumstances of the woman's death, the persistence of the thyme scent has become a kind of macabre landmark. It's as if the area has been forever imprinted with the essence of her spirit. The lack of any visible signs or memorials adds to the mystique, leaving those who visit to ponder the story behind the haunting. Some believe that the scent might be a manifestation of her restless energy, a poignant reminder of the tragic event that unfolded here.
The area has been rural for centuries, with the village of Bishop's Cannings dating back to the Domesday Book.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Headless Hound of Bishops Cannings
Churchyard, Bishops Cannings
Bishops Cannings churchyard is home to a rather unsettling legend - that of the Headless Hound, a ghostly creature said to roam the grounds. This phantom dog is reportedly seen dragging a chain, its decapitated body a gruesome sight. The hound is categorised as a Shuck, a type of ghostly dog said to haunt various locations across the UK. Its appearances are shrouded in mystery, with no specific date or time given for when it was last seen.
Ghostly Coach of Whetham
Road heading towards Calne, Whetham
On the winding roads of Whetham, a spine-tingling sight has been reported by locals and travellers alike - a ghostly coach, majestically pulled by a team of six grey horses. This eerie apparition seems to materialise out of the darkness, its presence as fleeting as it is chilling. While details of the sightings are scarce, the image of this phantom carriage has become an integral part of local folklore, sparking curiosity and fear in equal measure.
Chained Dog of Quemerford
Pound's Mill, Quemerford
In the rolling countryside of Quemerford, Wiltshire, a peculiar sighting has been reported at Pound's Mill. A black dog with a chain hanging around its neck was spotted by a witness, who was left bewildered as the creature vanished through a closed door. This apparition is said to roam not just Pound's Mill but also other areas in the hamlet, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this ghostly canine.
Mysterious Downs Procession
Downs near the Vicarage, Heddington
The rolling hills of Heddington's downs have borne witness to a most peculiar occurrence. It's said that on one fateful evening, the local vicar was startled by the sounds of numerous men and horses making their way across the nearby downs. The commotion was loud enough to prompt the vicar to contact the authorities, but when the police arrived, they found nothing out of the ordinary. No signs of trespassers, no horse tracks, just an unsettling feeling that something had indeed passed through.
Ghostly Horses of Roundway Hill
Oliver's Castle, Devizes
Oliver's Castle, also known as Roundway Castle, stands atop a hill in Wiltshire where a bloody battle took place in 1643. Eight hundred men lost their lives in a tragic cavalry trap, and it's said their restless spirits still roam the area. Ghostly horses have been spotted galloping around the site, their ethereal manes and tails flowing in the wind. Some claim to have seen a headless ghost wandering the grounds, possibly connected to an ancient barrow on the site. Others speak of a phantom hound dragging a chain from its neck, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
The Fast Moving Man of Bishops Cannings
Lane behind churchyard, Bishops Cannings
In the quaint village of Bishops Cannings, Wiltshire, there's a stretch of lane behind the churchyard where locals and visitors alike have reported a rather unusual sighting. At dusk, a phantom figure is said to appear, moving at speed with a bag thrown over one shoulder. This fleeting apparition has been dubbed the Fast Moving Man, and his appearances have left many a witness scratching their heads. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the sightings, the consistency of the reports suggests that there's more to this ghostly figure than mere fantasy.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area known as 'Thyme Tree' between village and Coate

