The Headless Hound of 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.
The history of ghostly dogs in British folklore is rich and varied, with tales of these creatures dating back centuries. The Headless Hound of Bishops Cannings is just one example of this phenomenon. While details of its appearance are scarce, the fact that it's described as headless and dragging a chain adds to its eerie reputation. As a Shuck, it's part of a larger tradition of ghostly canine sightings that continue to fascinate and unsettle people to this day.
The legend of the Headless Hound is part of a larger tradition of ghostly canine sightings in British folklore.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Phantom Pig of Horton
Pig Lane, Horton
Pig Lane in Horton is a rural route with a rather unusual reputation. Locals claim that a large phantom hog haunts this lane, often accompanied by a rolling barrel. The origins of this haunting are unclear, but it's said that the ghostly pig has been spotted numerous times, leaving many to wonder if there's any truth behind the legend. Some believe that the phantom pig may be connected to the area's agricultural past, while others think it might be a prank gone wrong. Whatever the reason, the phantom pig of Horton remains a fascinating mystery.
The Old Man of Coate
Path across field heading towards Pond House, Coate
In the rolling countryside of Coate, Wiltshire, there's a path across a field that's said to be haunted by a little old man dressed in old-fashioned clothing. This pathway, which leads towards Pond House, has been the site of numerous reports of a ghostly apparition. The old man is said to appear to passersby, but details of his behaviour and appearance are scarce. What we do know is that he's been a part of local folklore for many years, with some claiming to have caught a glimpse of him in 1972.
Golden Chair Barrow Haunting
Round barrow, Enford
Deep in the Wiltshire countryside lies the enigmatic Round Barrow in Enford, a site steeped in mystery and legend. At its heart, or rather its base, is said to reside a glittering golden chair, an unexplained presence that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. While there's no concrete evidence to support the existence of this chair, its reputation has endured, drawing curious visitors to this ancient earthwork.
The Thyme Tree Ghost
Area known as 'Thyme Tree' between village and Coate, Bishop's Cannings
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.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Churchyard

