Skip to main content

The Old Man of Coate

Path across field heading towards Pond House, Coate, Wiltshire Apparition Unknown

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.

Historical records for Coate and the surrounding area are patchy, but it's likely that the old man has been a part of local legend for centuries. The fact that he's described as wearing old-fashioned clothing suggests that he may be a lingering spirit from a bygone era. While we don't have many details about the old man's appearance or behaviour, his reputation as a harmless ghost has endured. Witnesses have reported seeing him on the path across the field, but there are no accounts of him being aggressive or malevolent.

Historical Context

The area has been rural for centuries

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Field
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1972?
Postcode Area
SN15

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.5 mi

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.

Country Lane Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1 mi

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.

Rural Lane Modern
Read Full Story
Shuck 1.5 mi

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.

Churchyard Unknown
Read Full Story
Legend 1.8 mi

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.

Round Barrow Neolithic
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.8 mi

Maria Heathcote's Haunted School

Southbroom House, Devizes

Southbroom House in Devizes, Wiltshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Maria Heathcote. This historic building, now a school, has a reputation for paranormal activity. Some believe that Maria Heathcote's spirit once roamed the halls, although details about her life and death are scarce. The haunting is characterised by unexplained occurrences that have been reported by students and staff over the years.

School Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.9 mi

The Barn Gates of All Cannings

Area behind the village hall, All Cannings

In the quiet village of All Cannings, Wiltshire, there's a spot where the past lingers, quite literally. Behind the village hall, a field once held a barn, long since demolished, but its presence still resonates with some locals. They claim to hear the creaking sound of its gate swinging open, even though the barn itself has been gone for many years. It's as if the gate's hinges still hold a memory of the countless times they swung open to welcome in the day's work.

Field Mid 20th Century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Path across field heading towards Pond House