The Golden Coffin Barrow
Kingston Deverill's mysterious barrow has long been the subject of local legend. This ancient earthwork is said to conceal a remarkable secret - a golden coffin buried deep beneath the surface. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has endured for generations, captivating the imagination of anyone who's heard it. The barrow itself is a reminder of Wiltshire's rich history, with many similar sites scattered throughout the county. Yet, it's the promise of a glittering, golden relic that sets this particular location apart.
Dating back to the prehistoric era, barrows like this one were typically constructed as burial mounds for important individuals. The notion of a golden coffin, while unsubstantiated, might be linked to the site's possible connection to ancient funerary practices. Unfortunately, without further research or excavation, the truth behind the legend remains a mystery. What is certain, however, is that the barrow has become an integral part of local folklore, symbolising the area's complex and fascinating heritage.
The barrow dates back to the prehistoric era, around 2000-3000 BCE.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Headless Men of Hill Deverill
Churchyard, Hill Deverill
Hill Deverill's rural churchyard is said to be haunted by a chilling apparition - the headless men. These ghostly figures are reported to appear around the churchyard, their presence sending shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike. While their motives remain a mystery, the headless men are a well-known and feared sight in this small Wiltshire village.
Devil Dog of Longbridge
Cow Down, Longbridge Deverill
Cow Down in Longbridge Deverill, Wiltshire, is a place where the ordinary and the eerie collide. It's said that on one fateful Palm Sunday, a terrifying hound, believed by some to be the Devil himself, appeared during an annual festival. The very presence of this beast sent the attendees fleeing in terror, and the party was never held again. This chilling encounter has become a part of local folklore, with the hound being referred to as the Devil Dog.
Phantom Huntsman of Gun's Church
Gun's Church, Hill Deverill
Deep in the Wiltshire countryside lies Gun's Church, an ancient site steeped in history and paranormal activity. This eerie location is home to the restless spirit of Henry Coker, a gentleman who's been causing a stir since his passing in 1730. Locals claim that Henry still rides his horse, accompanied by his hounds, as he rattles his chains and blows his hunting horn through the misty hills. It's said that on certain evenings, the sound of his horn echoes through the valley, sending shivers down the spines of those who've been lucky ��� or unlucky ��� enough to hear it.
Headless Horse of Crockerton
Church Lane, Crockerton
Crockerton's rural roads are said to be home to a rather unsettling spectre - a headless horse that gallops along Church Lane. Locals and travellers alike have reported catching glimpses of this ghostly equine, its headless body thundering along the lane. The horse's origins and purpose for its nocturnal rides remain a mystery, leaving many to wonder if it's a harbinger of doom or simply a lost soul.
The Devil's Dropped Stone
Large stone, East Knoyle
In the quaint village of East Knoyle, a large stone stands as a testament to local legend. This massive rock was once believed to be unmovable, and its origins are shrouded in myth. According to folklore, the stone was dropped by the Devil himself as he was constructing the iconic Stonehenge. The story goes that the Devil was carrying the stone as part of his building materials, but it slipped from his grasp and fell to the ground, landing in East Knoyle. Locals have been fascinated by this tale for centuries, and the stone remains a popular curiosity.
Kilmington Churchyard Ghost
Churchyard, Kilmington
Kilmington Churchyard in Wiltshire is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lord Stourton, a nobleman who met a grisly end. He was executed for murdering his father's servant, a crime that shocked the local community. According to local legend, Lord Stourton and his gang of murderous friends still roam the churchyard, seeking justice or revenge. The atmosphere is said to be heavy with foreboding, and many visitors have reported strange occurrences and sightings.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Barrow
