Skip to main content

Headless Girl of Savernake

Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire Apparition Pre-Victorian

Deep in the heart of Savernake Forest, a spine-tingling legend has been galloping through the trees for centuries. They say a young girl, riding her horse at breakneck speed, lost her head to a low-hanging branch. Now, her ghostly, headless form is said to haunt these very woods, searching for something or someone. Some claim to have spotted a large black dog and a white deer roaming the forest alongside her, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

The story of the Headless Girl dates back to a time when Savernake Forest was a popular spot for horse riding and hunting. It's likely that the girl was a local aristocrat or a servant who met her untimely demise while out riding. Witnesses have reported seeing her spectral form, and some have even claimed to have heard the sound of horse hooves pounding the earth. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims, the legend has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts to the forest.

Historical Context

The forest has been a popular spot for hunting and horse riding since medieval times

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woods
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
SN8

Nearby Haunted Places

Shuck 0.3 mi

Mildenhall Black Dog Haunting

Earthworks around Folly Farm, Mildenhall

Folly Farm near Mildenhall in Wiltshire is home to a long-standing legend about a dark hound known as the Black Dog. This eerie canine is said to roam the ancient earthworks that surround the farm, an area steeped in history dating back to Roman times. The earthworks are believed to be the remnants of a former Roman camp, and it's here that the Black Dog is thought to have originated. Locals have reported catching glimpses of this ghostly creature, which is often associated with the supernatural and the afterlife.

Ancient Earthworks Roman
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

Marlborough Highwayman Ghost Ride

General area, Marlborough

In the rolling hills of Marlborough, Wiltshire, a ghostly presence is said to ride through the countryside. The spirit of a highwayman is rumoured to haunt this area, and although sightings are rare, his ghostly horse and rider are more likely to be heard than seen. Locals claim that the sound of hooves on the ground can be heard as the highwayman follows the route of a road that no longer exists.

General Area Georgian
Read Full Story
Legend 1 mi

Devil's Oak Legend

Oak in Savernake Forest, Cadley

Deep in Savernake Forest, a centuries-old tree known as the Big Bellied Oak stands tall, shrouded in an aura of mystery and fear. This ancient oak has been the focal point of a bizarre legend, which claims that running around the tree seven or twelve times at midnight can conjure the Devil himself. The origins of this strange ritual are unclear, but its association with the Big Bellied Oak has become an integral part of local folklore, drawing thrill-seekers and curiosity-driven visitors to the forest.

Woods Unknown
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 1.2 mi

The Black Cat of Marlborough

Marlborough section of the Wansdyke, Marlborough

Marlborough's rolling hills and winding roads have witnessed their fair share of strange occurrences. One such incident involved a woman walking her dog near Wernham Farm in July 2003. As she strolled along the Marlborough section of the Wansdyke, a large black cat suddenly appeared, locking eyes with her before slowly disappearing into the distance. The encounter was brief yet unsettling, leaving the witness to ponder the identity of the mysterious feline.

Rural Road Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

The White Monk of Marlborough

Former chapel along High Street, Marlborough

Marlborough's historic High Street is home to a former chapel that's now a hub of paranormal activity. In the 1970s, a worker at the building reported seeing a monk in white clothing, which has become a legendary sighting in local ghost lore. The apparition, dubbed the White Monk, was seen wandering the premises, adding to the mystique of this already intriguing location. Mild poltergeist-like activity has also been reported, making this a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal.

Former Chapel Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Shuck 1.3 mi

Cadley Black Dog Haunting

Fields between village and Marlborough, Cadley

The rolling hills and fields between Cadley and Marlborough in Wiltshire are said to be haunted by a mysterious black dog. This phantom canine is known as a Shuck, a type of ghostly dog that has been reported in various parts of England. The black dog is said to roam the fields, its presence striking fear into the hearts of locals and travellers alike. While there's no record of any specific sightings or encounters, the legend of the black dog has endured, adding to the area's rich history of paranormal activity.

Rural Field Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Savernake Forest