Marlborough Highwayman Ghost Ride
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.
Historical records suggest that highwaymen were active in this region during the 17th and 18th centuries. It's possible that the ghostly rider is a former outlaw who met his demise in these very fields. The fact that the highwayman is said to follow a now-defunct road adds to the mystery. While there are no concrete details about the highwayman's identity or the circumstances of his death, his ghostly presence has become a topic of interest among local residents and paranormal enthusiasts.
17th and 18th century highwaymen
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Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Merlin's Mysterious Burial Ground
Merlin's Mound, Marlborough
Merlin's Mound stands quietly within the grounds of Marlborough College in Wiltshire, shrouded in an aura of mystique and ancient legend. This unassuming hill is said to conceal the final resting place of Merlin, the legendary wizard synonymous with King Arthurian lore. While there's little tangible evidence to support the claim, the site has captured the imagination of many, sparking curiosity about the mysterious figure buried beneath. As you stand on the mound, it's hard not to ponder the stories of magic and wonder that have become intertwined with Merlin's name.
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.
Manton's Headless Dog Shuck
House, Manton
In the quaint village of Manton, Wiltshire, there's a tale of a rather unsettling ghostly apparition known as the Headless Dog. This spectral hound was said to haunt a house along Preshute Lane, a location now sadly demolished. The dog's ghostly form was distinguished by its lack of a head, but it was the dragging of a chain from its neck on the floor that produced the only sound, a haunting noise that must have sent shivers down the spines of those unfortunate enough to encounter it. Interestingly, the owner of the property where the ghostly dog appeared was not afraid of the entity, a fact that adds a layer of intrigue to this already fascinating paranormal account.
The Phantom of Henry Watts
Memorial between Marlborough and Hungerford, A4
On a stretch of the A4 between Marlborough and Hungerford in Wiltshire, a rather eerie encounter took place back in October 1956. Four people travelling home in a car spotted a tall man dressed in a long coat standing by a memorial. As they drew closer, the figure vanished into thin air. The memorial in question was put up by a grieving father, Henry Watts, in memory of his son Alfie who died in a cart accident way back in 1879.
Headless Girl of Savernake
Savernake Forest, Marlborough
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.
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