The Paranormal Database

Examining folkloric, paranormal & cryptozoological locations in the UK and beyond

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Dartmoor Ghosts, Folklore and Forteana

Military Horseman

Location: Dartmoor - Newhouse Inn (ruins)
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: This figure wearing a grey greatcoat has been seen riding along near the ruins of this building.

David Davies

Location: Dartmoor - Prison
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Weather dependent: Misty nights (Davies)
Further Comments: Davies tended to the prison sheep between 1869 and 1929. He died soon after being released, but his ghost returned, walking the prison grounds on misty nights. The prison is also haunted by French PoWs from the Napoleonic wars, while some inmates believe jackdaws which fly around the area contain the souls of dead staff.

Fresh Flowers on Grave

Location: Dartmoor - Road between Heatree Cross and Hound Tor
Type: Unknown Ghost Type
Date / Time: 1860 onwards
Further Comments: Like many nineteenth century suicides, Mary 'Kitty' Jay was buried at a crossroads. Fresh flowers are reported to be found at the grave, though no one has ever seen them placed. A floating female figure is also reported to have been seen by the graveside, as has a man draped in a dark blanket.


An old magic lantern slide of the River Dart.

Calling Stones

Location: Dartmoor - Rowbrook, Broad Stones, River Dart
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: It is said that the Dart takes one life a year, by gently calling the victim's name until they fall into the waters and drown.

Unforgiven Women

Location: Dartmoor - Scorhill Circle
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Still present
Further Comments: The largest stone circle on Dartmoor, it was said that 'sinful' women would pray for forgiveness at the foot of the stones - if God chose not to be lenient, a stone would fall upon them... Seven of the thirty stones have fallen, though no one can say for sure if bodies lay underneath.


A Devon pixie.

Pixie

Location: Dartmoor - Shaugh Bridge area
Type: Fairy
Date / Time: 1897
Further Comments: This wee fellow, standing forty-five centimetres in height and wearing blue and red clothing, quickly vanished once realising that he had been spotted. The area is also said to be where the Devil and his hellhounds hunt.

Little People

Location: Dartmoor - Sheepstor - Pixies Cave
Type: Fairy
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: The cave was shared with the pixies by humans when hiding during the Civil War.

Wool Delivery

Location: Dartmoor - Spinsters Rock
Type: Legend
Date / Time: Still present
Further Comments: A burial cairn, it is said that these works were constructed by three passing spinsters who were en route to deliver a bundle of wool.

John Stephens

Location: Dartmoor - Stephens' Grave
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Buried at this remote spot after committing suicide, the shade of Stephens is skeletal and dressed in a decaying grey robe.

Galloping

Location: Dartmoor - Throwleigh
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Invisible creatures running along can be heard, and the wind of their passing felt.

The Devil does a Deal

Location: Dartmoor - Tunhill Kistvaen
Type: Legend - Old Nick
Date / Time: 21 October 1631
Further Comments: It was at this spot that Jan Reynolds was approached by a cloaked stranger who bought his soul from him for seven years of good luck. He agreed, and seven years later the Devil came and took his due, while Jan sat in Widecombe church.

Funeral

Location: Dartmoor - Wistman's Wood, one mile north of Two Bridges
Type: Haunting Manifestation
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: A procession of white clad figures where observed walking through the wood, following the path of what was once a well-used funeral route.

Wish Hounds

Location: Dartmoor - Wistman's Wood, one mile north of Two Bridges
Type: Shuck
Date / Time: Unknown
Further Comments: Large black dogs are rumoured to hunt in this area of the moors - they once killed the son of a farmer.

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