Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Snare Hill Bear

On 15 June 1979 a story regarding the sighting of a Himalayan or Malaysian bear seen by several witnesses on the outskirts of a wood near the A1066 at Snare Hill, appeared in the Bury Free Press, Sunderland Echo and national press.

Castle Hill, Thetford

Castle Hill (Castle Mound or Military Parade) is the remains of Thetford’s second castle, a 12th century motte and bailey castle which replaced the towns earlier 11th century Red Castle.

The Old Rectory (Friary Court, Old Friary), Southfleet

Since the 1950s, the 14th century Grade II listed, Old Rectory on Hook Green Road has been divided into two residences, Friary Court and the Old Friary. The rectory, which had a reputation for being haunted in the 19th century, was probably built by Thomas de Alkham (Died 1356), rector of Southfleet from 1323 and the chancellor of Rochester Diocese from 1327.

The Submerged Island

There was supposed to be a submerged island near Port Soderick which appeared every seven years. Train relates the story of one of these appearances as follows:–Many a time and oft had Nora Cain heard her old grandsire relate the tradition of the enchanted island at Port Soderick, while sitting spinning by the turf fire on a winter’s evening.

Dartford Crossing

The Dartford Crossing which consists of two tunnels and a bridge takes the A282 over the River Thames as part of London’s M25 orbital ring road linking Dartford with Thurrock. The first tunnel opened in 1963, the second in 1980 and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in 1991.

Annan Castle

Annan Castle was the home of the Lords of Annandale, the de Brus family (later known as the Bruce family), before they moved to Lochmaben Castle. The move occurred after the River Annan flooded and damaged the motte and bailey castle’s foundations.

Melrose Abbey

In 1136 the Cistercian Melrose Abbey was founded following a request from King David I (Scotland) (Born 1084 – Died 24 May 1153) and took ten years to build, though it was added to and extended over the following decades. Being in the border region the Abbey was unfortunately damaged several times during conflicts between the English and the Scottish.

The Stone Cross Of Ballafletcher

In a wild and barren field near Ballafletcher there was formerly a large Stone Cross, but in the many changes and revolutions which have happened in this Island has been broken down, and part of it lost; but there still remains the cross part.

Buckinghamshire Revenant

The following by the Augustinian Canon William Parvus, also known as William of Newburgh (or Newbury) (Born 1136 – Died 1198) concerns a haunting or what is sometimes considered a potential vampire case.