Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Mysterious Britain & Ireland

Hauntings / Poltergiests

Balornock Poltergeist (1974 – 1975)

The following article entitled ‘Noises in the night-and the suspect is a spirit’ was published in the Glasgow Herald on 17 January 1975.

Banging noises, terrified families……it’s all being blamed on a mischievous ghost. JOHN McKINLAY reports on the chaos in a Glasgow housing scheme which started with a weird tapping noise.

Haunted Pubs / Hauntings

The WestGate, Bath

The following paragraph from the pubs in Bath website refers to it being haunted. ‘Situated in the bustling centre not 100 metres from the famous baths, the WestGate is a lively meeting place with a twist on the traditional pub.

Haunted Pubs / Hauntings / Poltergiests

The Salamander, Bath

Referred to locally as ‘The Sally’, The Salamander can be found at 3 John Street, Bath, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1736. Haunt like experiences have been reported here during this century at least, including unexplained footsteps and unaccounted for singing and talking being heard.

Giants / Legends

Giant Blacksmith of Batcombe

A skilled giant blacksmith lived upon Burn Hill according to local legend and he would appear whenever his name was called in order to perform acts of blacksmithing which was considered beyond the capability of mortal man.

Black Dogs / Hauntings

Gold Hill Black Dog

There is a black dog tradition thought to be attached to Gold Hill in Batcombe, described as having a chain around its neck. The associated story suggests that the dog’s owner in life buried it in woodland nearby.

Ancient Sites / Devil / Early Christianity / Legends

Banwell Cross

A two feet high pillow mound earthwork shaped as a cross in Banwell has a Devil legend attached to it. According to the story, the villagers of Banwell attempted to erect a large cross on Banwell Hill, but each night the Devil would come along and blow it down. In order to prevent this the villagers decided to create the cross on the ground making it difficult for the Devil to destroy.

English Folktales / Folklore / Folktales

Tyrone’s Bed

A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5 (1911) explains that ‘On the north side of Marland, by the Roch, is a wooded clough known as Tyrone’s Bed, a story invented by Roby and William Nuttall (d. 1840) gaining currency that the Earl of Tyrone, outlawed by Elizabeth, took refuge there.’ Below is the story of Hugh O’Neill (Hugh The Great O’Neill) (Born c.

Hauntings

Bath Assembly Rooms

The Grade I listed Bath Assembly Rooms date from 1769 and were designed by John Wood, the Younger (Born 25 February 1728 – Died 18 June 1782). It is said to be haunted by a thin hunched figure wearing a black robe and large black hat. This figure is also thought the Saville Row which is behind the Assembly Rooms.

Apparitions / Hauntings

19 Bennett Street, Bath

Admiral Arthur Phillip, the First Governor of Australia lived at 19 Bennett Street in Bath from 1806 and died here in 1814. The Dictionary of National Biography gives th efollowing account of his life and career. ‘PHILLIP, ARTHUR (1738–1814), vice-admiral and first governor of New South Wales, was born in the parish of Allhallows, Bread Street, London, on 11 Oct. 1738.