These 11 famous ghost sightings in Devon will send chills down your spine
From hairy hands to a headless horseman, these spiritual sightings have all been made famous in the south west
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GHOSTLY WOMAN SPOTTED AT PAIGNTON'S OLDWAY MANSION
There’s no doubt about it – there is so much history to explore in Devon.
But it is only as we delve deeper into the past when we discover there have been plenty of accounts of ghost sightings in the area.
Earlier this week, a Paignton mum spoke of her disbelief at apparently capturing a ghost while filming her son riding a bicycle outside a 19 century mansion.
Here are 11 other famous accounts of ghost sightings in Devon.
Hairy Hands
One of the most famous – and bizarre haunted stories the county has heard of.
Dartmoor has plenty terrifying tales to tell but the strangest of the lot is that of the hairy hands.
Throughout the 20th century, there were an unusually high number of crashes in the area, and the hairy hands are thought to be responsible as they suddenly appear, grabbing the steering wheel of a moving car, forcing the victim off the road.
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Ghosts In Devon
Waterman’s Arms, Bow Bridge, Devon
The restaurant is thought to be haunted by the spectre of a grey lady, who wanders the premises clutching a bunch of keys.
She usually looks distressed or gloomy, and it is thought she was a former lady of the house.
Several accounts of the lady say they do not recognise her presence until she begins ‘dissolving.’
The Three Crowns Hotel, Chagford
The building dates back to the 13th century, and was the family home of the Whiddons, one of whom was shot dead on her wedding day in 1641.
Two years later, Sidney Godolphin was killed at the hotel’s porch, and today, the resident ghost of Sidney wanders around the hotel in full Cavalier dress and a plumed hat.
Those that have spotted him say he fixes them with a sad stare when manifesting in front of them.
Reel Cinema, Plymouth
Over the last few years, both guests and staff have witnessed ghastly activity at this historic cinema.
Indeed, back in the day, the venue is believed to have been a burying ground for a number of for a number of Napoleonic prisoners of war, leaving all sorts of spooky activities behind.
A full manifestation of a woman in white has been seen in the cinema, screen two, while there have also been sightings of her just outside the ladies toilets.
Paignton Picture House
The building is thought to be one of the oldest purpose built cinemas in Europe, and one of the most haunted.
Famous author Agatha Christie was a regular visitor to the cinema, and several accounts of visible spirits have been reported, including that of a wealthy Edwardian lady called Mary and a soldier called Edward.
Some have also spotted a wealthy woman wearing a mink coat – surely not Agatha Christie herself?
Okehampton Castle
Another famous area for ghost spotting, the ghost of Lady Howard has been spotted on numerous occasions.
Legend has it that she picks a blade of grass in the area as punishment for murdering all of her husbands, and her ordeal will only be completed once every blade of grass is removed from the Castle Mound.
The Fisherman’s Cot, Bickleigh
Regarded as ‘one of the most picturesque inns in the southwest of England,’ the building is also one of the most haunted.
Staff at the inn say the spirit of a young lady haunts the building, and is most active around the bar area, where the sound of the laughter is often heard by staff and guests.
Another ghost has reportedly been spotted outside the pub – but instead of a laughful lady, this one is a headless horseman.
The Elizabethan House , Plymouth
Dating back from 1584, the venue is a restored captain’s dwelling.
It’s currently closed for vital renovation works ahead of its grand re-opening as part of the Mayflower 2020 celebrations, but in its previous days, has been home to a number of ghastly experiences.
One of these was just under 35 years ago, when a cradle began to rock out of the blue, with no wind or draught present.
It is believed that an infant child has been seen within this small wooden cradle, while there has also been many sightings of a figure of a young girl looking out of the window from the top floor, catching the attention of people passing by.
Berry Pomeroy Castle
Built during the early 12th century, Berry Pomeroy Castle is yet another building packed with ghostly apparitions.
However, the most renowned spirit to frequent the castle is that of the White Lady who reportedly haunts the dungeons of St Margaret’s Tower.
This mysterious figure often seen by visitors is thought to be the ghost of Lady Margaret Pomeroy who spent almost twenty years imprisoned in the cells at the hands of her sister, Lady Eleanor.
Those who have encountered the White Lady described experiencing feelings of misery and dread, which is unsurprising seeing as she spent most of youth trapped in the dungeons.
Churston Court Inn
Based just outside Brixham harbour is the Churston Court Inn.
Built in the 12 century, it is said that this charming little pub is host to a number of spirits, the most notable of which is a group of monks who have been spotted by several customers.
According to reports, the monks have been seen blowing out candles in the dining area of the building late in the evening, perhaps hoping no one will see them!
Powderham Castle
Predominantly built sometime between the 14 and 15 centuries, Powderham castle is home to a whole host of wandering spirits.
The Grey Lady, as she is known, is perhaps the most feared of these ghosts to haunt the castle in that although she is not evil in spirit, it is said that to witness her appearance is a bad omen. Guests have reported seeing her floating around the castle’s colossal library.
Another and perhaps more gloomy spirit also residing in the castle is that of a young mother and her child. Although sightings of the pair had been reported for several hundreds of years previously, builders working inside the castle only discovered their bodies around 200 years ago.
Subsequently, a burial was arranged for them by the owners of the castle, however, sightings of the pair are still reported frequently.
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