Sunday 27th August 2023

The former graveyard of St. Andrew’s Church stands along a small footpath, off the Dowles Road, on the outskirts of Bewdley, Worcestershire.  More commonly known as ‘Dowles Graveyard’, the site has, seemingly, become highly popular with ‘ghost hunting types’ in more recent years.

As with most places of this kind, however, there clearly seems to be no ‘recorded’, historical record of haunting here and – more tellingly – any online data concerning the spot boils down to the same, few (very few indeed!) lines of data being parroted from website to website, blog to blog, etc.  Hooded figures, the ghost of a child and the figure of a mysterious man is about as detailed as you can find, with regards to recorded lore…

Personally, I would raise a query as to whether the site has any real ghostlore attached to it and posit that it is now just ‘known to be haunted’ purely because of ‘what the place is’… mixed with the poaching, plug-and-play attitude of the mainstream, so-called, ‘paranormal field’ of today?  Of course, many a site is wrongly claimed to be ‘notoriously haunted’ now, simply because of the latter.  Is Dowles Graveyard just one of those places that someone has claimed is haunted (for whatever reason) – probably via a comment or video on the net – encouraging the inevitable slew of ‘paranormal experiencers’ to then visit?

 

 

Having only just learned of the location in fairly recent times myself, I have had to draw all of my own research from references on the internet.  In truth, there seems to be little known about the site – from any angle – which has, most likely, only helped to build the mysterious reputation of the place…   

In traveling to the region and momentarily referring to a map on Sunday – trying to get my bearings in a town I’d not seen for almost 40 yrs now – one kind local spotted my slightly puzzled expression and asked ‘what I was looking for?’  In explaining myself, Dowles Road was pointed out to me (I was literally standing next to the street sign bearing its name!), ‘But I don’t know of any graveyard up that way…!?’ the man said with a shrug.

 

 

In scanning online references to the location, I’ve seen it described as ‘lost’, ‘forgotten’, ‘hidden’… though – apart from the aforementioned, baffled local – most people certainly seem to know where it is!  Again, the cemetery stands alongside a public footpath… and just the amount of dog-walkers I called out ‘good morning’ to, while scrutinising the site, seems to indicate it’s anything but ‘lost and forgotten’!?

All of the above being said… the graveyard itself is a pretty and pleasant place.  Overgrown and secluded as it is, even a mildly imaginative visitor can well foresee a somewhat ‘creepy’ atmosphere manifesting after darkness falls here…?

 

 

Referring to the map above, the church would have stood just to the North-East of the graveyard, if it hadn’t been demolished in 1956 (some records saying ‘because of a fire’?)  There was, supposedly, some form of ecclesiastical structure here as early as 1170… though certain sources say the site was 14^th Cent or 17^th Cent(?)  Apparently, it was re-built in 1798, with further alterations in 1882…

A number of websites mention that a local witch – Susan Wowen – was buried here… suggesting that she was so wicked, she sprouted 3” ‘horns’ on her head!  It was said that she ‘shed’ these protrusions at certain times, in order for fresh ones to grow through… One Mr Soley, of Sandbourne, is said to have kept one of these horns and had it ‘tipped with silver’ Another was supposedly sent to the Ashmolean Museum, in Oxford, and is allegedly kept in storage there to this day?

Another, online, source suggests that a formerly ‘possessed’ woman – by the name of Joyce Dovey - is also buried here… though I haven’t had sufficient time to chase this particular matter up, as yet?  There was indeed such a case of alleged possession in the Bewdley area, during the early 1600’s, but it’s not known whether the victim was finally interred at St. Andrews – as indicated - or not?

Tuesday 22nd August 2023

Just this past weekend (Aug. 20^th), John Chance and myself traveled across into the Welsh Marches to take a look-see at a couple of historic, ‘haunted’ locations…

The ruin of Hopton Castle stands just on the Shropshire side of the English / Welsh border and probably started life as a ‘motte and bailey’ style fortification.  Situated in a rather remote – yet stunningly beautiful – location, the remaining tower structure. It is estimated, dates from the 12^th century.

The ghostlore associated with this spot hails from some 500 or so years later, however, and concerns probably the most turbulent and bloody event in the entire history of the locality. 

During the English Civil War period, this was one of the few castles in the region that fell under the Parliamentarian banner.  Being only a relatively small position, there was a mere handful of troops et to defend the site. 

In 1644, some 500 Royalist troops laid siege to the building, but, despite such overwhelming odds, actually taking over the structure proved quite impossible.  There followed a siege of a few weeks duration, during which time Hopton Castle received reinforcements, bringing the number of defenders up to 30 or so men.  After further, bloody fighting – during which time the garrison ignored calls to surrender and potentially killed 200 of the Royalist troops in the process – the conflict finally reached a point where the defenders basically ‘knew that their time was up’.  The castle door was set on fire and the walls themselves were being undermined, so the castle commander let it be known that they were ready to eventually ‘give in’...

 

 

What followed next seems to have 101 different versions, but it is accepted as fact only the commanding officer of the garrison was allowed to leave the site alive!  Details of ‘how’ the tired defenders met their demise differ from telling to telling, but they were all seemingly executed and their remains disposed of on site.

Most accounts seem to indicate that the men were tied up and thrown into a water-filled depression – the moat or a nearby pond – being viciously ‘cut down’ as they tried to climb out…  Other stories tell of how their hands were severed from their bodies and their throats slit, before being deposited in nearby murky waters.  Another version relates how they were all placed inside the half-water-filled cellars of the castle itself, or a nearby, substantial building… and the structure burned with them trapped below.  (There were a number of structures around Hopton Castle tower itself at this point in history, including a large house.  The cellar of the latter was partially unearthed – though no bodies discovered – during a visit from the archaeological TV programme ‘Time Team’ in 2010).

It goes without saying that, if great tragedy or horrific occurrences were an inspiration for the ‘creation of a ghost’ (somehow?), then the aforementioned incidents were surely horrendous enough to summon up some kind of lasting impression here?  Whatever… it is the ghosts of the murdered defenders who are said to be seen solemnly filing out of the tower… heads bowed… before turning left and simply ‘fading away’ at the point where they presumably died?

 

 

A second ghost at the site is said to be that of a young woman, spotted over near the pond at the rear of the locality.  She is thought to be the apparition of one Elizabeth Mayrick, the betrothed of one of the unfortunate defenders.  When news of the massacre initially spread, she travelled to the spot to find her bellowed.  Locals took her to the pond, where the body of her love was left and she was said to have spent days here, weeping, before finally dying of a broken heart…

Not far from Hopton Castle stands the rural town of Clun, which lies in the shadow of a once imposing fortress!  Sadly, very little remains of Clun Castle today, but visitors to the site can still see what an enormous, formidable structure the stronghold once was, in its heyday!  It does take a little, determined, climbing to reach the visible ruins – set atop their lofty hill – but, believe me, the resulting views of the surrounding countryside is WELL worth a little sweat and effort, I assure you!

 

 

It should be mentioned that, while this was my first visit to the area, I had long wished to take a look at the location after first hearing of Clun Castle in an episode of the ‘Robin Of Sherwood’ TV series, back in the 1980’s.  Details are a touch hazy after all of these years, but I believe the site was the base for the ‘baddies’ in that particular episode, who were topped off with the legendary Richard O’ Brien (of ‘Rocky Horror Show’ fame), playing the part of an evil wizard / magician!

Built by the late 11^th Century, the castle is recorded as already being in a ‘ruinous state’ by the middle-half of the 16^th Cent.  A prosperous location and locality during the 1200’s – under the control of the Fitzalan family – the subsequent abandonment by the line, as their key family dwelling, ensured that the role of Clun Castle was somewhat reduced, until, in the 1300’s, it was mainly used as a ‘hunting lodge’...

Unfortunately, there doesn’t really seem to be any ghostlore or spooky legends attached to the castle… though one ‘ghost group’ has ‘investigated’ it, in recent years, it seems?  (The investigation of properties with no ghost to speak of has seemingly become quite popular, mainly because the over-population of the field concerned forces people to go increasingly further afield to find new places to look into… including ‘non-haunted’ sites, it appears!)  In the blurb on their related, Youtube video, there is a small mention of the ‘ghosts of knights’ - or some such bumf – being seen here, but an extensive search of extensive bookshelves… and a quick dig on Google… turns up absolutely zilch on the location!

My friend John Chance told me that he visited Clun Castle around 10 years ago now and, upon crossing the footbridge to the site, spotted the figure of a girl at the side of the river.  He said that she seemed to be engaged in some form of toil – washing, perhaps – and was dressed in Medieval-type garb… with leather, skull-cap-style headwear and matching smock..!?

 

 

Later, within the remaining section of Keep, he had moved out across a walkway / viewing platform – which ran from the top of the hillock to a particular window in the ruin itself – when he had heard the sound of male voices coming from somewhere below him…?  What they were saying couldn’t be made out, but a distinct sound of ‘men mumbling to one another’ was heard… from somewhere underneath where he stood?

As always – my THANKS go out to John Chance, for including me in yet another of his legendary rambles!  Another fantastic day out, in equally fantastic company!

 

Tuesday 22nd August 2023

As with many allegedly haunted sites, the (by now ‘infamous’) Ancient Ram Inn, in Gloucestershire, is hard to chase up and tie down when it comes to its supposed, ‘ghostly heritage’...  This is considerable irony, of course, given it currently stands as one of the most well-known ‘haunted houses’ in the country!  Despite this popularity, in recent decades, with the ‘ghost hunting fraternity’, it proves literally impossible to unearth any published records pertaining to the alleged haunting, over a few years old.

On such matter, it was only in the last year or so that I was informed one researcher had made a determined effort to root out historic references to the sites ‘ghosts’ and came to the firm conclusion that the late owner of the site, John Humphries, had most likely ‘dreamed up’ most – if not all – that was being claimed about the property?

I must admit, having seen many reports regarding the building – also TV documentaries and video taken by independent sources, etc – I would most certainly tend to concur with such an appraisal.

Whatever the truth behind the professed ‘hauntings’ (and there are many ghosts and happenings here… allegedly!), The Ancient Ram is clearly one of the most visited locations in this paranormally charged country.  Of the small handful of ghost researchers that I have cause to deal with on a personal level, ALL have investigated the property on at least one occasion… one around 15 times and, another, an overnight, charity stay just in recent weeks!

Probably the most enviable investigation of the site that I’ve heard about was conducted by my old friend Wayne Pickrell and members of the Black Country Paranormal Society in 2002.  I say ‘most enviable’ in this particular instance, as it was conducted in the presence of the late David Farrant – of ‘Highgate Vampire’ fame – who was one of my childhood heroes and inspirations!

 

 

My own, eventual, introduction to ‘The Ram’ came in late May of this year, when John Chance kindly took me with him to an open day that was being held there.  Despite knowing it was clearly something of an ‘eccentric location’ in itself, I still wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the place… and certainly didn’t think I was going to ‘fall madly in love with the building’ – as I most certainly did – in no time at all!  (It was one of those locations that had me professing a wish to happily ‘move in tomorrow’, given just half a chance!)

With regards to the alleged ‘ghosts’ at the site, it would probably take a sizeable volume to cover most of the reported happenings – even briefly – especially factoring all of the reports and claims supposedly catalogued by visiting investigators and clubs.  Even just looking to the original source for the bulk of stories, there were just so many separate tales and legends listed, this source alone would constitute something of a task in itself…

As anyone who has visited The Ancient Ram Inn will know, there are numerous newspaper articles about the place dotted around the interior walls of the property.  Sadly, many of these don’t seem to be dated… but there are a handful of ‘older looking’ clippings in certain regions.  One – written by journalist Peter Hayward – mentions that 4 ghosts are said to haunt the former pub.  One apparition, seen by John himself, was said to be that of a ‘Cavalier’ style figure.  He reports that others have also seen this particular phantom… walking through the walls of the property!

The other 3 ghosts are those of a monk, a woman called Elizabeth and a man named Tom.  A ‘diviner’, visiting the site, picked up on the Cavalier and young Elizabeth and said that both had been murdered here… and the body of the latter lay under the former bar-room floor, in a bricked up cellar!  John had professed a wish to dig up the aforementioned floor, to see if he might unearth access to the basement area in question?

Another article, from the very early 1970’s, mentions ‘diviners’ visiting the site and allegedly unearthing fact after fact pertaining to the building… including the discovery of a fabled ‘secret tunnel’, a flight of stairs (probably leading to the above-mentioned cellar), and the sites of many graves(?)  Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, none of these ‘features’ have ever been unearthed, however… so it seems the claims of the dowser could be treated with a pinch of salt.  (If anyone does know data to the contrary, however, please do drop me a line, as I’d love to know more on such topics!)

During our visit in May, John Chance did point out the floor of the ‘Barn’ area.  He informed me that John Humphries – who he had become friends with, over the space of his numerous visits – had stated a wish to excavate the floor of that chamber, in order to uncover a number of bodies that were buried there!?  Needless to say, is this one of the burial sites listed by the ‘diviner’?

 

 

Also inside the property are a number of small, hand-written signs and information cards referring to the resident ghosts… though ‘other’ than the spectres initially mentioned.  In a bedroom window, at the front of the property – for the attention of pedestrians – there is a card that states: ‘The ghost of a very old lady appears here and moves out of the door onto the landing seen by myself, my daughters and others’.  Intriguingly, actually ‘inside’ the same room, fastened to the same window ledge, there is another note which says: ‘The ghost of a crippled child is seen waving to passers by, here’.

On the stairs, another hand-written note refers to a portrait, situated nearby: ‘Hanging on the stairs is a picture of Rev. John Wesley bought a year ago at antique sales.  On entering the ‘Ram’ there was a sudden drop in temperature and such a change in the atmosphere no one could stay in the building.  It is at this spot a ghost appears of a lady + people are thrown back up the stairs but not since the picture has been hung…’

There are many such note-like references dotted around the property – alleged historic data, paranormal, supernatural, occult references and so forth – though, unfortunately, the casual visitor has no real idea of the validity of what they’re reading, or where the data has supposedly come from needless to say(?)  In the room that contains the so-called ‘Witches Grave’, there is a sign over one doorway claiming that the local church stands over a ‘Pagan altar and grove’ and the Ram itself is sited on an ‘ancient British burial ground, dating back to 500 BC’…?  The latter claim, it is suggested, is why there is probably so much ‘paranormal activity’ at the property…

Personally, I would suggest a single feature from more recent history as the simple ‘key’ to most of what has been claimed here…

 

 

Whatever the validity and true origins of the stories associated with The Ancient Ram Inn, it has to be said that finally getting to see the site for myself – especially casually, without the confines of an investigative situation – FAR surpassed any preconceived notions that I harboured on the site… in a most ‘positive’ fashion, I hasten to add!  Ghosts aside, the building itself literally oozes history and it’s quirky, outlandish nature and décor only adds to the overall weird experience in bucket-loads!  Really… who cares if the supposed ghostlore is mainly a fiction, as the irregular queerness of the property – with all of its potential bluff and bluster – just carries such an outlandish provenance so well, on its heavy beamed framework…

An absolutely magnificent visit to a fantastic property… only made all the better by the superb company of my lovely guide, John Chance!  Once more – thank you very much, John!