Halloween

What is Halloween?

The term Halloween is a shortened version of "All-Hallow-Even", the eve of "All-Hallows'-Day" (also known as All Saints' Day). The modern version of Halloween is believed to have originated from the ancient Pagan festival Samhain. In Celtic culture, Samhain celebrated the end of the harvest season and stocking up on supplies and livestock for the winter ahead.

The Celts believed that on the evening of October 31st,  the deceased would come back to life and cause trouble to the livings' health and crops as the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead overlapped. The Celts therefore held festivals to scare off or placate returning troublesome spirits, that included burning bonfires and wearing costumes and masks. 

Burgh Island Devon

Burgh Island is located off the Devon coast facing Bigbury on Sea, the island is linked to the main land by a sandbar.
 
The island is home to the ancient old Pilchard Inn, it is believed that the island is also haunted by none other than Tom Crocker who was leader to a band of vicious pirates in the late 14th century. It was well known that Crocker and his men were indeed responsible for looting and plundering a wide array of ships over many years during the 14th century.
Although Crocker met his demise after a well coordinated attack ordered by the King of England Edward III, this was due to the fact that Crocker had previously attacked an English ship.
His band of men were defeated and surrendered after a brutal fight and Crocker himself  was captured and dragged kicking and screaming for his life to the highest point upon Burgh Island from where he was hung by his neck until he was declared dead. It is said that his restless ghost has been sighted outside the Pilchard Inn and also wandering aimlessly on the shores of Burgh Island!! Crocker's nebulous ghost is said to appear on the anniversary of his death on August 13th every year!!!

White Lady Road

'The White Lady of Radford is probably the most well known of all the ghosts that are said to haunt this very area. The suspected ghost is a former resident from the old Radford House. There are several different ghostly tales referring to who this phantom female is and where the haunting originates.

One legend states that during one particular summer dating back over many years, the lady in question secretly escaped from Radford House to meet up with her female acquaintance from a nearby village. Although the young lady was forbidden by her parents to meet with her friend due to the vast gap between the gentry classes and that she should not be mixing with anyone of a class below her due to being a lady of Radford House.

This very rendezvous was to end in disaster. The young lady was assisted to her escape by one of Radford’s servants. Free from the safety of her home she headed straight towards Radford Lake where she was united with her close friend. Upon the boating lake a tragic turn of events occurred as whilst in one moment of pure chaos the young lady fell overboard from her small wooden vessel, unable to swim and being weighed down by the material of her heavy white dress, which had become saturated by the lake. She slowly slipped into the dark waters of Radford Lake her lungs filling with cold fresh water. This was to become her watery grave.

Although the fable does not end hear, as the phantom presence of the White Lady has been sighted by many individuals over the years upon the ancient lake.

 

Her ghost has been spotted sitting upon the bank of the lake. It is also believed that she is the spectre that has also been sighted wandering aimlessly around the grounds where the old Radford House once stood.

The legend of The White Lady of Radford lives on today as ‘White Lady Road’ has been aptly named after her. It is quite intriguing that this location has indeed been named after the mysterious female ghost. This road can be found as you drive down towards Radford Dip, although I will say if you do venture and visit this very road, be on your guard as you may indeed come face to face with the elegant spirit. ' Featured in the book 'Haunted Plymouth' by Kevin Hynes

Haunted Plymouth - What is the most haunted location you have visited and did you witness anything supernatural whilst being their?

The B3212 road between Postbridge and Two Bridges - legend states that this stretch of road is known to be the haunt for “The Hairy Hands”


There are indeed many tales of past spine-chilling experiences on this very stretch of road upon Dartmoor – over the years many eye witnesses have come forward and retold there own accounts with the so called legend of Hairy Hands.

From the early 1900’s the likes of cyclists who traveled past this sinister area felt an unseen force wrench there bicycle handle bar’s out of there hands, forcing the rider into the near by ditch by the side of the road. Cars and motorcycles have too had similar fates and in some circumstances with fatal results, this even led to the national newspaper ‘The Daily Mail’ to send their reporters to find what the cause was behind these so called reports.

Many locals would avoid travelling along this stretch of road alone after dark as many described it as a fearsome place. One case involved an army officer riding his motorcycle, who was badly injured and when further questioned he, revealed that a large pair of muscular hairy hands enveloped his own hands and forced him to crash.

I have taken part in numerous all night paranormal investigations upon Datmoor and this location is one of my personal favorites – although personally I can not state that I have indeed come face to face with the infamous Hairy Hands, although I can say there is something of an imposing atmosphere that emanates such an ominous vibe whilst walking this area after dark. You do have the feeling that you are not alone and that some unseen force is leering and stalking you as you stroll along this stretch of the B3212.

Haunted Plymouth Book Signing

TWO BOOK SIGNING EVENTS AT BOTH PLYMOUTH WATERSTONE'S STORES

September 4th · 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location Waterstone's New George Street Plymouth

September 4th   2.00pm - 4.00pm
Location Waterstone's Drake Circus

Local Author Book Signing
Kevin Hynes
Haunted Plymouth



WATERSTONE'S PLYMOUTH NEW GEORGE STREET

Saturday, 4th September 2010, 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Location Waterstone's New George Street Plymouth



WATERSTONE'S PLYMOUTH DRAKE CIRCUS

Saturday, 4th September 2010 · 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Location Waterstone's Plymouth Drake Circus
Drakes Circus, Charles Street
Plymouth, United Kingdom


Book synopsis

From heart-stopping accounts of apparitions, manifestations and supernatural phenomena, to first-hand encounters with phantoms and spirits, this collection of spooky sightings from around the city of Plymouth is guaranteed to make your blood run cold. Richly illustrated with over 100 pictures, "Haunted Plymouth" contains a chilling range of tales. From the ghost of Sir Francis Drake on Plymouth Hoe, poltergeist activity in one of the city's Elizabethan inns and the shade of a lady in white at Widey Court, to French prisoners of war at Devonport Dockyard and a phantom pair legs at a Mutley house, this gathering of ghostly goings-on is bound to captivate everyone interested in the paranormal history of Plymouth and will chill all but the sturdiest of hearts.

Haunted Plymouth Ghost Walks

Plymouth is a city rich with history, atmosphere and above all else its fair share of Ghosts, Ghouls and classic hauntings. Much like the Pilgrim Fathers who set sail from Plymouth in 1620, Haunted Plymouth will too take you on a journey to discover why this ancient port has such a wide array of supernatural phenomena.

Therefore why not come and experience the highly acclaimed Haunted Plymouth Ghost Walk where you will be led by your official guide to Haunted sites around Plymouth. Listen to your guide as you stroll through the ancient cobbled streets of Plymouth, hear tales of old haunted inn's, phantom spectres and genuine stories of what has been witnessed in the past by those unfortunate to come face to face with the darker side of Plymouth.

http://www.hauntedplymouth.com/HAUNTEDPLYMOUTHGHOSTWALKINFORMATION%20a4%20JUL2010.pdf

'Haunted Plymouth' Book

'Haunted Plymouth' by Kevin Hynes is now available from all good book stores!

'Haunted Plymouth' Synopsis

From heart-stopping accounts of apparitions, manifestations and supernatural phenomena, to first-hand encounters with phantoms and spirits, this collection of spooky sightings from around the city of Plymouth is guaranteed to make your blood run cold.
Richly illustrated with over 100 pictures, Haunted Plymouth contains a chilling range of tales. From the ghost of Sir Francis Drake on Plymouth Hoe, poltergeist activity in one of the city's Elizabethan inns and the shade of a lady in white at Widey Court, to French prisoners of war at Devonport Dockyard and a phantom pair legs at a Mutley house, this gathering of ghostly goings-on is bound to captivate everyone interested in the paranormal history of Plymouth and will chill all but the sturdiest of hearts.

Click on the below link to purchase 'Haunted Plymouth ' by Kevin Hynes

http://www.hauntedplymouth.com/page4.htm