What are some famous Dartmoor, England ghost stories?

Some of the Dartmoor ghost stories might have a kernel of truth. For example, the stories about the Hairy Hands could potentially be related to accidents that happened on a particularly dangerous stretch of road. Over time, as people tried to explain these strange occurrences, the legend of the Hairy Hands grew. But there's no conclusive evidence that it's an actual ghost.

The story of the Hairy Hands is quite famous. These are said to be invisible hands that appear on the steering wheels of cars driving along certain roads in Dartmoor. Drivers have reported feeling a strange grip on their hands as if something is trying to take control of the vehicle. It's a really creepy story that has made many people avoid those roads at night.

One famous New England ghost story is the tale of the Lizzie Borden House. It's said that the ghosts of Lizzie Borden and her family members haunt the place. Another is the legend of the Flying Dutchman which has connections to New England coastal areas. There are also stories about phantom ships and sailors.

The Dartmoor ghost of the Lady in White is also well - known. She is often seen gliding across moorlands near old ruins. Legend has it that she was a young woman who was jilted by her lover and died of a broken heart. People who have seen her say she has a sad and otherworldly look about her.

A really well - known New England ghost story is about the Hanging Tree. It was a place where executions took place long ago. People claim to see the ghosts of the hanged men and women there. Also, in some old cemeteries in New England, there are stories of phantom figures emerging from the graves at night. These stories might have been influenced by the region's long history and the superstitions that have developed over time.

The historical aspect plays a big role. Many of the ghost stories are tied to events from the past, like tragedies or old superstitions. For example, the idea of a wronged spirit lingering in a place where something bad happened centuries ago gives a sense of timeless horror. Also, the old buildings and ruins on Dartmoor seem like perfect settings for ghosts to haunt, as if they hold the memories and spirits of those who once lived or died there.

There is also the story of the Lady in White. She is often seen near old ruins or by certain streams in Dartmoor. Some believe she was a young woman who died in a tragic accident long ago. People who have claimed to see her say she has a sad expression on her face and just glides across the landscape as if she's still searching for something, perhaps her lost love or a way to move on from her untimely death.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving is a well - known one. It's set in New England and has elements of the supernatural with the Headless Horseman. Another is The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne which has a haunted house at its center and a family curse.

The story of Mercy Brown in Rhode Island is quite famous. During a tuberculosis outbreak, Mercy was exhumed as part of a vampire - like superstition. Since then, there have been reports of her ghost. In addition, many of the old, colonial - era houses in New England have their own ghost stories. These often involve the original settlers or their descendants who are believed to have unfinished business. The ghosts are said to make their presence known through cold spots, moving objects, or unexplained voices.

There was once a ghostly figure seen on Dartmoor. It was said to be the spirit of an old miner. People claimed to see him at midnight near an abandoned mine shaft. He was all in ragged clothes, his face pale as the moon. Legend has it that he died in a mining accident long ago and his soul couldn't rest.