Dorset, which is also referred to as Dorsetshire, is a county that can be located in the southwest section of England, along the coast of the English Channel. Derby is a city located in the East Midlands, which is also on the Derwent River banks. These two places pack quite a few interesting tales of ghosts and odd occurrences, including a nasty innkeeper who created a contraption that resulted in rich guests being boiled in oil.
Dorset
When traveling through Dorset, you may encounter the St. Mary’s Church in Beaminster, which is said to be the home of a boy ghost that was killed by a murderer. His ghost can be seen sitting outside of the church, tears streaming down his face. The murderer’s weapon of choice? An axe.
At Bettiscombe Manor, a human skull can be found on display in the back room of the manor. The strange occurrence surrounding this skull is that when it has been removed (which has only been a few times), the entire place is struck with a horrific screaming noise that will not end until the skull is returned. Legend has it that the skull has been known to perspire blood when a war is brewing close.
In Blandford, Dorset, there is an ancient hill fort called Badbury Rings, which is surrounded by ditches and ramparts. When flying overhead, this location looks like a large stone in the middle of a pond. Old burial mounds can be found about the Rings, where some can be traced back to 700 BC. It is said that a host of ghost can be encountered at this site.
In the 70s, the ghost of a woman in a black dress has been spotted in the area. During the late 1980s, there were claims that a warrior with a scar on his face chased people on horseback. In the 90’s, numerous sightings and claims have been made regarding this area. The ghosts of soldiers have been seen fighting. A phantom black hound has been sighted running in front of cars. The creepiest of claims is the warped-face of a creature resembling a dwarf that is said to peek into cars that are parked in the field. At the entrance to the Rings, it is known as a popular spot with lovers.
Derby
As you reach the center of Derby city, you may encounter the apparitions of children who appear in tattered clothing. Moving on to the Assembly Rooms, you will encounter a large house that was occupied by a big family. The house burned to the ground and had to be built up again. The Queen later reopened the site to what is now known as the Assembly Rooms. The only thing that exists from the previous building was the fireplace. Cold spots can be felt throughout the entire house. Several individuals have claimed to see the ghost of a woman, who wears a long, red dress. She is thought to be a former member of the family that once lived at this location when it was a home.
The Ostrich Pub dates back to the Middle Ages and was run by a nasty, mean innkeeper by the name of Jarmen. It is said that he created a contraption that could tilt rich individuals out of their beds to send them through a trapdoor leading to a pot of boiling oil. How gruesome! The most haunted room on the premises is said to be the pantry, where many tormented spirits gather. The bodies of the rich were disposed in the pantry after he robbed them of all their money. A strange presence can also be encountered when entering the master bedroom.
Additional haunted spots that can be found in Derby includes Seymour’s Wine Bar, which is haunted by the Lady in Grey, as well as Winnats Pass, where the cries of two murdered lovers can be heard near this road.