Tales of the unexpected
DO YOU believe in things that go bump in the night?
For generations, tales have been told of the many mythical creatures that share our island. I wonder if any of them are still here today?
According to folklore, a huge, ghostly black dog called Black Shuck was once said to roam the coast and countryside in south-east England.
The phantom, with its shaggy fur and fiery eyes, was rumoured to visit churchyards at midnight.
Legend has it the village of Mordiford in Herefordshire was once home to a ferocious green dragon. Maud, a girl from the village, looked after the dragon when it was young. As the dragon grew it became fierce but it loved Maud, and she was the only person safe from its attacks.
Imagine having a skull as an ornament... In parts of Britain, stories were told of screaming skulls – human remains that would make an ear-splitting noise if anyone tried to bury them.
The ghostly Beast of Bodmin was often blamed for attacks on livestock on the Cornish moors. It was said to take the shape of a wild panther, stalking the countryside at night.
Knockers were small, mischievous spirits with big heads, long arms and wrinkled skin who inhabited mines and liked to steal equipment and cause trouble.
Hearing a tapping noise underground was bad news for miners, as they believed this ominous sound meant a cave-in was imminent.
Some thought the knockers caused mines to collapse. Others believed that the creatures were trying to be helpful, warning of disaster.
Miners also told tales of the bluecap – a small spirit that would appear as a blue flame. If treated well, these fairies would help down the mine and lead workers to the best mineral seams.
Legends say the lochs of Scotland have long been home to kelpies – water spirits that could change their form from human to animal, often a horse.
In Scotland and northern England there was also talk of a creature called a shellycoat, which rattled its coat of shells as it moved and played tricks on unsuspecting passers-by.
Speaking of tricks, if you are in Northumberland you might want to avoid taking a donkey ride.
This area is thought to be home to a brag – a mischievous shapeshifting goblin that takes the form of a horse or donkey.
It will let you climb onto its back then buck, send you flying and run off laughing. Hee-haw!