Cornwall may be well known for its sandy beaches and coast paths, iconic food and drink scene, and much-loved characters Doc Martin and Poldark, but once the holiday makers take their leave up the A30 and a quiet stillness settles on the county, Cornwall's darker side makes itself known.
Home to a vast stretch of moorland, mystical woodlands, sparkling lakes and pools, sweeping clifftops and quaint fishing villages, Cornwall has many a story to tell - it's no wonder the county has an air of mystery about it.
At this time of year, as we keep ourselves busy carving pumpkins, perfecting Hallowe'en costumes, or maybe watching a scary movie or two, we thought we'd share some spine tingling Cornish tales - just in time for Hallowe'en.
What is Hallowe'en?
Originally celebrated by the Celts, 'Samhain' marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. It was believed that for one night each year, on 31st October, the veil between the living and the dead lifted and the spirits of the dead returned to the mortal world. It was thought that Samhain allowed predictions for the future to be made and, to celebrate, people dressed up, lit bonfires and would light their hearths to bring good fortune for the winter ahead.
The celebration evolved from these early ceremonies, with All Hallows' Eve seeing Christians worship and fast ahead of All Saints' Day on 1st November, whereby the saints and martyrs were honoured and remembered. Today, we celebrate Hallowe'en, linking back to the centuries of rituals and festivals that came before it.
Some local stories...
The ghostly residents of Jamaica Inn
Since 1750, Jamaica Inn has stood in the desolate, unforgiving landscape of Bodmin Moor, taking in weary travellers who had made their way across the dark moors. Over the years, it has gained the reputation as one of Cornwall’s most haunted pubs, with TV’s Most Haunted paying a visit and The Ghost Society conducting a number of paranormal investigations there.
It’s said the most activity occurs in the Smugglers’ Bar, the Stable Bar, the bedrooms upstairs, and the restaurant/gift shop area. Reports of an unfamiliar language, thought to be old Cornish, being muttered around the pub, horses hooves and the clanging of a cart galloping in the courtyard, and the scurry of phantom footsteps down corridors are just some of the experiences staff and guests have had. The ghost of a murdered man returning to finish his abandoned pint, and a mysterious figure in a hat and cloak are said to be two frequent visitors.
You can attend one of the pub’s popular ghost hunting tours, if you’re brave enough. Or perhaps a pint and some good pub grub is all you’re after! Read more at https://www.jamaicainn.co.uk/
A Cornish legend: the Beast of Bodmin Moor
Tales of a large wild cat lurking on the moor, snatching sheep and terrorising livestock, are often uttered on the lips of most who have lived in these parts for some time. The first reports of sightings came about in the late seventies, when a puma-like creature was seen on the moor, and many reports have followed since.
The theory that a number of wild cats may have been released after the ordered closure of private collections or zoos in the seventies may explain such sightings, although this has been dismissed by scientists. The team at Bodmin Jail have suggested that the animal could be a species of wild cat thought to be extinct, but survives on Bodmin Moor.
There are plenty of theories surrounding the Beast of Bodmin and while some are certain of the claims, others aren't so sure. What do you think?
Witches in Cornwall
In a time of great superstition between the 1500s and 1700s, the people society labelled as ‘witches’ - which more often than not were women, but also included some men and children - faced torture and execution for their crimes. In reality, these people were in tune with nature, healing and energy, and were persecuted for their gifts, or for simply being different.
In November 1653, eight women from the Land’s End area were sent to Launceston Gaol, with the probable outcome being execution. Little is known about this case, and sadly the names of the women have been long forgotten.
Anne Jefferies is one of the better known witches of Cornwall. Born in 1626, she claimed to have been abducted by fairies or spirits in the garden of the family she worked for, who then gave her the power of healing and clairvoyance.
The authorities arrested Anne and held her in Bodmin for six months. She was deprived of sleep, denied food or water, and was searched for a ‘Devil’s spot’ by being pricked with a needle.
Due to lack of evidence, and with the English Civil War raging on, Anne was released. She moved to Padstow and lived a relatively normal life until her death in the 1690s.
The golden goblet of Trewartha Marsh
Sabine Baring-Gould once wrote of an old story involving a golden cup and an archdruid upon the moor near Rillaton. The story goes that a man steered away from his hunting party, upon spotting an archdruid who offered him to drink from a golden cup, which supposedly never emptied. Intending to drink the cup dry, the man became overcome with frustration when, sure enough, liquid still remained. He threw what remained over the archdruid before riding away, clutching the cup. But he would never return to his hunting party, for the man fell from his horse and broke his neck. Was it a curse put upon him for his greedy ways, or a simple coincidence?
These stories only just scratch the surface of Cornwall's eerie past. If you have a spooky tale to tell, email rosie@life-media.co.uk
Happy Hallowe'en!
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