The Ghosts of Cornwall: A Spooktacular Tour of Haunted Pasties and Cream Teas

14 May

Well hello there, my fellow spooky enthusiasts! Today we’re going to dive into the fascinating world of Cornish folklore and ghost stories. So sit back, grab some popcorn (or should I say, cornish pasties?), and let’s get started.

First things first, let’s talk about the history of ghosts and folklore in Cornwall. As you may know, Cornwall has a rich history of myths and legends, dating all the way back to the Bronze Age. The ancient Celts who inhabited the area believed in a whole host of supernatural creatures, from piskies (mischievous little folk) to bucca (sea monsters) to the dreaded knockers (mine-dwelling spirits who helped or hindered miners). And of course, no discussion of Cornish folklore would be complete without mentioning the infamous Morgawr, a giant sea serpent said to inhabit the waters around Falmouth.

But what about ghosts, you ask? Well, Cornish ghosts are a varied bunch, with a wide range of spookiness levels. One of the most well-known haunted locations in Cornwall is Jamaica Inn, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name. This 18th-century coaching inn is said to be haunted by the ghosts of smugglers, who used to use the inn as a base for their illicit activities.

Another spooky spot is Tintagel Castle, legendary birthplace of King Arthur. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly knights wandering the ruins, and hearing strange noises that some say are the echoes of long-dead battles.

And then there’s the tale of Jan Tregeagle, a notorious Cornish rogue who made a deal with the devil to avoid damnation. He was tasked with an impossible task of emptying Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor with a leaking limpet shell. He never finished the task and ended up being chased by a pack of demonic hounds, which is said to be heard on the moor on stormy nights.

Of course, these are just a few examples of the many ghosts and legends that can be found in Cornwall. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, there’s no denying that the tales of Cornish folklore and ghost stories are fascinating and spine-tingling.

So there you have it, folks! A brief (and hopefully amusing) overview of the history of ghosts and folklore in Cornwall. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to keep an eye out for any mischievous piskies or ghostly knights. And don’t forget to bring plenty of pasties for the journey!

Read on for more…

In the heart of Cornwall, where the rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of the sea, there is a land of myth and legend. A land where the spirits of the past still roam the moors, where tales of ghosts and otherworldly beings are passed down through the generations.

One such tale is of a young woman who lived in a small village near the coast. Her name was Tamsin, and she was known throughout the land for her beauty and grace. But she was also known for her strong will and stubbornness, and many feared her fiery temper.

One day, while out walking on the moors, Tamsin came across a handsome stranger. He was tall and dark, with piercing green eyes and a smile that could light up the sky. Tamsin was immediately smitten, and they soon fell deeply in love.

But their happiness was not to last. One stormy night, the young man was lost at sea, his body never to be found. Tamsin was devastated, and her heart was broken.

In her grief, Tamsin became obsessed with the idea of bringing her love back from the dead. She began to study the ancient ways of magic and witchcraft, delving deeper and deeper into the world of the supernatural.

As the years went by, Tamsin’s obsession grew, and she became more and more isolated from the world around her. But one night, as she sat alone in her cottage, a figure appeared before her. It was her lost love, returned from the dead.

But Tamsin soon discovered that her love was not what he seemed. He was a ghost, a spirit trapped between the worlds of the living and the dead. And he had come back to claim her soul as his own.

In the end, Tamsin was lost to the spirit world, her body never found. But her legend lives on, a cautionary tale of the dangers of delving too deeply into the realm of the supernatural, and the power of love to both create and destroy.

[Old Cornish legend, provenance unknown]

Cornwall, the southwesternmost county in England, has a rich and diverse history of folklore and ghost stories. The origins of Cornish folklore can be traced back to the prehistoric era, with the arrival of the first Celtic tribes in the area. Over the centuries, these legends and myths were passed down through generations and influenced by the many different cultures and peoples that settled in Cornwall.

One of the most iconic figures in Cornish folklore is the Piskie. These mischievous and impish creatures are said to be the guardians of the land and are known for their love of music and dancing. Piskies are often depicted as small, elf-like beings with pointed ears and green clothing. They are said to inhabit the moors and woodlands of Cornwall and are believed to be responsible for many of the strange and unexplainable events that occur in the area.

Another famous character in Cornish folklore is the Bucca, a sea monster that is said to inhabit the waters around the Cornish coast. The Bucca is described as a large, serpent-like creature with razor-sharp teeth and a long, snakelike body. According to legend, the Bucca would often drag sailors down to their doom, or lure them to their death with its mesmerizing song.

Cornish ghost stories are equally as intriguing, with many haunted locations throughout the county. One of the most famous haunted sites in Cornwall is the Jamaica Inn, an 18th-century coaching inn located on Bodmin Moor. The inn is said to be haunted by the ghosts of smugglers, who used the building as a base for their illicit activities. Visitors to the inn have reported seeing apparitions of these smugglers, as well as strange noises and unexplainable phenomena.

Another haunted location in Cornwall is Tintagel Castle, a medieval fortress located on the rugged North Cornwall coast. According to legend, the castle is the birthplace of King Arthur and is said to be haunted by the ghost of the legendary king himself. Visitors to the castle have reported seeing ghostly apparitions of knights and hearing strange noises and unexplainable phenomena.

The history of ghosts and folklore in Cornwall is rich and varied, with a diverse range of mythical creatures and haunted locations. These legends and stories have been passed down through generations and continue to fascinate and intrigue visitors to the area. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying the allure of these tales from Cornwall’s rich cultural history.

One Response to “The Ghosts of Cornwall: A Spooktacular Tour of Haunted Pasties and Cream Teas”

  1. Von May 14, 2023 at 7:54 am #

    Glad you are back you were missed.

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