Cannock Chase
Cannock Chase is one of England’s finest landscapes, in the heart of Staffordshire and the jewel of the West Midlands.
Legends Of Cannock Chase
Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, England, lies a picturesque area known as Cannock Chase. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Cannock Chase boasts a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from a royal hunting reserve to a coal mining site during the Industrial Revolution. Today, its diverse landscape, consisting of ancient forests, heathlands, and archaeological sites, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. However, beneath its tranquil beauty lies a mysterious history full of strange tales and haunted legends. Whether you believe these stories or not, they are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you wanting more. Let’s explore some of the most famous legends of Cannock Chase!
The Hauntings
Cannock Chase is rumored to be haunted by various figures, including the Black-Eyed Girl, a Pig Man, and ghosts of Roman soldiers. These sightings are often connected to the area's history, which includes ancient sites like Castle Ring, a graveyard with 5,000 war dead, and real-life tragic events, such as the "Babes in the Ditch" murders. Other reports include black dogs, Bigfoot, phantom cats, and UFOs
The Black Eyed Children
One of the most chilling tales associated with Cannock Chase is the legend of the “Black Eyed Children.” These eerie apparitions have reportedly approached unsuspecting visitors on the Chase, asking for help. Witnesses describe these children as having pitch-black eyes, which send shivers down the spine of many. According to local lore, the Black Eyed Children appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly, leaving an unsettling feeling in their wake. Some believe they are the spirits of lost or abandoned children, while others think they might be harbingers of doom. Whatever the case, the legend of the Black-Eyed Children adds an eerie dimension to the already mysterious Cannock Chase.
Bertie the Dog
Another spectral figure said to haunt Cannock Chase is “Bertie the Dog.” This ghostly canine is often seen on the road leading to the military training grounds, appearing and disappearing without a trace. Travelers who encounter Bertie are usually left startled and bewildered. The story goes that Bertie was a beloved pet of a soldier stationed at the nearby military camp. After the soldier’s untimely death, Bertie roamed the area, waiting for his master to return. To this day, his loyal spirit is said to wander the roads of Cannock Chase, a silent guardian of the past.
The Gallows Tree
Cannock Chase is also home to the notorious “Gallows Tree,” an ancient tree where it is said the spirits of executed criminals still linger. Those who dare to come near the Gallows Tree report hearing eerie noises and seeing unsettling sights. The tree’s gnarled branches and somber presence serve as a grim reminder of its dark history. Local legend has it that the Gallows Tree was once used for public hangings, and the souls of the condemned remain bound to the area, unable to find peace. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the Gallows Tree undoubtedly adds a macabre element to the landscape of Cannock Chase.
Historical connections to hauntings
The Ghostly Red Lady of Hednesford Hills
Another popular legend tells of a ghostly figure known as “The Red Lady” who supposedly haunts Hednesford Hills. This female specter is said to be dressed in all red clothing with long curly hair cascading down her back. She has been seen by many locals and visitors alike, often appearing suddenly and disappearing just as quickly. There are several theories about who she might be; some say she’s an old woman searching for her lost love, while others claim she’s a restless spirit seeking peace after her untimely death centuries ago. The mystery surrounding The Red Lady only adds to her eerie allure.
.The Werewolf of Cannock Chase
One of the oldest legends of Cannock Chase is that of a werewolf who roams the woods at night. According to local lore, this werewolf was once an ordinary man cursed by a witch. Desperate to escape his cursed state, the man took his own life, but it was too late. His spirit is said to haunt the woods, transforming into a wolf-like creature when night falls. Those who claim to have seen the werewolf describe a large, shadowy figure with glowing eyes, a fearsome sight that has kept many away from the woods after dark
The Mischievous Brownie of Coppice Farm
Perhaps one of the most beloved legends on Cannock Chase is that of the mischievous brownie who lives at Coppice Farm. This small, impish creature is said to enjoy playing pranks on unsuspecting visitors, leading them down dark paths or playing tricks on them in their sleep. However, it’s also said that if you make him angry, he can become quite spiteful and even dangerous. The story of the brownie adds a whimsical yet cautionary element to the folklore of Cannock Chase, reminding us that not all spirits are malevolent, but they can still be unpredictable.
The Phantom Coach
The legend of “The Phantom Coach” is another haunting tale from Cannock Chase. This spectral coach and horses are said to roam the Chase, often appearing on the road between Rugeley and Milford. Witnesses claim to have seen the coach, driven by a ghostly figure, moving swiftly and silently through the night. According to the legend, the coach belonged to a noble family who met a tragic end. Their spirits now wander the Chase, forever bound to their ill-fated journey. The sight of the Phantom Coach is both mesmerizing and terrifying, a spectral reminder of the area’s haunted past..