Be it the cold stone facades or the threat of eternal damnation, some churches are just as creepy as they are peaceful. Let’s explore three of the most terrifying haunted churches the UK has to offer.
Church of Christ the Consoler, Newby, North Yorkshire, England
This pretty Victorian Gothic Revival church was founded in 1870, but its very origins bloom from the gardens of tragedy.
In April of 1870, Frederick Vyner was traveling Greece when he was kidnapped by Greek brigands and held for ransom. Although part of the ransom was collected, Frederick was nevertheless murdered. With the left over funds, his mother Lady Mary Vyner, constructed a church on her Yorkshire estate inn memory of her beloved son. Her daughter, Frederick’s sister, Lady Ripon, did the same – replicating the memorial church on her own estate.
But it’s not this tragic story that bristles the excitement of the paranormal community, it’s an image taken in 1963. In fact, if you’re a long time student of the Hawthorn Files, you may recognise it. After all, it was the subject of one of my popular Fact or Fake files.
The picture, as seen below, contains the figure known as the Spectre of Newbury Church. It’s speculated that the phantom figure is that of a 16th-century monk, his frightening face a cloth to cover his leprosy.
Although this supposed monk predates the church itself, its this tale that’s most associated with the image and who knows – perhaps a spirit from a nearby monastery decided to make the church it’s home? Then again, this figure would have to have been around 9 foot tall to reflect the proportions of the image. That is, of course, excluding the idea that the image is not a result of trickery.
Currently, the church is Grade I listed, and currently under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
St Mary’s Church, Akenham, Suffolk, England
This Anglican church sits just outside Ipswich, in the little village of Akenham, Suffolk. It was first constructed in the late 13th century before being added to in subsequent centuries before a restoration in the 19th century. Although damaged in the Second World War, locals worked towards its repair before it passed into the hands of the aforementioned Churches Conservation Trust.
However, according to legend, there’s a darker side to this quaint little church. Apparently, the Devil sleeps underneath it.
A broken tombstone, known as the Devils Grave serves as his unholy bed, and those foolish enough to break his slumber must circle the church thirteen times, anticlockwise of course.
What happens next is up for debate. According to some, the atmosphere shifts to dark and unholy. According to the East Anglian Daily Times, there’s one third hand account of the Devil leaping upon the back of one such daring mortal.
Of course, similar tales resonate the world over, but should you find yourself in Akenham with nothing to do, you could always take a stroll around the church, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
St Mary’s Church, Tintern, Monmouthshire, Wales
St. Mary’s is a popular name for churches, but this one in particular is my favourite. Sitting on a hill overlooking Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley, there’s been a religious site at this location since the 5th century and, boy oh boy, you can feel it.
The current church was first built in the 1800s, but it has long since fallen into disrepair, being decommissioned inn 1972. Just five years later, in 1977, three boys were camping overnight in the church when their fire took hold and gutted the building. Sadly, the fire took the boys’ lives – although there are varying accounts which suggest at least one survivor.
Since then, nature has returned to the church, weaving its vines through the old stone walls, grass sprouting up between the chequered floor tiles.
Why do I sound so familiar about this church? Why, because I’ve visited it several times, of course!
I’ve been privy to the paranormal goings on in the church, and though many suggest the hauntings are a result of the deadly fire, it’s my own belief that the energy of this place comes from its grounds. The forest behind is ancient and powerful. The site sacred since Celtic times.
In fact, if you’d like to find out more about the church and the strange goings on I’ve experienced first hand – with evidence – why not check out the video below?
In my civilian disguise, the lovely JD and I have launched our very own urban exploration and paranormal channel, Spookanatural Explorers!
Our first video is a dive into the history of St. Mary’s Church, and you can come along with us as we explore its buildings and grounds from the comfort and safety of your own home.
We will be unveiling new videos every Friday at 6pm GMT, so subscribe to us and come along with us. Let me beguile you with my grating voice and effeminate mannerisms and you’ll discover why The Hawthorn Files will probably never become a podcast (I write much more fluidly than I speak, as is the curse of many an introvert).
We have a lot of beautiful, spooky and abandoned places to discover and I’d love for you to join us! Subscribe to our channel and follow us on Instagram now!
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