Creature of the Week: Habetrot

Welcome to ‘Creature of the Week’. This week I am looking into a Habetrot.

If this is your first time joing ‘Creature of the Week’, hi I’m Bethany Rose and each week I take a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them, it is a way for me to learn about my local folklore and share them with the world.

Now a Habetrot (as you could probably guess by now) is a being from the border regions of England and, Scotland. I’ve not found much on its appearance other than it is said to to have ‘deformed’ lips and uses a spinning wheel.

One source seems to suggest a Habetrot was once a spinner Goddess, but is now deemed a fairy spirit.

Folklore tradition featuring a Habetrot stems from an old superstition around it being unlucky to walk upon the graves of stillborn and unbapatised children’s graves. It’s said that if you do, you would catch ‘grave-merets‘ which is an illness causing difficulty breathing, trembling limbs and burning skin.

The only way for a person to be cured was to wear a sack made from linen, but not just any linen. It had to be linen grown in a field with manure from farmland that hadn’t been touched in 40 years, which has in turn been spun by a Habetrot, then bleached by an ‘‘honest‘ bleacher in an ‘honest‘ millers mill and then sewn together by an ‘honest’ tailor.

While this is not fully believed today, it is still superstitious to walk on graves. But that is graves in general, not still-born/unbaptised children’s graves.

Creature of the Week: Dunnie

Welcome back to ‘Creature of the Week’ here on Paranormal Archives. If this is your first time joining the series, each week I take a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them.

This week I’m talking about a small brownie like creature called a ‘Dunnie‘.

There’s not much wrote about them but what I can say is that they tend to be found along the Northumberland side of the Anglo-Scottish boarder, wondering the Cragg’s and Cheviot Hills.

Dunnies can shapeshift and take the form of a horse to trick a person into mounting and riding, but they disappear leaving the person in the muddiest part of the road.

Some sources state that a Dunnie can also disguise themselves as a plough-horse but vanish as soon as a ploughman were to take it’s reins.

Overall they are harmless but mischievous beings, just like a Brag (see previous post dated 1st July 2020).

The most famous Dunnie is The Hazlerigg Dunnie.

Creature of the Week: A Brag

In today’s ‘Creature of the Week‘ I’m looking into a being known as a Brag.

If this is your first time joining, then welcome, every Wednesday I bring forth a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them.

Brag’s are found throughout Northumberland and Durham in England. They are mainly described as a shapeshifting Goblin.

They are found to transform into horses or donkey’s letting unsuspecting humans rude them, then after a while, throw off the person into a pond and they run off laughing. Thus giving them quite a mischievous quality.

They are harmless but do like to play tricks on humans, who don’t tend to find their games funny.

One example of a Brag is the ‘Picktree Brag‘.

Stories state that Brag’s could take many forms, including appearing as:

A calf wearing a white handkerchief around the neck.
A naked headless man.
Or as 4 men holding a white sheet.

As you can see, they are quite imaginative creatures.

Creature of the Week: Changeling

Hello and welcome to another Creature of the Week post. In today’s post I am going to be talking about a being that features in folklore throughout Europe, and that creature is a Changeling.

Apparently a Changeling can also be called an ‘Auf‘ or ‘Oaf‘, although I have not come across that where I live in the UK.

A Changeling is a human like creature, they are believed to be a fairy put in place of a human child after fairies steal a baby.

This was a common belief during the medieval period, mainly as a way to explain unexplainable diseases, disorders and disabilities.

In Irish legend it’s said one can identify a Changeling in a number of ways, mainly through observations. The following are the most common ways to identify a Changeling:

The child will appear sickly.
The child won’t grow like a ‘normal‘ child.
The child will have noticeable physical characteristics, e.g. a beard.
The child will be smarter than their age.
The child will have notable behaviours e.g. jumping, dancing, able to play an instrument well.

It’s stated that a fairy will take human children for a number if reasons, such as to use them as a servant, because they love the child or simply out of malice. Centuries ago it was believed that fairies would only take unbaptised children but once baptised they could not be taken.

To ward off fairies to leave your child alone, you can place an inverted coat or open scissors where a each child sleeps (why I don’t know) or you could constantly watch your child.

Creature of the Week: Bluecap

Welcome to another Creature of the Week, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland) and talk about them.

This week let me introduce the ‘Bluecap‘ and no it’s not like a Redcap (see part 2 of Creature of the Week for details).

A Bluecap is a fairy like creature, although some say one is a Goblin. They are found mainly along the Anglo-Scottish boarder, where they live in mines.

Bluecap’s work alongside miners, appearing to them as a small blue flame and are deemed hard workers so much so they expect to paid. But don’t think about fobbing one off as they won’t accept anything less than what they’re owed.

As long as you treat one well, they will lead you to rich mineral deposits.

They do have an element similar to that of Knockers/Tommyknockers, in that a Bluecap can forewarn disaster such as cave-ins and so can warn the miners, keeping them safe.

Creature of the Week: Barghest

Welcome to part 4 of Creature of the Week, where each week I introduce you to a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland).

This week we meet the Barghest.

The Barghest is a monstrous black dog, with large white teeth and big claws. A Barghest only appears at night and it is said if you lay your eyes on one you will dies. Now before you think well if I only catch a glimpse of one I will be fine, you’d be wrong, you would still die just not imminently.

There are a number of black dog creatures across British folklore, their meaning remains ominous but their name and appearance can vary.

For example:

In Welsh folklore they are known as Gwyllgi who have red eyes.
In Lancashire as a Trash, Skriker or a Striker who have broad sometimes backward feet.
In East Anglia they’re referred to as Black Shuck or Shock who have one eye.
In Isle of Man they are the Mauthe Doog.

Note:

In Northern English folklore the name can also mean ghost, as a ghost is pronounced ‘guest‘ in some places.

Creature of the Week: Shellycoat

Welcome back to part 3 of Creature of the Week, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland) and talk about them.

In my past two posts I’ve spoken about a ‘Hob‘ and a ‘Redcap‘, today I’m going to introduce you to a ‘Shellycoat‘.

Unsurprisingly with Northumberland bordering with Scotland, the Shellycoat features in both Northumbrian and Scottish folklore – along the border lands.

A Shellycoat likes to live by water, particularly around rivers and streams. They are a type of bogeyman if you will and are harmless creatures – if not a bit mischievous.

Shellycoat’s (like other folklore beings) received their name from their description, a Shellycoat wears a coat made of shells which are said to rattle as they walk alerting you to their presence.

As I’ve said they are pretty harmless beings, and while they are said to be mischievous I’d say they’re more irritating or even troublemakers simply because they often (for fun) cry out as if they were drowning causing passers by to run and help only for the Shellycoat to laugh at those who come to their ‘aid’.

Who wouldn’t find that annoying.

Creature of the Week: Redcap

Welcome to part 2 of Creature of the Week, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore and talk about them.

This week let me introduce you to a ‘Redcap‘.

What is a Redcap you might ask, and the answer is it is a type of Goblin. But not just any type of Goblin.

Redcap’s are malevolent creatures who are known to kill.

They feature in folklore along the Anglo-Scottish boarder. In some stories their name changes, they’re also known as Redcomb’s or Bloody Cap but are always described in the same way. They are depicted as a short old man, with long teeth, red eyes and shoulder length wild-looking hair. They are well built with long thin fingers, long thin nails like hooked claws and carry a pike. But most importantly they wear a red cap.

It’s not just any red coloured cap though, the cap is red as it has been soaked in the blood of their victims.

Redcap’s live in ruined castles, particularly those that have seen their fair share of evil tyrannous deeds and the boarder lands have seen plenty of that. It’s said that if you seek shelter in their abode he will throw stones at you, which usually results in your death and will then proceed to soak his hat in your blood.

While Redcap’s seem to be unaffected by human strength you can rid one using scripture or holding a crucifix, the Redcap will then vanish in flames leaving behind a tooth.

Top 5 Most Haunted Places: Ireland

Hi gang, today I’m counting down the Top 5 Most Haunted places in Ireland. So let’s get started!

5. Kilmainham Goal

Built in 1796, Kilmainham Goal can be found in Dublin and is the largest unoccupied prison in Ireland.

The prison itself was in use between 1796-1924 during which time the majority of inmates died on the premises, with men, women and children, often 5 at a time crammed into a single cell. The most notable deaths on site were those responsible for the 1916 Easter Rising where 15 conspirators were executed by firing squad.

Former governors and workmen conducting repairs in the jail have reported witnessing:

Lights turning on and off
Hearing footsteps
Loud bangs
Disembodied voices
Feelings of being touched
Feeling powerful strong winds

Adding to this, visitors also have reported feeling like they’re being watched when no one else is around.

Going further, psychics who visit have reportedly mentioned an evil presence confined to the Chapel’s balcony.

4. Leap Castle

Thousands of visitors come from around the world each year to visit Leap Castle. This medieval castle is located in Coolderry, County Offaly.

There are varied accounts as to when this castle was built but it’s believed that it occured between the 13th to late 15th centuries, with some experts stating the construction was probably close to 1250.

There are a number of paranormal tales within this castle, which seem to have begun occuring after the death of Mulrooney O’Carrol in 1532. After his death a family struggle broke out turning brother against brother. One of these brothers was a priest and it is said that while he was delivering mass in the castle’s Chapel the other brother plunged a sword into his heart at the alter.

One of the O’Carrol’s (I’m unsure who) is said to have rapped a young girl leading her to become pregnant, after having the baby it was killed leading to the girl committing suicide in the castle. This young girl is believed to be The Red Lady, who is seen holding a dagger in a menacing way leading people to wo der if she is seeking revenge.

There is also a creature known as ‘It’. ‘It’ is said to be a creature about the size of a sheep with a horrific decaying face. When ‘It’ appears you can smell sulphur and decaying flesh. The arrival of ‘It’ is said to be due to when a former resident of the castle, Mildred Darby, dabbled in the occult awakening an elemental within the castle.

Other spirits include:

Shadows wandering the castle
A burly mab pushing a barrel upstairs
Two young girls called Emily and Charlotte

The current owner, Sean Ryon, frequently states all the spirits are harmless.

3. Malahide Castle

Located in Dublin and built in 1185, Malahide Castle is argued as having a minimum of 5 ghosts haunting the castle.

The most well known ghost is that of Sir Walter Hussey, Lord Galtrim, who was killed in battle on his wedding day. He is seen wondering the castle at night, groaning in pain while clutching a spear wound in his side. He is said to be heartbroken as his bride-to-be married his rival immediately after his death.

Another resident ghost, is Puck the Court Jester. It’s said he fell in love with Lady Eleanora Fitzgerald (who was detained in the castle for inciting a rebellion). Puck was found dead one snowy night after being stabbed in the heart while still wearing his costume. It’s said prior to his death, he swore to haunt the castle until a master ruled who married a bride from the ‘common people’.He is frequently sited in photos taken inside the castle.

Other ghosts include:

Lady Plunkett – she is seen in her wedding dress chasing her husband, the Lord Justice, through the castle
Miles Corbet – he was a previous owner of the castle who hung himself in the castle grounds

2. The Hellfire Club

Founded in 1735 by Richard Parsons, the 1st Earl of Rosse and the 1st Grand Master of the Irish Freemassons. He gained a reputation as a sorcerer dabbling in black magic using ancient Dionysian scrolls. He wrote a book called Dionysus Rising and started the 2nd Sect of Dionysus to celebrate the joys of Bacchus and Venus, drinking and sex. All of this became known as The Hellfire Club.

The Hellfire Club can be found in the Dublin mountains, built upon an Ancient Stone Age burial site. A location which has seen both animal and human sacrifices. It’s said that the Lords and Noblemen that gathered here, held rituals to summon demons and even Satan himself!

Reports exist that black cats were captured and caged, then roasted. They believed that 4 days later, the Devil would appear to grant their wishes.

Today this site is a popular walking destination which apparently still smells of Brimstone (I’ve never been so I don’t know) to this day.

Visitors report:

Feeling an oppressive atmosphere
Seeing demonic manifestations
See a female spirit

Rumours are that this female spirit is that of a servant girl who was murdered and possibly even eaten by members of the club.

Loftus Hall

Found at Hook Head, County Wexford. Loftus Hall is said to be the Most Haunted House in Ireland.

While it is now an abandoned building, the story of Loftus Hall remains a compelling tale.

The story goes that on one stormy night, Sir Charles Tottingham was hosting a card game at the Hall when a stranger knocked at the door.

The stranger was soaked through and seeking shelter from the storm. The man was ushered in and invited to join the game.

During the game a lady called Anne dropped her cards, she bent down to pick them up but while doing so noticed the man had bloody cloven hooves instead of feet.

It became clear that the man they welcomed in that night was no man, he was in fact the Devil.

Upon this realisation the man transformed into his true form and shot through the roof. Anne was driven mad after this event and was confined to the Tapestry Room where she stayed until she died.

To this day the Hall is said to be haunted by both Anne and the Devil himself.

What are your thoughts on this list? Do you think other places should have made the list? Have you visited any and had your own experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Creature of the Week: Hob

Welcome to my creature of the week series, where each Wednesday I bring you a creature from my local folklore (Northumberland, England) and talk about them.

The first creature I’m going to talk about is a ‘Hob’.

In general a Hob is a small household spirit. They’re described as small, hairy and wise men, who can be kind but also mischievous.

They mainly feature in folklore around the border regions of England and Scotland, but have been known to appear as far down as the Midlands.

When they’re kind, they will help out on farms and have even helped heal the sick, which is noted in Tales of the Hobthurst. This Hob lived near to Runswick Bay in a hobhole and he is said to cure Whooping Cough.

They prefer to work at night and come and go as they please.

But a word of caution…..if you give a Hob clothing they will leave.