Skip to main content

Tragic Love and Sea

Mount's Bay, Penzance, Cornwall Apparition Victorian

In the picturesque Mount's Bay, near Penzance, a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and tragedy unfolds. A married woman, driven by passion for a young sailor, took a drastic step to be with him, murdering her husband to avoid lengthy divorce proceedings. Her fate was sealed when she was caught, tried, and hanged. The sailor, grief-stricken, jumped into the sea, never to be found. Locals claim his spirit lingers, whispering 'I will...' and phantom bells peal beneath the waves.

Historical records reveal the woman's court appearance was brief; she was found guilty and quickly hanged. The sailor returned to his fishing boat, but his despair led him to jump into the sea. Although his body was never recovered, reports of his voice whispering 'I will...' have been documented. Additionally, strange bell-like sounds have been heard coming from under the sea, adding to the mystery of this maritime haunting. The incident is said to have occurred in the Victorian era, a time of strict social norms and harsh penalties.

Historical Context

Victorian era, strict social norms

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Bay
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
TR20

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.7 mi

Tragic Church Apparition

St Hiliary's Church, Marazion

St Hiliary's Church in Marazion Cornwall stands serene and untouched by time, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. Yet on certain days, a sense of unrest stirs within its hallowed halls. They say Elizabeth Thomas, a young woman from the village, still walks these aisles, her spirit trapped by the heartbreak of a love lost. Jilted by her lover, Elizabeth took her own life within these very walls, and it's said she reappears on the day her former partner was due to marry another woman.

Church Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 0.7 mi

The Cormoran of St Michael's Mount

General area, St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount, a tiny island off the coast of Cornwall, is said to be the haunt of a legendary beast known as the Cormoran. This mysterious creature, described by some as a seven foot giant with a single eye, was thought to roam the island and surrounding mainland. According to local lore, the Cormoran would cross to the mainland at low tide, helping itself to cattle for food. Its presence has become an integral part of the island's folklore, with many believing that the creature still roams the area to this day.

Island Unknown
Read Full Story
Curse 0.7 mi

Cursed Four Poster Bed

Castle, St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount Castle has a dark secret lurking within its ancient walls. A four poster bed, once a place of rest and relaxation, is now said to be cursed. Legend has it that any child who sleeps in this bed never wakes up. The bed, a seemingly innocent piece of furniture, has become a source of terror for those who dare to spend the night within the castle walls. Its dark history has led many to believe that it's best to avoid this bed at all costs.

Castle Medieval
Read Full Story
Legend 0.8 mi

Giant Grave of Marazion

Chapel Rock, Marazion

Perched on the rugged coastline of Marazion, Cornwall, lies the Giant Grave, a haunting reminder of a legendary tale. This massive rock formation, known as Chapel Rock, is said to be the final resting place of the giant wife of St Michael's Mount. According to local lore, she met her untimely demise when struck by a carelessly tossed hammer, and her grieving husband lifted the rock to place her body beneath. The rock still stands today, a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend.

Rock Formation Ancient
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.2 mi

The White Rider of Marazion

Area once known as Marazion Green, Marazion

Marazion Green, a spot once renowned for its lush scenery and tranquil atmosphere, has a rather eerie claim to fame. It's said that a mysterious white-clad woman would suddenly leap onto the back of unsuspecting riders passing through the area. This ghostly apparition, known as the White Rider, would then refuse to dismount until her rider reluctantly agreed to take her to the Red River. There, she would vanish into thin air, leaving her bewildered companion to make their way back to Marazion. This bizarre haunting has been documented since before 1840.

Historic Green Area Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 1.5 mi

Friend Finder Well Haunting

Well at 'Fosses Moor', Gulval

Deep in the Cornish countryside, Fosses Moor is home to a mysterious well with a haunting reputation. This ancient water source is said to hold the power to reveal the fate of missing people. Legend has it that if you ask about a person and the water remains calm, it means they're dead. But if the water starts to bubble, the person is ill, and if it gushes, they're fit and healthy. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Ancient Well Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Mount's Bay