The Devil's Punchbowl, Childrey
25 October 2023
Childrey Parish, Vale of the White Horse
How this smooth-sided Oxfordshire valley close to the Ridgeway got its devilish name is somewhat mysterious.
The Devil's Churchyard at Checkendon
22 October 2023
Woodland Northeast of Checkendon, South Oxfordshire
Buried in woodland in South Oxfordshire is a heart-shaped earthwork enclosure that for hundreds of years has been known as the Devil's Churchyard.
The Devil at Barnard Gate
27 March 2023
Barnard Gate, Eynsham
The Devil in the form of a fiery serpent is said to have ensnared a man on his way to Barnard Gate.
The Battle of Mr Sturdy and Mr Castle
10 February 2023
Sturdy's Castle, Banbury Road, Tackley
Sturdy's Castle is a pub with a curious name, and an even more curious legend that inspired it.
Christmas ghosts and talking cats at Idbury Woods
3 February 2023
Unknown woodland near Idbury
Folklorist Katherine Briggs records a strange tale of travellers lost in the snow and harassed by ghosts, who receive assistance from an unusual source!
The Legend of Black Jack's Hole
10 January 2023
River Thames between Godstow and Binsey
This bend in the River Thames between Binsey and Godstow is named for a legendary goblin-like figure who was said to pull unsuspecting swimmers to a watery grave!
Stolen Skulls at Shipton-Under-Wychwood
1 February 2022
St Mary the Virgin church, Shipton under Wychwood
A humorous local story from 1894 features drunken dares, practical jokes and stolen human remains!
Thor Stone at Taston
4 January 2022
Taston Road, Taston
This standing stone is said to be all that remains of a lightning bolt thrown to earth by the Norse God Thor!