The Stranger side"Of the two cottages formerly close to Pyman Cottage,
one was said to have been inhabited by a witch"
(Mr Owen Harding, late of Littlebrook Farm)
The Black Dog
The Phantom Black Dog of Belchalwell has been seen by many in the vicinity of Okeford Road where it joins what was once Dark Lane, now reduced to a footpath, and in places only, but still visible in the landscape, leaving Okeford Road about two thirds of the way between The Cross and Okeford Fitzpaine and leading to Church Lane at Belchalwell.
On one more famous occasion, three men returning from the pub at Okeford witnessed the dog appear and run across the road in front of them, turning and disappearing up the road toward The Cross. The dog has been witnessed by many people over the years, including several members of the Lodder family.
(various sources, inc. Eric Piggot ) |
... and The Black Cat In common with many areas, over recent years there have been reports of sightings of a big panther like cat in the area. It has been spotted at several locations between Bulbarrow Hill, approx. 2 miles south west of Belchalwell, and Sturminster Newton, 4 miles to the north, including one sighting around Belchalwell Street.
During the winter of 2002-3, whilst driving through Delcombe woods at the top of the downs near Bell Hill, a deer carcass was seen hanging in a crotch against the trunk of a tree, approximately eight feet from the ground - a difficult task to achieve, and unexplained.
In October 2001 a big cat was observed by a shocked witness . It was described as creamy beige, with tiny pointed ears.
(various sources, inc. K.R.Varley)
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