There are a number of tales of witches and Black Dogs in Stogursey, but the most significant centre around Cock Wood. A particular witch was said to live in the wood, and locals claimed that if anyone so much as displeased her, she would cast a spell that caused their carts to tip over when they passed by her house.

 

In a report from the 1960’s, an irate car driver threatened to sue the owner of a Black Dog that ran across the road in front of him, causing a collision. According to Coxe in Haunted Britain, he was met with an “enigmatic smile and a sideways look” – we are assuming from the suspected owner, and not the dog...