This post comes from the highlights of Victoria Thompson’s talk on Superstitious Norfolk from Tudorcon 2024
At Tudorcon 2024, Tudor history enthusiasts were treated to a spooky presentation by Victoria Thompson, delving into the eerie and fascinating world of East Anglian customs and superstitions. Known for its deeply rooted historical mystique, East Anglia boasts a rich tapestry of ghost stories, mythical creatures, and cryptic folklore that continue to intrigue and haunt the imaginations of many.
Victoria began her talk by setting the scene for East Anglia’s unique geographic and cultural history, explaining how the region’s location and historical events shaped its mystical aura. From haunted abbeys to mysterious cryptids, here are some of the most captivating moments from her discussion.
Ghostly Encounters in Suffolk
One of the most memorable stories Victoria shared was that of Mary Schurter, Duchess of Suffolk, whose restless spirit is said to haunt St. Mary’s Chapel. After being moved from her original burial site following the dissolution of the monasteries, her ghost reportedly still shuffles about the chapel at dusk, mourning the loss of her original resting place and the religious life she once knew. It’s a chilling reminder of the emotional and spiritual consequences of historical upheaval.
Victoria also described the haunting atmosphere of the once-thriving medieval port town of Dunwich, now mostly sunken beneath the sea due to coastal erosion. Visitors can still find bones and artifacts sticking out of the cliffs, and sightings of an Elizabethan sailor’s ghost persist, adding a layer of tragedy to the town’s long-lost glory.
The Curse of Thomas Sackford
One particularly haunting tale centered on Thomas Sackford, a highly educated and successful civil servant who amassed a great fortune and built a grand house in East Anglia. After demolishing a 12th-century Augustinian priory to build his home, it’s said that Sackford’s ancestral lands were cursed. His ghost now haunts the corridors of Sackford Hall, as well as his former townhouse, which is now a school. Sackford is often seen or heard muttering angrily, still tormented by the legacy of his actions.
Black Shuck: The Spectral Dog of East Anglia
East Anglia is home to one of England’s most famous cryptids: Black Shuck, a spectral black dog that roams the coasts, marshes, and churchyards of the region. With glowing red eyes and a sometimes headless form, Black Shuck has been both a harbinger of death and a mysterious protector for centuries. Legend has it that this terrifying creature was brought to East Anglia by early Germanic settlers, as part of the mythos surrounding their god, Woden, and the ominous Wild Hunt.
In 1577, Black Shuck allegedly caused havoc in the small towns of Bungay and Blythburgh during a terrible storm, killing several people and leaving claw marks on the church doors—marks that are still visible today. While some believe the storm and lightning caused the damage, the story of Black Shuck remains an unforgettable part of local lore.
Wood Woes: East Anglia’s Wild Man
Victoria also introduced the audience to a lesser-known cryptid, the Wood Woes—East Anglia’s very own wild man of the woods. Often seen as a protector of the forests, Wood Woes are hairy, human-like figures believed to have pre-Christian origins. Sightings of these mysterious figures continue even into the 21st century, with stories ranging from peaceful encounters to tales of them terrorizing local villagers centuries ago. Representations of the Wood Woes can still be found on baptismal fonts and church carvings across Suffolk, symbolizing the enduring connection between folklore and religion.
Witches, Witch Bottles, and Rituals
East Anglia’s history with witchcraft is as dark as its ghostly tales. Victoria shared stories of local witch trials, such as the trial of Doll, Suffolk’s first convicted witch, who allegedly sent a haunting spirit named Giles to torment her accusers. Witch marks—symbols designed to protect homes from evil spirits—are still visible on many old buildings in Suffolk, particularly around chimneys and doors. These marks, along with witch bottles filled with personal items like nails or even urine, were believed to ward off curses and malevolent spirits.
One particularly fascinating practice involved hiding shoes in walls to fool witches into attacking the footwear instead of the person. Ritual concealment of items like shoes and even cats was a common method of protection for East Anglian villagers, with many of these items still being discovered in renovations today.
The Legacy of East Anglia’s Superstitions
Victoria’s presentation left the audience with a deep appreciation for the rich, mystical history of East Anglia. From haunted abbeys to cryptic creatures, the region is steeped in supernatural tales that continue to fascinate and perplex. As we approach the Halloween season, these stories of ghosts, witches, and cryptids feel especially poignant, reminding us that the past is never truly gone—it lingers in the shadows, waiting to be rediscovered.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2024 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast,  the original Tudor history podcast, started in 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. In 2019 she created Tudorcon, which is now a yearly event, in addition to writing books, and running TudorFair.com - a whimsical Tudor Merch shop. She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.