Black Shuck
Sometimes called “Doom Dog,” the Black Shuck has roamed through England since before the arrival of the Vikings. He’s reportedly the inspiration for the novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Reports describe him as a large, black ghostly dog, quite hairy, and ranging in size from a dog to a horse. His eyes are malevolent to witness, flaming red or green.
The appearance of the Black Shuck is a portent of ill omen for any traveler who spots him, sometimes foretelling the death of a close relative if not the actual beholder.
“One of the most notable reports of Black Shuck is of his appearance at the churches of Bungay and Blythburgh in Suffolk. On 4 August 1577, at Blythburgh, Black Shuck is said to have burst in through the church doors. He ran up the nave, past a large congregation, killing a man and boy and causing the church tower to collapse through the roof. As the dog left, he left scorch marks on the north door which can be seen at the church to this day.” The Free Dictionary
Another report of a sighting near Chelmsford, Essex tells of all who witnessed the dog on that day met an untimely death within a year of looking into his eyes.
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The launch of Wish The Awakening is fast approaching! If you’d like to help me celebrate with a shout out for it the week of Oct 22nd, sign up here and I’ll send you the info on it!
A belief in a big dog bringing down churches during the England of Elizabeth I? That sounds about right. I would’ve loved to see him do it, too — but without killing the apparently innocent “man and boy.” That’s where I draw the line.
It must have been a sight to see, Ron. I’m thinking a dog ran in out of the storm at the same time as lightning hit the tower…or it really was magical. I could go either way.
Makes me want to visit that church to see the burn marks!
Me too, Alex! I love soaking up unusual history like that.
Oh I have missed visiting your posts..I learned something new again..Thank you..
Glad to oblige, Savannah! Advising everyone about the Black Shuck is my public service.
There’s a dog I don’t ever want to meet. I have to wonder where you find all these interesting things.
I hunt for the bizarre, Mary.
All of these monsters are so great to fuel the imagination. And I like this one better than I do the Abominable Snow Man or the Loch Ness Monster.
This is a fun one, Michael!
Laura, is it okay if I mention your release day on my blog and FB? I’d love to get the word out there big time, because your books are AWESOME!!!
Is it okay??? Uh, let me see…YES! I’D LOVE IT!
Thank you so much!
Hi Laura .. that’s some tale about Black Shuck … and as I was in the land of the pixies and giants this week – I was quite glad to see Black Shuck was the other side of the country! Great that you’re drumming up support for your imminent release of your book “Wish the Awakening” … I’m looking forward to reading it … you must be super excited …. cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary! I’m so glad you didn’t get mixed up with the pixies.
Thanks and yes, I’m super excited!
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