The Padfoot

Phantom Black dogs are prevalent here in the U.k. and are known by many different names, in this area known as Staffordshire it is known as the Padfoot. It is usually perceived as being black with glowing red eyes and is about the size of a calf. The person who sees the Padfoot isn’t usually the person who suffers dire consequences, for instance if it is seen in a churchyard it could mean that it is the Vicar who will die, although it is a harbinger of death it is also seen at burial places and certain wells such as the Indefont well and the Egg well which seems to attract it for some reason.

A view of the strange Egg well where the Padffot has been seen. Photo by Gary Tacagni.

During my investigation I have found many sightings of the Padfoot which seems to follow the route that Bonnie Prince Charlie followed with his troops while on his way to Derby, whether skirmishes took place along this route which led to deaths and burials along the way is not known for sure, however one place that I know of where the Padfoot has been seen is in the vicinity of Oxhaye Farm on the side of the Leek to Ashbourne road. This was formerly a pub called the Red Lion, and it is thought that two Jacobite soldiers fought with each other and as a result were killed, their bodies were buried at the rear of the farm, and it is said that the Padfoot has been seen guarding their graves.

Oxhayes farm on the Leek to Ashbourne road. Photo by Gary Tacagni.

The burial site of two Jacobite soldiers which are believed to be guarded by the Padfoot behind Oxhayes farm. Photo by Gary Tacagni.

Another place that Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through can be found about another six miles further down the Leek to Ashbourne at a place called Swinscoe, at this place it is believed that another three graves belonging to Jacobite soldiers can be found, the Padfoot has been seen in close proximity to these graves.

Three Jacobite soldiers are buried at this village, is this why the Padfoot has been seen here? Photo by Gary Tacagni.

In the Pennine region of the U.K. the Phantom black dog is known as “the Black Fairie dog”, some of these phantom black dogs are benevolent and seem to have a guardian function especially when they are attached to certain hills, lanes and footpaths between villages. The fear which usually accompanies the sighting of a phantom black dog is their connection to death and the underworld, in many old traditions dogs had the ability to sense death and acted as guardians between this world and the next.

If you travel through the village of Ipstones in the Staffordshire Moorlands on the A5053 after about half a mile you will see Hermitage Farm on the right hand side of the road, this house is over three hundred years old, ghostly screams have been heard coming from below one of the windows, also organ music has been heard on occasions. Yet once more the Padfoot has been seen around this area, mainly at the end of the lane leading to the farmhouse, one person is said to have tried to kick out at the Phantom dog but his foot passed right through it! Another time a light was seen to travel up the driveway before disappearing before it reached the house.

The end of the drive to Hermitage farm where the Padfoot has been seen. Photo by Gary Tacagni.

Hermitage farm where ghostly screams and organ music have been heard. Photo by Gary Tacagni.