Five Strange British Folklore Tales You Might Never Have Heard Of

Britain’s folklore is a vast and tangled forest of ghost stories, mischievous spirits, and ancient curses. While many are familiar with giants on Cornish cliffs or Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest, there’s a shadowy world of lesser-known legends lurking beneath the surface. From haunted chickens to spectral hounds in strange disguises, here are five obscure British folklore tales you (probably) haven’t heard of—but definitely should:

1. The Phantom Chicken of Pond Square (London)

Origin: Highgate, London

The Tale: It’s not every day you hear about a ghost chicken haunting the capital, but here we are. In the 17th century, Sir Francis Bacon was experimenting with meat preservation by stuffing a chicken with snow near Pond Square. Legend says he caught pneumonia and died shortly after. Ever since, locals claim to have seen a ghostly, featherless chicken frantically running around the area, vanishing into thin air.

Why It’s Weirdly Wonderful: Because the only thing more British than a haunting is one involving poultry and science gone slightly wrong.

2. The Hunchback of Trelawnyd (Wales)

Origin: Trelawnyd, Flintshire

The Tale: A solitary hunchback was said to wander the lanes of this Welsh village, carrying secrets and seeing into the future. He was considered both a curse and a charm—those who treated him kindly received good fortune, but those who mocked him suffered misfortune or even madness.

Moral of the Story: Don't judge by appearances—and definitely don’t insult strangers in folklore-heavy regions.

3. The Cauld Lad of Hylton (North East England)

Origin: Hylton Castle, Sunderland

The Tale: This mischievous spirit was said to haunt the castle after the stable boy, known as the Cauld Lad ("cold boy"), was accidentally killed by a nobleman. His ghost would tidy up the kitchen at night—or, if ignored, throw everything into chaos. The hauntings reportedly stopped after a gift of clothes was left out for him, a traditional way to free house spirits in British lore.

Sounds Familiar? Kind of like a tragic, Northern cousin of Dobby the house-elf.

4. The Cursed Doll of Meigle (Scotland)

Origin: Meigle, Perthshire

The Tale: In the 18th century, a farmer’s wife who was thought to be dabbling in witchcraft created a small straw doll to “bring luck” to her household. Instead, it allegedly brought madness and misfortune. The doll was eventually buried under a rowan tree to contain its power. Some say if it’s ever dug up, the curse will return.

Local Lore Says: The tree still stands. And no one’s brave (or foolish) enough to check underneath.

5. Jenny Greenteeth (Northern England & Midlands)

Origin: Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire

The Tale: A water hag with green skin, tangled hair, and a rotten smile, Jenny Greenteeth lurked in ponds and rivers, waiting to drag unsuspecting children and the elderly under. Her tale was often used to warn children not to play near still water—but some claim she’s more than just a cautionary tale.

Creepy Detail: She’s said to hide under duckweed, blending in until it’s too late. Sweet dreams!