Welcome To Derby Ghost
Capital Of England --The Headless Cross
The Headless
Cross The Headless Cross, Friargate (14th Century)
The Headless Cross
The Headless Cross -
Derby suffered several times from the plague, perhaps being worst
affected in 1592 when 464 people perished. Local farmers refused to
trade with the townspeople and it is said that grass grew in the Market
Place from lack of people and business. As the plague continued, it was
feared that there would be a famine until, at last, farmers in the
surrounding countryside agreed to trade with the people of the town
under the condition that money for the payment of provisions was left
in bowls of vinegar at the Headless Cross on Nun's Green. The farmers
returned later to collect their money.
The 'Hedles Cros', or
'Broken Crosse', as it has been recorded, is
thought to date from the 14th century and by the 15th it had been
recorded as already having lost its top. At one time the cross was
moved to the Derby Arboretum park, where it stood for many years,
having a reputation even then of being haunted. Eventually the Headless
Cross was moved back to the top of Friar Gate, probably quite close to
where it originally stood.
Two ghosts have been seen
near the Headless Cross, one of which is said
to be that of a dog sitting. The other is alleged to be the figure of a
lady in grey - although she is sometimes in white - 'coming out of the
stone'. Some claim that the ghost of another lady which is often seen
on the Arboretum is in some way connected with the cross, whilst others
believe that the same ghost now haunts both Friar Gate and the
Arboretum park.
