Back to Events
Black Shuck
A monstrous black dog with flaming eyes that haunts the coastline and country lanes of East Anglia. In 1577, it burst into a church during a storm, killed two people, and left scorch marks still visible today.
Ancient - Present
East Anglia, England
5000+ witnesses
Black Shuck is England’s most famous phantom hound.
The Legend
According to English folklore:
Black Shuck is:
- A ghostly black dog
- Size of a calf or larger
- One glowing red eye
- Haunts East Anglia
- Omen of death
The 1577 Attack
On August 4, 1577:
- Violent thunderstorm
- Shuck entered Blythburgh church
- Killed two people
- Caused steeple to fall
- Left burn marks on door
The Evidence
At Holy Trinity Church:
- Scorch marks remain
- On north door
- Called “Devil’s fingerprints”
- Over 400 years old
- Still visible today
Appearance
Described as:
- Black as coal
- Size of horse or calf
- Single eye like fire
- Sometimes headless
- Moves silently
The Omen
Seeing Black Shuck means:
- Death within a year
- Or death of family member
- Some say protector
- Others say demon
- Best not to look
East Anglian Range
Haunted locations:
- Norfolk coastline
- Suffolk lanes
- Essex marshes
- Cambridge paths
- Fen country
Viking Origins
May derive from:
- Norse god Odin’s hounds
- “Shuck” from “scucca” (demon)
- Viking settlement influence
- Pre-Christian beliefs
- Ancient terror