Screaming Skulls of England
Remove the skull, and the screaming begins. Crops fail. Cattle die. Disaster strikes. Several English houses guard skulls that must never leave. The skulls of Bettiscombe, Wardley, and Burton Agnes.
Screaming skulls are human skulls kept in English houses that, according to legend, must never be removed or buried—or terrible consequences follow.
The Phenomenon
According to documented folklore:
Several English houses possess skulls that:
- Must remain in the house
- Scream or cause disturbances if removed
- Bring misfortune if not respected
- Have resisted multiple burial attempts
- Have legends explaining their origins
Famous Screaming Skulls
Bettiscombe Manor (Dorset): Perhaps the most famous. The skull allegedly screams if removed. It’s associated with a black slave who wanted to be buried in Africa.
Burton Agnes Hall (Yorkshire): The skull of Anne Griffith, who asked to remain in the house she loved. Disturbances occurred when her skull was removed.
Wardley Hall (Lancashire): The skull of a Catholic martyr (Father Ambrose Barlow, executed 1641). Storms occur when it’s disturbed.
Tunstead Farm (Derbyshire): “Dickie’s skull” must remain or cattle sicken and crops fail.
The Bettiscombe Skull
The most documented case:
- Kept in a roof space for centuries
- Screams fill the house if removed
- Multiple removal attempts have failed
- Scientific analysis suggests it’s actually prehistoric
- The slave legend may be a later addition
The Burton Agnes Skull
Anne Griffith’s story:
- She was attacked and mortally wounded in 1620
- She begged to remain in her beloved house
- After burial, disturbances occurred
- Her skull was removed and kept in the house
- Peace was restored
What Happens When Removed
Legends describe:
- Screaming filling the house
- Crops failing
- Cattle sickening
- Storms and disasters
- The skull mysteriously returning
Scientific Analysis
Modern examination has revealed:
- The Bettiscombe skull is a prehistoric woman
- Some skulls are Celtic trophy heads
- The legends may be later additions
- The actual origins often differ from stories
Cultural Significance
Screaming skulls represent:
- The importance of proper burial
- Promises kept beyond death
- The house as a living entity
- Celtic head cult survivals
Visiting the Skulls
Some skulls can be seen:
- Burton Agnes Hall displays its skull
- Others are kept private
- Wardley Hall’s skull is in a niche
- Most owners take the legends seriously