The Ghost of the Wreckers: Spirits of the Cornish Coast

• The Curse of the Doom Bar: Wrecks, Legends, and the Mermaid’s Revenge

  In this captivating episode of "The Ghost of the Wreckers," we delve into the legend of a famous navigational hazard on the North Cornish Coast. At the entrance to Padstow Harbour lies the infamous Doom Bar—a shifting sandbank responsible for over 600 wrecks and founderings. But is it merely a natural hazard, or something more sinister? Legend tells of a vengeful mermaid, mortally wounded by a sailor whose love she rejected, cursing the waters with her dying breath. In this episode, we explore the real dangers of the Doom Bar, the tragic tales of ships lost to its grip, and the haunting folklore that has endured for centuries. Was this treacherous stretch of water shaped by nature, or by the wrath of a betrayed sea spirit? Join us as we dive into the mystery of the Doom Bar.

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• Sermons and Shipwrecks: The Curious Case of Scilly’s Wrecker Reverend

  In this episode of "The Ghost of the Wreckers," we delve into the intriguing tale of Reverend Troutbeck, the 18th century Wrecker Chaplain of Scilly, a figure entwined with the perilous history of shipwrecks along the Cornish coast. As we explore this curious character and his controversial reputation, listeners will uncover the dark practices that thrived amidst the treacherous tides. Was he a devoted protector of the sea or a cunning player in the deadly game of wrecking? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of morality amidst the lure of riches, revealing a legacy that has endured through generations, leaving an indelible mark on Cornwall’s haunted narrative.

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• Shipwreck and Sacrilege: The Dark Fate of HMS Anson’s Crew

  On a stormy December day in 1807, HMS Anson met its tragic end off the treacherous sands of Loe Bar, a place notorious for shipwrecks. As the vessel broke apart in the raging surf, dozens of sailors drowned within sight of the Cornish shore. But the horror did not end with the sea’s fury. In the aftermath, the bodies of the lost crew were buried in unconsecrated pits on nearby cliffs—without coffins, without gravestones, and without the sacred rites of burial. In this episode, we unravel the chilling story of the Anson disaster, the grim fate of its sailors, and the outrage that followed. How did this tragedy spark a change in British law? And do the souls of the forgotten crew still linger on the windswept shores of nearby Porthlevan? Join us as we uncover the shipwreck, the sacrilege, and the legacy of HMS Anson.

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• The Isles of Scilly Naval Disaster and the fate of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell

  In this intriguing episode of "The Ghost of the Wreckers: Spirits of the Cornish Coast," we navigate the treacherous waters of the Isles of Scilly, where a naval disaster sealed the fate of Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. As we recount the harrowing tale of the ill-fated shipwreck in 1707, listeners will discover the chilling elements that led to the calamity and its aftermath. Shovell's tragic end serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the ever-watchful spirits that seem to linger in the mist. Join us as we uncover not just the historical details, but also the folklore and myths that have intertwined with this maritime tragedy, revealing how the echoes of the past still resonate. Prepare for a voyage filled with mystery, loss, and the spectral tales of the sea.

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• The Bucca of Tolcarne Beach: Troublemakers or not?

  The Bucca of Tolcarne Beach: Troublemakers or not? These mythical creatures have been called both troublesome and benign. The good Bucca Gwidden helps by driving fish towards fisher folk, assisting in their catches. The bad Bucca Boo is the evil version that causes mischief for coastal folk.

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