A Shiver Down The Spine At Kings Wood Where The Ghosts Walk - Perhaps!

Walking in the ancient Kings Wood, Pentewan, Cornwall is following a well trodden path for hundreds of years. After walking for a while there is a sign asking: "Did you feel a little shiver just now?" They are not talking about any coldness from the weather - but more ghostly things!

Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Lord Ordainer (1278-1322) and one of the most powerful men in England is believed to have owed Kings Wood. 

He was the cousin of Edward the Second and led the barons' revolt against the King in 1332, but was defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge. On March 22nd of the same year Thomas was found guilty of treason and beheaded. 

Maybe he now pops back, head under his arm, to his old stomping ground and frequents the paths that he once owned. 

The woods have some very old medieval Cornish stone walls. These marked ownership boundaries and also controlled any livestock. 

Note the coping stones at the top of the walls.

Kings wood was hunted in the 1300s to keep the the grand houses of the aristocracy supplied with venison. The huntsmen didn't want their quarry escaping - so the coping stones were turned inwards to stop the hapless prey jumping the wall to freedom.

I'm sure I felt a shiver down my spine as I walked. I have read (I read some strange books!) that a shiver can be a direct sign from a spirit guide or angel indicating that they are reaching out to you, with a message. I knew I should have worn a warmer jacket - my wife did warn me, but would I listen ...