The Black Shuck

The Devil’s dog is said to haunt England’s east coast, but what truly is the Black Shuck? Seen most commonly in East Anglia the Black Shuck is commonly described as a big black dog, red eyes, shaggy fur and large bared teeth. The ghostly beast has been seen for centuries, claimed by many to be a demon dog. Some even interpret it to be an omen of death. But what is it? A ghost, a demon, or quite simply a big black dog?

Although reports of this dog go back to the year 1127, the most famous sighting was on August 4th, 1577. Thunder rang out as the Black Shuck sprung through the doors of the Holy Trinity Church. He ran through the church, killing a man and a young boy. Upon exiting the demon dog caused the steeple to come crashing down and left scorch marks on the doors which can be seen to this day. More recently in 1945 John Harries was chased while on his bicycle by the beast who eventually vanished.

The story of a dog crashing a church steeple and scorching a door seems pretty far fetched. After over 400 years it seems a story like that could become embellished. But is there truth to the stories? Could a demon dog be roaming East England? Is the dog a ghost of one that lived before? Or is it simply a living animal roaming the English countryside? The truth roams East Anglia, waiting to be found.