Have you ever heard of Black Shuck? Or maybe you know the hellish hound by another name for it has many.

Old Shuck, Hairy Jack, Shock,Old Shep, The Hateful Thing or sometimes simply just Shuck. By whatever the name this demon dog is said to roam the countryside of East Anglia, appearing in graveyards and roadsides alike,from the dark
woodlands to wind swept coastlines,across Norfolk, Suffolk,Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire. It is said to be of intimidatingly large size, with shaggy hair and saucer-like flaming red eyes.

You may think this to be no more than a tall tale however there are many, many accounts of people having seen this hound, indeed if you are from or have lived in East Anglia there is a good chance you know someone who has caught a glimpse of this ghostly hound.

The Bloody Black Dog of Bungay and Blythburgh: A Witnessed Attack in 1577

One famously documented account of the beast happened on the 4th of August 1577. As a nasty storm raged outside, a large black, devilish dog came crashing through the doors of St Mary’s Church in Bungay. It burst into the church,terrifying the congregation who were seated in the aisles. The creature attacked and killed a man and a boy. The demon dog left as fast as it had arrived, moving on to Blythburgh Church,some 15 miles from Bungay. There it again attacked, this time killing more people.

The demon dog left as fast as it had arrived, moving on to Blythburgh Church, some 13 miles from Bungay. There it again attacked, this time killing more people.

Events from that day in 1577 are remembered in this verse: 

"All down the church in midst of fire, the hellish 
monster flew, and, passing onward to the quire, 
he many people slew”.

If you go to Blythburgh Church today it is said you can still see the scorched scratch marks made by the hound on the old wooden doors. Surviving local accounts attribute the event to the Devil with the marks on the door of Blythburgh Church being known by locals as “the devil’s fingerprints”.

From Fiend to Friend: Tracing Black Shuck’s Roots in Folklore and Local Hero Tales

The name Shuck may derive from the old English word ‘scucca’ meaning devil or fiend. Interestingly, a black, large dog is a common occurrence throughout the UK Europe. Many folk tales tell of a large, black dog often with a demonic connection being referred to as a hellhound. Pre- christian beliefs suggest these dogs were the guardians of the dead and linked to the underworld.

The story in East Anglia goes that Black shuck may be able to warn of impending death, with some chilling accounts suggesting that if seen, you will only have a day to live. However others local stories suggest the dog may not be so bad, one siting happening in Littleport, Cambridgeshire during the reformation tells of a local girl who was out alone, collecting wild herbs from a nearby mere when a lustful friar attacked her. It was said the girl was protected by a huge black dog. Both the friar and the dog were killed in the struggle. The friar was simply thrown into the mere but the dog was given a proper burial as he was seen as this girls protector. This hero dog is said to still haunt the area now.

Whatever you believe of this hound, harbinger of death or loyal companion, Black Shuck remains a huge part of popular culture today with bands preforming songs about the ghostly dog, social clubs and business taking on its name and roads named after the hound itself..

Local band, ‘The Trail of Cato’ have a great track named ‘When Black Shuck Roamed’ for any wanting to have a listen.

So next time you are out alone on a dark night in East Anglia, remember to keep a look out for Old Shuck, whether he is good or bad, the hounds terrifying, blood chilling howl and eerily silent steps are enough to scare anyone.

Want to Stay nearby? HERE

3 Other top places to see in the area – * The Black Shuck Festival – Discover the Shuck, and other myths and legends

*Visit the museum of Christchurch Mansion – here in Ipswich you’ll find this old Tudor building full of fascinating history , with 500 years of history to explore and has a family – friendly vibe. Plan your visit More Here

* Do you like Outdoor Swimming? – If you are not quite ready for Wild Swimming (More Here) but prefer your water heated to 27 degrees and plenty of grass to sunbathe – why not try Beccles Lido? Walk in’s available at times or book your spot Here