#ghostsofexmoor

The Black Shuck of Winsford Hill

In English folklore, Black Shuck, Old Shuck, Old Shock or simply Shuck is the name given to a ghostly black dog

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the name Shuck derives from the Old English word scucca - "devil, fiend", from the root word skuh- to terrify

Legend says that on Winsford Hill on autumn nights, a traveller may be stopped by a black hound with glowing saucer eyes.

If he tries to advance he will die, either at once or very soon, but if he stands still the dog will slowly vanish until only its eyes still glow.

As soon as they disappear the traveller is free to move on, but some lesser ill-luck will follow.

There was once a farmer whose frightened pony danced near to the spectre before he could stop it.

The farmer did not die, it was the pony who collapsed half a mile from home.

Source - 'Somerset Folklore' by Ruth Tongue