Picktree Brag

An apparition that used to haunt the village of Picktree, near Chester-le-Street. The brag was said to appear like a calf, also like a galloway; once like four men holding up a white sheet, and once like a headless man; but more often like a coach-horse or a male ass. One who mounted the brag was thrown off into a pond at the four 'lonin ends.' while the brag ran off laughing. It was also said to appear at the time of death, or to herald some misfortune."

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References

Sources

  • Denham, M.A. (1895). The Denham Tracts. Vol. 2. Strand: David Nutt, p. 78.
  • Henderson, W. (1879). Notes on the folk-lore of the northern countries of England and the borders. Covent Garden: W. Satchell, Peyton and Co., p. 270.
  • Wright, J. (1898). The English dialect dictionary. Vol. 1. London: H. Frowde.