The mighty winding river Trent, reaching from the North Sea and carving itself deep into the midlands, connects our stories today.

The Black Dog of Beckingham

Beckingham is a village and parish in the Bassetlaw district of Nottinghamshire, in the northern reaches of the county.

Among its oldest tales is the legend of the Black Dog of Beckingham. As with so many ghostly canines, this one is always seen as black as night. It emerges from the cemetery, moving purposefully along the road or running silently, following a path toward the old boatyard before taking the south road, across the meadows to the River Trent and vanishing. Accounts of this spectral creature stretch back centuries.

One story tells of a man who determined to confront the mysterious dog, stood boldly in its path, his faith his only shield. With an outstretched arm, he demanded to know, in the name of God, what business the creature had here. But as soon as he spoke, he found himself suddenly paralyzed, collapsing unconscious on the road. The great beast unfazed continued his run towards the water meadows. The pious individual was later discovered trembling, and would remain partially paralyzed for the rest of his life—a lasting reminder of his encounter with the ominous Black Dog.

The legend also links the Black Dog with Beckingham’s religious history. According to local lore, in the 7th century, the lord of the manor—a staunch pagan—was known for violently resisting any Christian trespassers. But when a priest arrived and reached out to the fearsome dog, it responded by rolling over, enjoying a scratch on its belly instead of guarding its master. From that day forward, the priest took the dog as his companion, the creature accompanying him as he spread the new faith across the kingdom of I figure at that time, Mercia. The Black Dog continued perhaps as an allegory to not stand before Christ for its formidable powers and in control of the followers of the faith.

The River Spirit That Claims Souls

Let’s continue to tell the story from the banks sitting beside the nook at Clifton Hall, contemplating whether a sturgeon, river dolphin or mermaid came to this corner sparking a folklore legend held firm in the area for several centuries.

Over the years, the River Trent has borne witness to many grim and grisly discoveries, especially near Clifton, where folklore whispers of a chilling tradition. Legend has it that the river claims four souls each year, pulling them into its icy, rushing depths as a sacrifice to safeguard the rest. Between Clifton and Trent Bridge in Nottingham, these tragic offerings are said to appease the river’s dark appetite, ensuring the safety of all who remain.

So who do they have please a water spirit? A nature elemental? Who knows but it must have happened on a regular annual basis to enter folklore. The river’s undercurrent surges with such strength that it can easily drag a man under, no matter how strong a swimmer he may be.

Four souls a year, is it worth it to keep everybody safe?

Want to continue your handshake with the mysteries of Nottinghamshire? We have a 12 part series of articles ready to roll out and a supplementary audio podcast series.

Phenomenal Nottinghamshire #2 – We take the road behind Nottingham Castle to the private village hidden in the centre of the city known as The Park Estate and pull back the uncanny events of A Bestwood Haunting

Coming up next: Phenomenal Nottinghamshire #4 Brokilow Boggan & the lingering spirit of Peggy Whooper

https://kristianlander.com/?p=3606

Source: Curses and Folklore | Clifton Village Nottingham https://youtu.be/fB85xmeliUk
Nottingham Hidden History Team
Haunted Nottinghamshire – Wayne Anthony
David Haslem