Ian Backhouse's Blog
April 15, 2023
the Horror of Clophill Church!
Welcome to the world of horror! Today, we're going to take a trip to Clophill Church in Bedfordshire, which I visited just a couple of weeks ago - a place with a dark and mysterious history that has captivated horror enthusiasts and paranormal investigators alike.
Clophill Church is a 14th-century church that sits atop a hill, overlooking the small village of Clophill. The church was abandoned in the 18th century and left to decay, eventually becoming a target for vandals and occultists.
Over the years, Clophill Church has become known as one of the most haunted places in England. The stories of supernatural events and paranormal activity associated with this place are both numerous and chilling. Here are just a few of the most notorious tales:
The Red-eyed Shadow Figure:
One of the most common apparitions reported at Clophill Church is a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes. Witnesses have reported seeing this figure standing on the roof of the church, lurking in the shadows, and even peering through the windows.
The Ghost of the Sacrifice:
Another popular legend associated with Clophill Church is the story of a sacrificial ritual that took place in the churchyard. According to the legend, a young woman was sacrificed by a group of devil-worshippers, and her ghost still haunts the churchyard to this day.
The Devil's Footprints:
In the winter of 1855, a strange phenomenon occurred in Clophill. Overnight, the entire village was covered in a layer of snow, except for a series of footprints that led from the churchyard to the rectory. The footprints were said to be those of the devil himself.
The Black Mass:
In the 1960s, Clophill Church became a popular spot for occultists and devil-worshippers. They would perform black masses and other dark rituals within the church walls. The church became known as a place of evil and darkness, and many believe that this negative energy still lingers there to this day.
As you can see, the stories associated with Clophill Church are both varied and terrifying. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying that this place has a dark and eerie history that continues to fascinate and frighten people to this day.
If you're brave enough to visit Clophill Church, be warned: you may not come back the same person you were before. The energy and presence of this haunted location are said to be incredibly strong, and many have reported feeling a sense of unease or even being physically touched by unseen hands.
So, if you're a fan of horror stories and love a good scare, Clophill Church should definitely be on your list of must-visit places. But be warned: you may just get more than you bargained for.
Clophill Church is a 14th-century church that sits atop a hill, overlooking the small village of Clophill. The church was abandoned in the 18th century and left to decay, eventually becoming a target for vandals and occultists.
Over the years, Clophill Church has become known as one of the most haunted places in England. The stories of supernatural events and paranormal activity associated with this place are both numerous and chilling. Here are just a few of the most notorious tales:
The Red-eyed Shadow Figure:
One of the most common apparitions reported at Clophill Church is a shadowy figure with glowing red eyes. Witnesses have reported seeing this figure standing on the roof of the church, lurking in the shadows, and even peering through the windows.
The Ghost of the Sacrifice:
Another popular legend associated with Clophill Church is the story of a sacrificial ritual that took place in the churchyard. According to the legend, a young woman was sacrificed by a group of devil-worshippers, and her ghost still haunts the churchyard to this day.
The Devil's Footprints:
In the winter of 1855, a strange phenomenon occurred in Clophill. Overnight, the entire village was covered in a layer of snow, except for a series of footprints that led from the churchyard to the rectory. The footprints were said to be those of the devil himself.
The Black Mass:
In the 1960s, Clophill Church became a popular spot for occultists and devil-worshippers. They would perform black masses and other dark rituals within the church walls. The church became known as a place of evil and darkness, and many believe that this negative energy still lingers there to this day.
As you can see, the stories associated with Clophill Church are both varied and terrifying. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, there is no denying that this place has a dark and eerie history that continues to fascinate and frighten people to this day.
If you're brave enough to visit Clophill Church, be warned: you may not come back the same person you were before. The energy and presence of this haunted location are said to be incredibly strong, and many have reported feeling a sense of unease or even being physically touched by unseen hands.
So, if you're a fan of horror stories and love a good scare, Clophill Church should definitely be on your list of must-visit places. But be warned: you may just get more than you bargained for.
April 8, 2023
Exploring the Haunted Town of St. Osyth
Some time ago, I took a trip to the haunted town of St. Osyth in Essex, UK. Known for its eerie history and countless ghost sightings, I couldn't resist exploring the area for myself.
First on my list was the infamous St. Osyth Priory. The building dates back to the 12th century and has a long history of paranormal activity. It's said that the ghost of a nun who was bricked up alive in the walls of the priory haunts the building to this day. I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine as I walked through the dark corridors.
Next up was the town's village hall, which was once a courtroom and jail. It's said that the ghosts of prisoners who were held there still linger in the building. I could almost hear their whispers as I walked through the empty cells.
Finally, I made my way to the St. Osyth Witch's Grave. Legend has it that a woman accused of witchcraft was buried at this site in the 16th century. To this day, locals leave offerings of flowers and coins on her grave, hoping to appease her restless spirit.
Overall, my trip to St. Osyth was a spooky and fascinating experience. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend checking out these haunted sites for yourself.
First on my list was the infamous St. Osyth Priory. The building dates back to the 12th century and has a long history of paranormal activity. It's said that the ghost of a nun who was bricked up alive in the walls of the priory haunts the building to this day. I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine as I walked through the dark corridors.
Next up was the town's village hall, which was once a courtroom and jail. It's said that the ghosts of prisoners who were held there still linger in the building. I could almost hear their whispers as I walked through the empty cells.
Finally, I made my way to the St. Osyth Witch's Grave. Legend has it that a woman accused of witchcraft was buried at this site in the 16th century. To this day, locals leave offerings of flowers and coins on her grave, hoping to appease her restless spirit.
Overall, my trip to St. Osyth was a spooky and fascinating experience. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend checking out these haunted sites for yourself.
The Horror Of The Unknown
For me, the scariest thing of all is the unknown. In a recent post on Instagram, I shared some of the things that terrify me the most - from the eerie silence of an empty house to the feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. But I also believe that facing our fears can be a powerful tool for creativity. In fact, the current book I'm writing, 'Voices Of Silence', explores the idea of confronting the unknown, and I hope it will be my most terrifying yet.
Creepy fun fact: The fear of the unknown is known as xenophobia, which literally means "fear of the other".
Creepy fun fact: The fear of the unknown is known as xenophobia, which literally means "fear of the other".
The Horror Of Travel
I'm no stranger to travel, and over time I've visited some of the most haunted places in the UK for inspiration. On a trip to Devon some years ago, I found myself stranded in a small town during a hideous thunderstorm and torrential rain, which flooded most of the exit roads. Luckily I found a room in an old hotel, probably built in the 1500s and was forced to spend the night in a creepy old room that was rumoured to be haunted. As I huddled under the covers, listening to the howling wind and creaking floorboards, I did wonder what awaited me later in the night! However, I was disappointed (I think) not to see any ghosts!
Creepy fun fact: The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, which inspired Stephen King's The Shining, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former guests.
Creepy fun fact: The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, which inspired Stephen King's The Shining, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of its former guests.
The Horror Of Writing
The Horror of Writing
Writing horror can be a gruelling and terrifying process, but I thrive on that fear. I recently shared some insights into his writing process, including the importance of creating vivid and believable characters, and the art of building suspense. I also revealed that I like to listen to certain creepy soundtracks while I write the more scary scenes to help set the mood. But beware - I also warn you that sometimes the horror can get a little too real, and I've been known to have nightmares after a particularly intense writing session.
Stay spooky and join me for another blog very soon!
Creepy fun fact: Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein after having a nightmare about a scientist who created life from dead flesh.
Writing horror can be a gruelling and terrifying process, but I thrive on that fear. I recently shared some insights into his writing process, including the importance of creating vivid and believable characters, and the art of building suspense. I also revealed that I like to listen to certain creepy soundtracks while I write the more scary scenes to help set the mood. But beware - I also warn you that sometimes the horror can get a little too real, and I've been known to have nightmares after a particularly intense writing session.
Stay spooky and join me for another blog very soon!
Creepy fun fact: Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein after having a nightmare about a scientist who created life from dead flesh.
March 2, 2022
Becoming John Wick - The Power Of Strong Characters In Fiction
Becoming 'John Wick' - The Power Of Strong Characters In Fiction
A Convincing John
I am unashamedly an obsessive fan of the 'John Wick' films! There, I've said it. I make no apologies. But underneath my enjoyment of the constantly unravelling plot, the authenticity of the firearms and equipment, the incredible fights scenes, the depth and variety of supporting characters, the attention to detail, and the bad guys who are not just bad, but BAD, there is something far more I get from these films. The character of John wick is so convincing in terms of his traits, his credo, the code he lives by, and the fact that despite his occupation, all those supporting characters around him - Chron, the concierge, the specialist tailor, Julius the owner of the Continental in Rome, the Sommelier in the weapons room - they are always glad to see him, and have great respect from him. This says a lot about his character without the audience being 'told' - they are 'shown' - something I try to do in my writing as often as I can.
Strong Traits
As such, over the last year, I have adopted his three strongest traits - "a man of focus, commitment, sheer fu*king will". This might sound strange but it helps me every day. When I don't feel like training I think of those three traits and I get off my bum and do it. When I think I can't do the last sit up, and it's hurting and I'm exhausted, I think of those three traits - and I pull it out of the bag. When I don't feel like writing, those traits are in my head again, and suck it up and get to work! In so many aspects of my life, these three are helping me to become a stronger, better person, both physically and mentally. The John Wick approach has helped me get my life - a life that has been incredibly difficult at times over the last couple of years, Covid notwithstanding.
I'm an instructor black belt in Aikido, a former firearms officer in the police, with surveillance training and more - a lot of the skills that translate well into civilian life I have become rusty at as it was a long time ago that I left the police. So now I'm polishing them up and getting back to fitness as well. It is such a great feeling - good for body and mind, and indeed the spirit. And being in this state of mind enables me to write so much better.
Putting It Into Daily Life
And of course, I'm not John Wick and I'm not actually trying to be him. But I am trying to live those three traits the character lives by. I've heard of cases where this often happens with book characters too. So in the next two books, I'm going to make it a point of starting to develop characters that have an approach and traits that maybe some readers will adopt in a way that helps them in real life.
I do have one confession though - I just love that John Wick beard, and now I got me one too! Well, you gotta have a bit of indulgence, right?
A Convincing John
I am unashamedly an obsessive fan of the 'John Wick' films! There, I've said it. I make no apologies. But underneath my enjoyment of the constantly unravelling plot, the authenticity of the firearms and equipment, the incredible fights scenes, the depth and variety of supporting characters, the attention to detail, and the bad guys who are not just bad, but BAD, there is something far more I get from these films. The character of John wick is so convincing in terms of his traits, his credo, the code he lives by, and the fact that despite his occupation, all those supporting characters around him - Chron, the concierge, the specialist tailor, Julius the owner of the Continental in Rome, the Sommelier in the weapons room - they are always glad to see him, and have great respect from him. This says a lot about his character without the audience being 'told' - they are 'shown' - something I try to do in my writing as often as I can.
Strong Traits
As such, over the last year, I have adopted his three strongest traits - "a man of focus, commitment, sheer fu*king will". This might sound strange but it helps me every day. When I don't feel like training I think of those three traits and I get off my bum and do it. When I think I can't do the last sit up, and it's hurting and I'm exhausted, I think of those three traits - and I pull it out of the bag. When I don't feel like writing, those traits are in my head again, and suck it up and get to work! In so many aspects of my life, these three are helping me to become a stronger, better person, both physically and mentally. The John Wick approach has helped me get my life - a life that has been incredibly difficult at times over the last couple of years, Covid notwithstanding.
I'm an instructor black belt in Aikido, a former firearms officer in the police, with surveillance training and more - a lot of the skills that translate well into civilian life I have become rusty at as it was a long time ago that I left the police. So now I'm polishing them up and getting back to fitness as well. It is such a great feeling - good for body and mind, and indeed the spirit. And being in this state of mind enables me to write so much better.
Putting It Into Daily Life
And of course, I'm not John Wick and I'm not actually trying to be him. But I am trying to live those three traits the character lives by. I've heard of cases where this often happens with book characters too. So in the next two books, I'm going to make it a point of starting to develop characters that have an approach and traits that maybe some readers will adopt in a way that helps them in real life.
I do have one confession though - I just love that John Wick beard, and now I got me one too! Well, you gotta have a bit of indulgence, right?
