Start, a coastal village in Devon, England, has been the subject of numerous reports detailing various forms of paranormal activity over several centuries. The village's isolated location and proximity to both the English Channel and the Dartmoor wilderness may contribute to its reputation as a site for unexplained phenomena. Historical records and local folklore suggest a persistent thread of the supernatural entwined with daily life in Start, with accounts ranging from phantom ships to mysterious lights observed offshore. Modern reports continue to discuss unusual occurrences, making paranormal activity in Start a topic of local interest and occasional wider study.
The range of unexplained phenomena in Start is diverse. UFO sightings are intermittently reported, often described as silent, fast-moving lights or craft executing improbable maneuvers over the sea or the agricultural lands surrounding the village. Cryptid encounters, though rarer, feature in local oral traditions, with vague descriptions of large, indistinct creatures sighted in marshy areas or deep within the wooded coastal paths. Ghost sightings and apparitions are perhaps the most common form of Start paranormal reports, with specific locations like Start Point Lighthouse and older village dwellings frequently cited. Witnesses describe fleeting figures, disembodied voices, and anomalous temperature drops. Poltergeist activity, while less frequent, has been documented in residential properties, involving objects moving seemingly of their own volition and unexplained noises. Unexplained atmospheric phenomena, such as phosphorescent mists appearing suddenly or strange atmospheric pressure changes, are also noted.
Notable incidents contributing to Start's reputation as a haunted location include recurring reports of a "Grey Lady" apparition at Start Point Lighthouse, an account stretching back more than a century. Fishermen have often described encountering "ghost lights" on the water that do not correspond to any known vessel or natural bioluminescence. In the late 20th century, a series of documented witness accounts from a family residing near the old chapel detailed persistent poltergeist activity, including levitating objects and cold spots, which briefly attracted national media attention. These patterns of activity contribute to the perception of Start as a significant site for paranormal reports in Devon.
For those interested in the supernatural aspects of the region, various local groups and individuals have compiled anecdotal evidence and encourage respectful engagement with the reported phenomena. While no official body actively investigates paranormal activity in Start, local historians and enthusiasts maintain informal archives of witness accounts. Visitors to Start and its surrounding areas who experience or observe unusual events are often encouraged to document their experiences thoroughly, providing details such as date, time, location, and a description of the phenomenon, to contribute to the ongoing understanding of Start supernatural occurrences.
