The tale of the Hexham Heads combines archaeology, folklore, and spooky encounters in a story that has captivated paranormal enthusiasts for decades. These two stone heads were unearthed in 1971 in Hexham, Northumberland, and quickly gained a reputation for eerie phenomena, including a chilling BBC Nationwide report that brought the strange case to public attention. But were these stone carvings truly cursed objects, ancient relics, or just a modern mystery?
The Discovery of the Hexham Heads
In February 1971, two young boys, Colin and Leslie Robson, were digging in their backyard in Hexham when they unearthed two small, crude stone heads. Each was about the size of a tennis ball, with roughly carved faces that seemed to show different expressions: one head appeared neutral, while the other seemed to be frowning. The material resembled sandstone, and they looked primitive, almost ancient. Excited by the discovery, the boys took the heads inside, unwittingly setting off a chain of eerie events.
The Robson family began to notice strange occurrences almost immediately. According to reports, the heads would mysteriously move positions around the house, sometimes even shifting overnight. Odd cold drafts and unsettling feelings soon left the family uneasy. To understand what they had discovered, they reached out to experts for insight, only to discover that these strange stones seemed to have a dark aura.
The BBC Nationwide Investigation
As the story gained traction, it caught the attention of BBC Nationwide, a popular news and current affairs program. The program ran a report on the Hexham Heads, delving into the origins of the carvings and the strange occurrences surrounding them. Interviews with the Robson family and paranormal researchers highlighted the mysterious nature of the heads, describing them as “cursed objects” or possibly connected to ancient Celtic rituals. The report amplified public interest, sparking debates and even adding a dose of fear among viewers who watched the unsettling tale unfold.
The Nationwide report also included a segment with local archaeologists and historians, who examined the heads but could not conclusively determine their origin or age. The fact that these experts were stumped only fueled speculation that the heads might be ancient Celtic relics, possibly used in rituals or as protective talismans. While Nationwide didn’t confirm any supernatural aspects, the show left viewers with an eerie sense that these stones might be more than mere artifacts.
Dr. Anne Ross and the Werewolf Sighting
One of the most chilling elements of the Hexham Heads story involved Dr. Anne Ross, a respected archaeologist and expert in Celtic history. When Dr. Ross took the heads into her home for research after the Nationwide coverage, she too began to experience strange phenomena. She reported that one night, she woke up to see a terrifying, half-man, half-wolf creature standing in her bedroom doorway. The figure vanished almost immediately, but the sighting left her deeply shaken.
Dr. Ross was convinced that the apparition was somehow linked to the heads. Her family also described hearing growling noises and sensing an eerie presence in their home, leading her to suspect the objects carried some kind of curse. Describing the experience in a later interview, Dr. Ross said, “It was like something out of a nightmare. I couldn’t explain it scientifically, and it left me questioning what I knew about the past and our connection to ancient artifacts.”
Theories About the Hexham Heads
Over the years, various theories about the origins and nature of the Hexham Heads have emerged, from ancient Celtic relics to cursed objects. Some historians speculated that they could have been used in ritualistic practices, given Hexham’s Celtic past. Others suggested that they were crafted by local artisans as protective charms.
However, the mystery took a twist in 1977 when a man named Des Craigie came forward claiming he had carved the heads himself in the 1950s as toys for his daughter. Craigie insisted they were made from cement, not ancient stone, and had no supernatural significance. But even his admission didn’t convince everyone. Paranormal enthusiasts argued that Craigie’s story did not account for the strange phenomena reported by so many people who came into contact with the heads. Additionally, some claimed that Craigie’s “toys” did not explain Dr. Ross’s terrifying encounter with the supposed werewolf-like creature.
Paranormal researcher Dr. Don Robins added a new layer to the mystery, suggesting that the heads might hold “psychic residues” or energy, especially if they were created with intent, as he believed ancient artifacts sometimes are. This theory posited that ancient stones, even if relatively modern, could have absorbed energy or emotions, resulting in the strange happenings that seemed to follow them.
Where Are the Hexham Heads Today?
The Hexham Heads vanished sometime in the late 1970s after being passed among various researchers. Their last known location was with a scientist studying them in hopes of determining if they had any unique properties. Since then, they have not resurfaced, and their current whereabouts remain a mystery. Some believe the heads may have been hidden or destroyed due to their eerie reputation, while others speculate they might be in a private collection.
Legacy of the Hexham Heads
Despite the heads’ disappearance, their legacy endures, with the BBC Nationwide report keeping the story alive and cementing their place in British folklore. Whether they were ancient artifacts, cleverly crafted hoaxes, or objects imbued with unexplained energy, the Hexham Heads continue to capture imaginations.
The Hexham Heads serve as a reminder of how thin the line can be between history and mystery, fact and folklore. Perhaps one day they’ll reappear, reigniting debates and maybe even their supernatural oddities. Until then, they remain one of Britain’s strangest and most enigmatic tales.