The Hunt for Black Shuck

It was on a Sunday of 1577 in the parish church of Bungay. A great tempest of rain, thunder and lightning struck the church, whereupon the doors flung open. There stood the likeness of a dog, black in colour and fire in it’s eyes. It ran into the church, amongst the people and with such haste that it wrung the necks of two in prayer whom had fallen to the ground in fear.

On the same day, at the church of Blythburgh, the storm continued to wrought chaos. This time the thunder was so fierce that it struck through the church and left a hole in the ground, leaving evidence on one of the doors which can be seen to this day.

Over the years, this dog was given the name, Black Shuck, as well as many others. He patrols down lonely footpaths and darkly lanes, spanning from coastal villages to inland towns. He usually appears as a large black shaggy dog, though can also be invisible with only his presence being heard from the tapping of his feet upon the ground, or the warm breath on the back of your neck.

Pray that you don’t encounter Shuck, for it is known that the worst of luck shall fall upon you, or that you or someone close to you shall be stricken within the year.