The Mysteries of Dozmary Pool

Dozmary Pool, a remote lake on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, is one of the legendary resting places of Excalibur, King Arthur’s sword. The mysterious pool has generated supernatural stories for centuries and continues to attract unexplained experiences.

The Legend

According to legend, the dying Arthur ordered Sir Bedivere to throw Excalibur into the waters of Dozmary Pool. A hand rose from the water to catch the sword and drew it beneath the surface. The sword awaits the return of the Once and Future King.

The Pool

Dozmary Pool sits on Bodmin Moor at an altitude of over 900 feet. Unlike most moorland pools, it was long believed to be bottomless, adding to its mystique. Modern measurement has shown it to be only a few feet deep, but its reputation remains.

The Apparitions

Witnesses have reported seeing a female figure rising from the pool, sometimes holding a sword. This manifestation of the Lady of the Lake has been seen since medieval times. She appears briefly before sinking back into the water.

The Tregeagle Legend

A second legend concerns Jan Tregeagle, a corrupt steward condemned to empty Dozmary Pool with a leaking shell. His spirit has been heard howling on stormy nights, still performing his impossible task.

Modern Experiences

Contemporary visitors report unusual experiences: feelings of being watched, strange lights over the water, and an uncanny atmosphere. The combination of isolation, legend, and landscape creates conditions favorable to supernatural experience.

Assessment

Dozmary Pool demonstrates how legend and landscape combine to create supernatural places. Whether genuine phenomena occur there or the setting simply inspires such reports, the pool remains one of Cornwall’s most mysterious locations.