The Donkey Lady Bridge.
You normally don’t think of bridges when it comes to hauntings. Bridges are useful structures that get you across busy roads, or train tracks, or even rivers. But many bridges around the world—especially older ones—have grim histories because of bad or weird things that might have occurred on or near or beneath them in the past. Let’s explore a few of these haunted bridges.
THE DONKEY LADY BRIDGE
Also known as the Old Applewhite Bridge, this small span crosses the Medina River in rural Texas, a short distance south of San Antonio. It is reportedly haunted by a woman known as the Donkey Lady, but versions of this legend vary greatly, including when it might have happened. She might have been burned in a fire started by her husband, and when she and her domesticated donkey leaped into the river to douse the flames, their souls merged as they were drowned. No bodies were ever discovered, not in the 19th or the 20th century.
People crossing the bridge swear they saw an apparition with a human body and a donkey’s head. Others report hearing the sound of hoofprints, or finding hooflike dents on their vehicles. One common thought among locals is the Donkey Lady, tormented though she might be, is not out to hurt anyone. But if you visit this bridge, you’d best watch out for feral hogs!
The Richmond Bridge.
THE RICHMOND BRIDGE
This beautiful bridge is the oldest existing stone arch bridge in Tasmania, Australia. It was built in 1825 by prisoners in the nearby Richmond Gaol (now a popular tourist attraction, as is the bridge itself). Though over 200 years old, it was built so well that it still accommodates much heavier vehicles than the wheat and sandstone carts for which it was first created.
But, of course, it has a ghostly history. Back in the day, a nasty piece of work named George Grover was brought there as a prisoner. He later assumed a role as a flagellator in charge of some convicts that were assigned to do repairs on the bridge. Everyone hated old George, who took an evil pleasure in flogging the men as, alongside his dog, he rode on the sandstone carts that they had to drag along, unnecessarily adding to their burden. No one was sorry to see him die.
Following his death, sightings of George Grover’s ghost have been reported—even to this day—glaring at people from one particular side of the Richmond Bridge. Folks even see the spirit of his dog as the beastie walks alongside them at night.
THE DEVIL’S BRIDGE
The Devil’s Bridge on Spooky Lane.
For full disclosure, this hidden bridge in rural Hertfordshire, England is known as the Devil’s Bridge on Spooky Lane, which should tell you a lot. It spans an old, sunken Roman road, and whoa, is it haunted! At least, if you believe the locals.
The remains of a monastery are less than a mile away. Reports have been made of a robed monk walking (floating?) silently in that direction. Odd sounds and weird red lights have been heard and seen amidst the bordering foliage. And you may be challenged by the ghost of an ancient Roman soldier, who guards the road.
Locals in the nearby pubs will tell you that witchcraft was practiced there. Pentagrams and “666” symbols once adorned the walls but have since been removed. A coven? Or young people freaking themselves out? Only the Devil’s Bridge on Spooky Lane knows for sure.
I’ve barely scratched the surface here with regard to ghostly bridges which, as you can see, exist all over the world. We’ll do more in the future.