New book of grisly Stalham tales

Eight walks around the Stalham area are included in a new book, which also unveils some grisly stories about local legends.Happing Trails and Tales - Walks and More around Happing Villages has been put together using the talents of people living in Stalham and its surrounding villages.

Eight walks around the Stalham area are included in a new book, which also unveils some grisly stories about local legends.

Happing Trails and Tales - Walks and More around Happing Villages has been put together using the talents of people living in Stalham and its surrounding villages.

Naturalist Richard Ellis has devised the walks, which vary from two to six-and-a-half miles. Members of the Happing Writers group, formed by writer Zoe King, have added tales based on local legends, and artist Sally Ellis has illustrated the book.

The walks, which begin near car parks, churches, or pubs, are around Stalham, Ingham, East Ruston, How Hill, Ludham, Hickling, Tunstead, Walcott, Happisburgh, Ridlington, Eccles and Horning.

The book's tales include the Happisburgh Torso, a legless sailor, his head attached to his body by a strip of flesh, who was seen disappearing into the well at Well Corner by a couple of farmers in 1765.

Reports say the well was drained, revealing two sacks - one containing a legless body with its head hanging off, while the other held a man's legs, complete with boots.

Ramblers around Ingham should watch out for the Ingham Knights, said to appear at midnight each August 1, as they make their way to Stalham Broad, do battle with and vanquish a Saracen who rises from the waters, then return to the church, kneel in prayer and return to their tombs.

The new book will be launched at The Dog Inn, Ludham, on Wednesday June 9, at 1.30pm and is available now, at �4.50, direct from the Happing Shop, 35a Stalham High Street, phone 01692 580525, or e-mail: zoe@zoeking.com .