Burnside, John: 1955 - 2024

The Devil's Footprints, 2007 - Background

  • Devon
  • Mystery of The Devil's Footprints: "Experts believe these could have been made by a big cat, and there were menageries in the area at the time." Devon LIve; April 16, 2024
  • The Devil Walked in Devon. "It wasn't the length of the track or its sudden appearance that caused the most alarm. It was that the track at one point went right through a 14-foot-high wall, leaving untouched fresh snow on top of the wall." Brian Dunning; March 7, 2007
  • The Mystery of the Devil’s Footprints. "There were accounts of the hoofprints skipping over areas or jumping from one place to another. Of being on rooftops, on either side of the River Exe." Discovery UK; May 13, 2022

  • The Devil's Footprints phenomenon refers to a mysterious event that occurred in February 1855 in Devon, England. During this time, after a heavy snowfall, a series of hoof-like marks appeared overnight in the snow, covering a distance of over 40 to 100 miles across the countryside, even appearing on rooftops and other seemingly inaccessible places.

    Several theories have been proposed to explain this strange occurrence:
    Natural Causes: One theory suggests that the marks were caused by a rare atmospheric phenomenon, such as lightning or a strong gust of wind, which created patterns in the snow.
    Hoax or Prank: Some believe that the footprints were deliberately created by pranksters using a wooden or metal device shaped like a hoof, attached to a pole, and dragged across the snow. This theory gained traction because similar marks were later recreated by individuals using such methods.
    Hysteria and Over-Exaggeration: Another explanation is that the extent and details of the footprints were exaggerated over time due to hysteria and sensationalism. Eyewitness accounts can often be unreliable, especially when influenced by fear or excitement.
    Wildlife: It's also possible that the footprints were made by known animals, such as hares or other small creatures, whose tracks were altered by the snow and wind, giving them an unusual appearance.
    Supernatural or Paranormal: Some people attribute the footprints to supernatural causes, suggesting they were made by the Devil or other mythical beings. However, this explanation lacks scientific evidence and is generally considered more of a folklore or mythological interpretation.

    Ultimately, the most plausible explanation for the Devil's Footprints remains a combination of natural phenomena and human activity, possibly exaggerated and embellished over time. The mystery continues to capture the imagination, but scientific skepticism suggests that a mundane explanation, such as a prank or an unusual weather event, is likely the truth behind this curious historical incident.

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