Ghosts and demons are two different things. Demons are generally spirits that have never been human, and they are characterized as evil… perhaps pure evil, if there is such a thing.
They are very rare at hauntings. In over 20 years of research, I’d never encountered one before.
However, as I paused at what seemed to be an invisible force field at haunted Vale End Cemetery in Wilton, NH, I knew that I was right next to something profoundly evil and wholly without a conscience. This was an entity that had never been human, and he viewed me as prey.
The Grover guys–I could now see what seemed like dozens of them–worked for this entity. They weren’t evil themselves, but had a, “Sure, why not?” kind of attitude.
But, this experience was so foreign to me, I can remember thinking, “Okay, I’m going to take a few photos and then get out of here.” I’m not someone who runs away from ghosts, and I didn’t plan to abandon this vigil without a couple of more photos.
Demons, caught on film?
As I raised my camera and looked through the viewfinder, the red Grover guys seemed to multiply. When my camera clicked, I saw three of them clearly outlined by the flash. They were emerging from behind Mary Ritter Spaulding’s headstone, and I swear they looked like they were doing the “walk like an Egyptian” dance.
Yes, my sense of humor kicks in at the weirdest times, and this was one of them. I said to my friends, who were far behind me in the cemetery, “Good. I’m sure that I’ve got them on film.”
At moment, I realized that I was in danger. I ran for my car and didn’t even put on my seatbelt until I reached the gate. I simply floored it, to get away from there. My friends followed suit.
I was about ten miles away before I felt that whatever-it-was had stopped following me. And, I was terrified, because I didn’t want to die. I may never know if this is what my friend experienced, but this remains the only time I’ve been truly frightened during hundreds of ghost hunts.
Obviously, I survived this experience. But, the story doesn’t end there.
When my film was developed, every frame but one was black. On the one with an image, there was a vivid red shape, the same color as the Grover guys. Another researcher who’d been with me that night, pointed out that it looked like the classic image of Satan. I thought that was a stretch, but after a series of odd events connected with the film and the photos, I gave the negatives and prints to someone who wanted them. I wanted them to stay far away from my family and me.
The evil lingers
On subsequent trips near Wilton, I could feel that same evil presence nearby, menacing. This feeling continued for two years and then–for no particular reason–stopped.
Other researchers heard about my experience, and confirmed their similar encounter with whatever’s at Vale End.
And, oddly enough, at a ghost conference, I heard that there’s a spirit at a haunted prison (in Ohio?) that’s described as a Grover-type figure.
But, what really alarmed me was when I met demonologist John Zaffis, and saw some of his startling photos. One of them contained the exact same red, satanic image as I’d seen in my own photo from Vale End.
I have no idea what to think of all this. I don’t really believe in demons in the traditional sense. I’ve never seen anything like the little Grover guys since then, either. Were they “demons,” too? That’s outside my field of study.
Obviously, I’m still ghost hunting. And, I did return to Vale End once more, but only during daytime hours to show some other researchers where different events had happened. They did not have a similar encounter, and their investigation was inconclusive.
However, ghost hunting is supposed to be fun or at least interesting. When it starts being scary, it’s time for a new hobby.
I’m glad that the police patrol Vale End Cemetery steadily after dark, to prevent others from visiting it. And, I most firmly recommend that no one go there for a ghost hunt.
Yes, there are ghosts in that cemetery, including the alluring Blue Lady.
However, in my opinion, the risks aren’t worth it. Look for ghosts elsewhere. Something at Vale End is not a ghost, and it could be lethally dangerous.
Note: I spoke about Vale End at Dragon*Con 2007. Other than that, I don’t discuss this subject, I don’t answer questions about it, and I don’t reply to emails about Wilton, Vale End or demons. Everything that I’m willing to discuss about it is in these pages.
You may also be interested in my notes about Vale End and Pukwudgies.
That was a very interesting story I never heard anything like that or experience anything like that. I hope someday we could meet and talk and maybe go there sometime. Check out my website and sign my guest book…. Thanks
Thanks for the comment, Dave, but I will never go back to Vale End cemetery. It’s a great location, but I’m interested in ghosts; whatever’s causing problems up there… in my opinion, it’s not a ghost. One of my researchers died within days of visiting Vale End, and this research isn’t worth risking my life.
May I ask, what is your reason for not talking about it? or writing more? If you don’t feel comfortable answering even that, i understand. I’m extremely interested in hearing what you have to say though.
Anthony,
The more I talk about Vale End, the more people seem to go there, despite my warnings. It’s like they don’t believe me, or don’t take me seriously. (Either way, it’s not flattering.)
When I had more info online, the emails were awful, as other people encountered something at Vale End that terrified them for years after their visits. I had warned them… why didn’t they believe me? (And what was I supposed to say? “I told you so”?) It was very frustrating.
But mostly, this website is about ghosts and haunted places. Though Vale End also seems to be haunted, what people usually ask about… well, that wasn’t a ghost. I’m not sure what it was, but it wasn’t a ghost. So, that information doesn’t really belong here, and I don’t want to encourage people to visit Vale End for thrills. I can’t have that on my conscience.
Sincerely,
Fiona
I’m a big fan of hallow hill but why is the email address required? Second of all, its pretty strange how the cemetery is so active with spirits. I wonder why people want to go to a cemetery with demons any way? Its pretty obvious that demons aren’t the friendliest of spirits, ghosts I would truly understand but demons? really? I don’t understand some people.
Hi Jared,
The email address is required so I have at least a vague idea about the identity of the person. (I’m less likely to take someone seriously if he or she posts with an email address of “haha@you’re so stupid.com”.) In addition, if the question reflects a dangerous situation, I’m able to contact the person directly and refer them to appropriate help.
I don’t understand why people what to go somewhere that they may be in serious personal danger, but… well, this field attracts all kinds of people for a variety of reasons.
Likewise, I think that some locations are frequented by entities who are looking for unhealthy people, and want to prey upon them. Vale End may be one of those locations.
Sincerely,
Fiona
I am reallly interested in this place and I would love to check it out, I am doing a project for literally half of my Journalism grade and paranormal activity is my topic… would you recommend any time of day to go there where it might be less dangerous? Keep in mind I will have a credible, experienced paranormal investigation team to accompany me.
Hi Chelsea,
While I can’t recommend that anyone visit Vale End, ever, I think the energy is more dangerous as the sun sets, and after dark.
However, even in mid-day in winter (with snow on the ground), I’ve seen a grown man — a complete skeptic when we arrived — run out of the cemetery and swear never to return. He saw undeniable, physical phenomena that terrified him.
So, I think you can get good results during the daytime.
Having said that, I think you’re vastly safer at the cemetery down the hill from Vale End (I’m trying to remember its name… I think it’s on Isaac Frye Hwy. Contact me privately (use the contact link at the top of this page) if that interests you, and I can share some additional information about it. I don’t think it’s a dangerous cemetery, in spiritual terms, and it has some intriguing history.
Sincerely,
Fiona Broome
I recently started ghost hunting with my cousin. I live in Nashua, N.H. and have been to Gilson Rd. Cemetary and Pine Hill. I heard about Vale End and was considering going there untill I read this. I tend to shy away from places like this. What I was wondering is if you could tell me of any other “haunted” cemetaries or locations around the area or within driving didtance. Thanks
Hello Adam,
It’s wise to avoid Vale End. In fact, people say that Wilton is largely on quartz deposits, so many areas in that town are active. I sometimes talk about other cemeteries in the area, but… I’m not comfortable recommending anything close to Vale End, just in case.
In Nashua, Gilson Road cemetery is still my favorite location.
However, “schoolhouse cemetery” (next to Royal Ridge shopping center, and Royal Crest apartments) is fairly good, even though it’s at a busy street so photography and EVP aren’t as practical there. According to one story, the Reverend Mr. Parris — the one whose family was at the heart of the early Salem Witch Trials — is buried in an unmarked grave in that cemetery.
Also, check around Tyngsborough. There are several good cemeteries there, including Tyng cemetery, right next to the B.U. corporate education center. Another cemetery on the east side of town seemed moderately active, and I think it has a “ghostly hitchhiker” story, too.
Hollis has Pine Hill cemetery, of course, but that town is difficult to research at, due to their police and town rules. However, Pine Hill seems to become active a little before dusk (when you’ll have to leave), so it’s worth visiting once or twice.
There are many great little cemeteries within about five miles of Nashua, in any direction. If you research cemetery locations — using Google or any genealogical resource — I think you’ll find some gems worth your time.
Cheerfully,
Fiona Broome
Hey there, Fiona.
I just wanted to comment saying that people who don’t listen to you are so frustratingly naive and….well what other word could I use? Dumb.
Honestly, you KNOW what you’re doing, when you say not to go, it’s a CLEAR signal people should NOT be there. I, myself, am not too fond of cemeteries. I don’t know what it is, but in certain spots I get overwhelmed with grief and sadness, and some spots I feel so happy and at peace with everything, but the worst spots are where I just feel nauseated and worried. It’s horrible. I read some of your other articles on this place, and the one that sticks out to me the most is that there’s that little boy that is supposedly there too. Do you think anything bad could happen to him because of all that negative….EVIL that is in there? I hope so…
Anyways, thanks for the info. It must be really hard to have people not listen to your warnings… I hope people wise up and listen to you better.
Which article is it that there is a little boy?
I’ve visited the Vale End Cemetery many times, alone in the dark, during the day, with friends etc. What you’ll find there would depend on how sensitive you are to the paranormal. For me, it’s quiet. Nothing gave me any indication of anything there, however my cousin is very sensitive to such things and as she entered the mood changed dramatically. It could’ve been her giving me the creeps for all I know.
We caught on film a couple of things and I was able to explain them, however a few shots that I can’t explain. Nothing has followed me home or terrorized me, but as I said if your sensitive you might find something you can’t handle. Out of all the haunted cemetery I’ve visited, I’d say this is the most likely place to find something. Be on your guard and most of all respectful of the souls buried there.
Recently, me and a few of my friends have visited some old cemeterys to expirience something out of the ordinary. We visited Gilson Road Cemetery twice and Pine Hill “Blood” cemetery once. We definetely found what we were looking for especially at Gilson Road. The other day we took a ride up to Vale End, but when we reached the old cemetery there was a much different feel in the car then we felt at the other two. At both Gilson and Pine Hill we couldnt wait to get out of the car to “investigate.” At vale end we were terrified to even open the windows. We drove up the street to the cemetery’s right after we passed vale end and immediately saw something red dart across the road (grover? i doubt it but who knows?). We drove by a few times after, stopping once to get a closer view without driving into the cemetary or getting out. We all saw some sort of activity by the shed looking thing to the left of the entrance, heard some unsual sounds and may have seen some sort of blue light. Point is we were too afraid to get out of the car (maybe because after a few rides by it a cruiser was waiting for us at the entrance : p). Maybe we were too chicken **** to get out or maybe something was telling us to stay away (besides the cop 15-20 minutes after our first ride by). What do you make of this?
Thanks
Kevin,
I think you made a very smart decision by not investigating Vale End. I’m not sure what else is there, but it’s not just ghosts.
Despite my warnings, I hear over & over again about people who’ve visited Vale End and encountered something terrifying. Every one of them says that they wish they’d never gone there.
I doubt that a “Grover guy” ran in front of you, because I think they’re limited to inside the cemetery, but it’s not worth going back there to be sure.
Stay away from Vale End. You’re clearly someone who is sensitive (and perhaps vulnerable) to whatever’s in there.
There are plenty of other great NH haunts worth visiting, instead.
Sincerely,
Fiona
i was wondering if you could send me some photos that were in the vale cemetary that you took and some of the gilson road cemetary that you took. you can send them to my email address at [removed for privacy]. thanks so much and i understand if you cant send them i would just like to see what all of you had the chance to see, but without me actually being there
Hi Patricia,
I generally do not send photos to anyone. However, as time permits, I post representative photos of haunted sites.
Thanks for asking, and I’ll keep you in mind as I add photos to upcoming and existing articles.
Sincerely,
Fiona Broome
Hi my name is Lori. My family and i had went to gilson road cemetery, nothing happened in a sense where i felt uncomftorable i just had a lot of orbs in my pictures and my mom only got one picture with orbs in it. My friend had mentioned that she had been to Vale end cemetery and on their adventure her friend kept hearing things and was creeped out then she saw a ghost of a preist in the cemetery then felt very uncomftorable and left immediatly. i was wondering if you have seen or heard about anything of that matter? I really wanted to go there until i read that you wouldnt reccomend it!!!!!! is there any cemetery you would reccomend it being safe to check it out?
ive been there many times, n yes that place is no good. ive gone both during the night and day. n have had many experiences. at night theres like flickering lights up in the trees and all through the woods. we though a cop was comin with a flashlight so we ran into the woods once we got deep enough we heard a very odd noise cant even explain what it sounded like with words. So we ran back expecting to see the cop, there was no onethe lights continued to flicker. we left. i went during the day maybe like six months later with my sister just around the time the place closes we heard a distictive growl / snarl. very scary. not long after that there was this bangin coming from the woods and getting closer, we could hear the running footsteps on the pavement behind us. ive been touched there. lightly. in the winter one time i had gone there were footprints in the snow that went in a circle but none led out of it. i saw a black orb thing there during the day. n theres alot more in my personal experience that has happened at vale end. Should u visit, i highly recommend being nothing but respectful. dont taunt or curse at the spirits they will act on it. dont tell them to reveal themselves in anyway because u will be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Hi,
I have been to Vale End Cemetery almost a dozen times and have not seen anything out of the ordinary. I guess I am not one of the sensitive types that picks up on the paranormal. I have been in the scientific profession for many years and have always been under the notion of prove it to me before I believe it. Every time I have gone to Vale I have always been respectful because that is how I would want it if I were buried there. If I did see something there I hope it could be explained with science. There was a nice full moon tonight with a halo around it. Would have been a nice time to visit but I recommend playing by the rules and only go based on the hours the town has posted. when it is “closing time”…..leave.
Hi Jason,
Like you, I was at Vale End many times before I encountered anything odd. Though I am sensitive to what seems to be paranormal activity, I can sense energy anywhere, including the shopping mall. The reason I’m at haunted cemeteries, etc., is because I’m looking for phenomena we can isolate and study. I visited Vale End repeatedly, looking for detectable ghostly phenomena, before I ran into (literally) something that — as far as I’m concerned, anyway — was not a ghost.
I’m not sure what it was, but the characteristics of the experience were completely unlike anything “ghostly.”
So, I won’t go back there again. It’s not a candidate for the kind of research I’m doing, and the potential risks aren’t worth it.
I’m 100% certain that everything we encounter can be explained by science, eventually. That’s the reason why so many deeply spiritual researchers are using highly sensitive equipment such as K-II EMF meters, etc. For now, we’re looking for “symptoms” of measurable, repeatable phenomena.
Until we have identified that, we’re a significant distance from anything we can prove with the scientific method.
Cheerfully,
Fiona
We do need to remember that there are people who are evil. Serial killers for a start. I know 2 drug dealers that were evil as little children and still are. No one could help then and not now. They have no conscience. When i have to back off and admit they can’t be helped, they can’t. If they die they will not be friendly ghosts. They will be the same as in life .Evil! Their spirit knows no other way.
ive been hunting for nearly 15 years. i went to vail end and experienced horrible things. in you story you wrote that one day the feeling just stopped when was that? plz dont post my inquiry
anonymous,
I can’t reply to a comment that readers cannot see. So, I’ve edited your comment for privacy.
The disturbing sensations around Vale End stopped about two years after my last visit to the site. Others have reported a similar amount of time before their discomfort stopped.
I hope that helps.
Sincerely,
Fiona
Folks, Vale End is not a place to be trifled with. As a person who grew up nearby, I have heard dozens of stories about the phenomena there, and take pride in the fact that even in my inquisitive youth I did not go seeking them out. The tales from reckless teens seeking to prove themselves by facing the unknown in the home of the “Blue Lady” predate my lifetime by decades. Many of these kids were caught by the police and charged with trespassing without experiencing anything out of the ordinary, but there are several who were less fortunate. While I haven’t heard of anyone being hurt or killed after visiting Vale End prior to the articles posted on this site, I have heard the testimony of several individuals who went there “for the rush” and got more than they bargained for. The story of Mary Ritter Spaulding is told in great detail in the articles on this site, and though she may be the force behind the “Blue Lady” apparition (which I do believe is real), there is something else at Vale End that does NOT want you there. Or worse, it wants you to venture there so that it may harm you. Like many other famous haunted places, this cemetery and Mary Spauldings’ grave have been vandalized and disrespected for decades. Many believe that is why the spirits within are defensive, perhaps it is true. Even the most sincere and seasoned “ghost hunter” ( a term I despise), should be detered from disturbing these entities. Seeing the “Blue Lady” for a thrill, or possibly getting a great anomally photo or EVP is the reason most paranormal investigators (or reckless “tombstone knockers”) go there, but truthfully, there are many other sites nearby that yield stunning results for that sort of thing. As far as the other energies there, don’t go looking for something that the best in the field of paranormal research warn you against. What would you do if you found it? Don’t know? Food for thought, my friends. Please research elsewhere.
Fiona,
Would you say that visiting Vale end during the daytime makes a difference from visiting it at night? Or is it just as bad?
I’ve visited some great haunted sites over the last year such as Gilson Road Cemetery, Pine Hill “Blood” cemetery, Dudley Road in Billerica, MA (have you visited this road?) and even the statue of Witch Bonnie in Lowell (any information on this?), but Vale End is easily the most intruiging. It may have been dumb of me but I visited this cemetery last November because I couldn’t get it off my mind. Not much happened. We saw some wierd movements, definite floating red lights, and maybe this was just a coincedence but a bat followed us around. Maybe it was the roassary beads that I held all night that made things seem easier to handle but who knows? I still can’t get this place out of my head though. Would it be wise to go there during the day?
Thanks
Hi Kevin,
I think the cemetery is vastly safer in the daytime than at dusk or after dark.
However, after my unpleasant experience at Vale End, I became aware of energy that seemed threatening — at least to me — during the daytime as well. So, if someone has had a brush with the dangerous entity (or entities) there, I can’t recommend going to Vale End (or even Wilton, in general) for at least several months.
What you’ll need to decide is if the reason you can’t get Vale End out of your head is because it’s already affecting you. If so, I don’t recommend going there at all.
If you’re not sure, you could try driving there during the daytime and if — at any point — you start to feel odd or uneasy, turn around, go home and don’t go back to Vale End.
As a side note, if your surname really is the one on your email address, you’re a cousin of mine. Probably a distant cousin, but some of my northern Co. Cork ancestors had that same surname.
Cheerfully,
Fiona
Thank you for all the help and that’s really cool that we are possibly related. I guess the ghost hunting love is in our blood!
I don’t plan on visiting Vale End again. But I really do want to explore some other great haunted spots in the southern NH/northern MA area.
Once again I love this site!
Hi Fiona,
My name is Mindy and I am part of NH Project Paranormal, based out of Manchester NH. I’ve been reading your comments on Pine Hill Cemetery & Vale Cemetery and am very excited for our upcoming investigation at Pine Hill tonght. Our Founder, and my brother had mentioned Vale before, but after researching some more, and reading your comments we’ve decided to skip that investigation and only persue Pine Hill. I’m saddened to hear the stone for Able Blood is no longer in the cemetery, is that correct? I’m always interested in hearing from people with our same interests in the paranormal and applaud you for your “bitter honesty” regarding your several investigations. I’m an instant fan, and just wanted to let you know.
Take Care,
Mindy
Well, that was a story I probably shouldn’t have read at two in the morning. I find myself absurdly thankful that you elected not to share pictures. How do you even protect yourself from that sort of thing– other than by not seeking it out? Say someone stumbled across a similar entity in an entirely different location, for instance. …And with that thought I most likely won’t be sleeping until the sun comes up. Yikes.
I’ve only gone to Vale End twice. Each time I went around 2am. During the time I was there I felt like someone was standing behind me no matter where I was. I took many photographs, but hte most destinct one was that of what looks to be a face coming from behind the Blue Lady’s grave. There were a few headstones that seemed very interesting to me. I took pictures in that area and all came out pretty normal. But there was one where half of the picture had a bright red mist around two of the graves. That was pretty much my last straw in feeling scared. I was in constant fear while I was there, as was my friend. We eventually ran back to my car and left. That feeling of someone being behind me didn’t go away til I was a few streets away from home. My friend felt the same fear the entire time. I’m a good 20 minutes from the cemetery. This was June of 2010. About 4 months ago I went back there. After being so terrified I really don’t know why I went back. I wasn’t as uncomfortable this time, until I got home. I had nightmares for about a week of a little boy. And still as of now, sometimes when I’m in bed at night, I feel the presence of something in my room by my door. It’s so unsettling it’s brought me to tears a few times. I don’t recommend anyone visit this place. Ever. I wouldn’t wish this terribly unsettling feeling I’ve had on my worst enemy. Although I’ve been feeling this for months, it never gets weaker, or has gone away.
Hi Fiona,
I had just posted my experience of visiting Vale End, but I forgot to ask you something. You said it took a couple of years until the unsettling feelings went away. Is there anything to do to help it go away sooner? Part of me honestly feels crazy for how uncomfortable I am in my own home since then. I’m literally on the verge of tears just from writing this. Sometimes I stare at my bedroom door for a an hour before I feel as if I’m alone again. The image of this little boy is always the same in my dreams. I’ve woken up a couple times so sudden I sat right up and was screaming, then immediately fall back to sleep. Occasionally, I hear a whisper in my ear but can never make out any words. About two weeks ago, as I was just about to fall asleep, I heard a horrible screech and saw a face with with no real features come at me. It horrified me. I can see this image clear as day, I think about it at random times, as I do with the little boy in my dreams and the shadowy figure I see. Sometimes when looking in mirrors I see something shadowy brisk by behind me. It scares me to the point that I won’t go near that area in my house until I feel normal again. These feelings have made me cry for hours. It kind of makes me feel like I’m going insane. Do things like this happen to people after visiting places? At first I thought I just creeped myself out, but it has been four months now. I’m not sure I really want all of this posted if you can edit out some of the details please.
Thank you
I remeber reading back in 2007 about your experiences and about your friend, so sorry to hear she passed.I enjoy watching Ghost Hunters and such shows, but have no desire to ghost hunt.I hope people heed your warning. I have never had such an experience and never want to. It’s possible someone conjured or summoned this other spirit the dark one, since you mention finding things on the blue lady’s grave.It’s possbile they did rituals in the woods there since I think you mentioned some of its wooded.I take it they still use the cemetery from what a poster said about her dad being buried there.People I assume still visit loved ones there. However, maybe it leaves the locals alone during the day, since so to speak “IT” knows them and senses why they are there. As far as the grovers or little goblins or gremlins, they may as you say be helpers to this spirit.
My advice is stay away from cemeteries at night period.You don’t know what is lurking there.