Spider Gates Cemetery, located in Leicester, Massachusetts, has long been associated with tales of hauntings and paranormal activity. Founded in 1740 by early Quakers and known as Friends Quaker Cemetery, it has garnered a reputation for its eerie ambiance despite its small size. The cemetery is still actively used today and maintained by Quakers in the area, but it has also become a local attraction for teenagers and young adults seeking a thrill.
The History of Spider Gates Cemetery:
Spider Gates Cemetery, or Friends Quaker Cemetery, was established in 1740 by the early Quaker community in Leicester, Massachusetts. It served as a final resting place for Quaker families and community members. In 1895, the iconic iron gates were installed, featuring granite posts representing the sun’s rays. Over time, the gates came to be associated with a spider’s web, giving rise to the name “Spider Gates Cemetery.”
Is Spider Gates Cemetery Haunted?
Spider Gates Cemetery has become the subject of numerous ghost stories and legends. One prevalent tale is that the cemetery has been used for Satanic rituals, adding an air of mystery and darkness to its reputation. Some even believe that the black wrought iron gates act as a portal to hell. Another chilling story revolves around a suicide that allegedly occurred in the 1940s, with claims of witnessing the rope used in the tragic event.
The cemetery is also linked to the folklore of the “seven gates to hell” in the surrounding area. According to local lore, the eighth gate is the entrance to Spider Gates Cemetery itself, and those who dare to enter risk having their souls stolen. An intriguing figure in the cemetery’s legends is Mr. Marmaduke Earl, one of the early Quakers buried there. Some claim that by performing a circle ritual near his gravestone, Mr. Earl will communicate with visitors, and a few individuals assert hearing moaning sounds emanating from his grave late at night.
However, it is important to note that many of these stories are considered urban legends and have been passed down through generations. While they add to the mystique and allure of Spider Gates Cemetery, native residents and visitors familiar with the area often debunk these tales as purely fictional.
As someone who grew up in the area and has frequented Spider Gates Cemetery during their teenage years, I can attest that the cemetery is a well-maintained and typical New England burial ground. While it can evoke an eerie atmosphere, especially during nighttime visits, the ghostly tales surrounding the location are primarily a product of local folklore and imaginative storytelling.
Address: 15 Earle St, Leicester, MA 01524
TL;DR Highlights
- Spider Gates Cemetery, also known as Friends Quaker Cemetery, was founded in 1740 by the early Quaker community in Leicester, Massachusetts.
- The cemetery features iconic iron gates installed in 1895, which have come to be associated with a spider’s web, earning the name “Spider Gates Cemetery.”
- Legends and ghost stories have surrounded Spider Gates Cemetery, including tales of Satanic rituals being held within its grounds and claims that the black iron gates serve as a portal to hell.
- One haunting story involves a suicide that purportedly took place in the 1940s, with some individuals asserting they have seen the rope used in the tragic event.
- The cemetery is linked to the folklore of the “seven gates to hell,” with the entrance to Spider Gates Cemetery being considered the eighth gate, believed to put visitors’ souls at risk of being stolen.
Leave a Reply