Grumpy ‘Grinch’ ghost strikes again by smashing pots at North Devon gift shop

A disgruntled Christmas-hating spook who only seems to operate during the festive season is being blamed for more unexplained pottery breakages at Appledore’s Fifty Crates of Crafts gift shop.

Dubbed the ‘porcelain poltergeist’, the Scrooge-like spirit is said to take Christmas personally and has been fingered as the culprit for a series of mysterious happenings at the Docton Court shop during the festive part of the year.

Every year, shortly after the festive decorations go up at the independent arts and crafts collective, at least one piece of handmade pottery is found smashed on the floor when staff arrive to open the shop the following morning.

No alarms are triggered, no signs of forced entry are found and no other items are disturbed.

Above: The artists of Fifty Crates of Crafts at Docton Court in Appledore believe they are being targeted by a seasonal spook who likes to have a smashing time at Christmas by destroying their work. Credit: Andrew Cross

Fifty Crates of Crafts is housed in one of Appledore’s oldest buildings, built in 1604 and Grade II listed. It showcases the work of a community of local artisans and makers, offering a range of unique products from ceramics and textiles to jewellery, artwork and home décor.

Last year’s victim, local functional ceramicist Nicola Crocker, recalls her shock at finding her work destroyed. She said: “I’ve worked with clay for nearly two decades and I know the difference between an accidental crack and a deliberate smash.

“My piece was secure, untouched and displayed safely the night before. The next morning it was in shards. I honestly have no explanation. It felt personal.” 

Above: Crafters at Fifty Crates of Crafts in Appledore believe the grumpy ghost only goes on its destructive rampages at Christmas time. Credit: Andrew Cross

This year, artists report the poltergeist has struck again, this time targeting the work of potter Abby Faulkner, whose hand-made delights were found wrecked near the front display. 

Abby said: “It was heart-breaking. The pieces take hours to make and days to fire and finish. Everything else around it was completely fine - only my vases and flowers were broken. Whatever is happening here, it’s selective and targeted.” 

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Business owner Andrew Cross said their landlord is not convinced, despite the pattern of events. 

Andrew added: “The owner of the building denies the existence of ghosts entirely. All I can say is that nothing else is ever touched. Only the pottery - and only at Christmas.

“As someone responsible for showcasing and safeguarding the work of more than 40 talented artisans from across North Devon, these incidents cause me real anxiety. Every piece we display is the result of hours of skilled labour and I feel a genuine responsibility to protect their creations.

“Whether this is a structural quirk, a seasonal mystery, or something truly paranormal, the uncertainty is incredibly unsettling.” 

Now with Christmas approaching and their possible Grinch-like spook gearing up for seasonal mischief, Fifty Crates of Crafts has issued an open invitation to anyone who might be able to get to the bottom of the mystery.

The shop would like to hear from ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, local folklore researchers or curious visitors who wish to stop by the shop and see the site of the unexplained activity for themselves.

The business said anyone wishing to observe, investigate, or document the phenomenon is warmly encouraged to visit.