As the story goes, in the early 16th century, legend tells of a man named Ralph de Shipton noted for his wicked deeds. His life was said to be so evil, so filled with sin that when he died, he was denied entry to both Heaven and Hell. Trapped on Earth as a ghost, he was left to wander the place of his death, Shipton Manor, till eternity. However, demonic powers soon transformed him into a fearsome creature with enormous horns, cloven hooves, glaring eyes and an insatiable appetite for human souls, thus earned the terrifying moniker, the Leeds Devil. Legend has it that the apparition of this beast began tormenting the villagers, attacking livestock, causing crop failures and bringing about an inexplicable darkness!
As years passed, the legend evolved. The Leeds Devil was now said to appear as a huge black dog, with glowing red eyes and capable of walking on its hind legs. Terrified villagers sought the help of local priests and spiritual healers to exorcise the demon. After many attempts, it is said that a local vicar managed to contain the beast within an old lead cauldron, which was then sealed with a sacred spell. It was then buried deep within the grounds of the Kirkstall Abbey. To this day, it is believed the cauldron, and the demon within, remain buried there, and locals warn against any attempt to dig in the Abbey’s grounds for fear of releasing the beast.