One of the most celebrated tales of Eastern England, especially in and around Norfolk, Suffolk, and the Cambridgeshire fens, is the legend of Black Shuck. This monstrous dog, which is said to have eyes like saucers and a fiery breath, is seen as an omen of death and is deeply embedded in the local folklore. The name ‘Shuck’ is believed to derive from an Old English word meaning ‘demon’. The first known tale of this devilish dog dates back to 1577, where two brutal instances took place. These happened at the churches of Blythburgh and Bungay in Suffolk, both during a fierce thunderstorm. As per the lore, Black Shuck burst through the doors of Holy Trinity Church in Blythburgh, killing a man and a boy and causing the church steeple to collapse. The dog then fled to St Mary’s Church in Bungay, where it wrung the necks of two more people. The churches today bear physical evidence—scorch marks on the door—which locals refer to as ‘the devil’s fingerprints.’ The creature is often connected with seafaring myths and legends, likely a throwback to the area’s Viking heritage. Over the years, numerous sightings have been reported, etching the memory of Black Shuck deep into the consciousness of Eastern England. Even today, locals tell stories of the terrifying howl of Black Shuck echoing on stormy nights, adding a touch of mystery and fear to the wild and beautiful landscapes of this part of England.