Shug Monkey, a terrifying creature likened to Bigfoot, is said to roam the Cambridgeshire countryside. It’s is a lesser-known but still intriguing figure in British folklore, says RICK HALE
When one thinks of paranormal phenomena in Britain, ghosts are always the first thing that comes to mind.
Legends about ghosts in the United Kingdom are full of old castles where white ladies will always be seen walking around.
Or decrepit tombs where the long-dead voices of the damned scream out for vengeance on those who did them wrong centuries ago.
There are even regions where portals to other worlds are blown wide open, and alien beings of various species seemingly come and go at will.
One hardly ever gives consideration to vicious, bloodthirsty monsters roaming the land. Hunting humans as if we are nothing more than common prey.
In Cambridgeshire, there is a lonely dirt road called Slough Hill Lane that runs between West Wratting and Balsham, where very few dare to tread.
They live in fear of encountering a monstrous being that some consider either a ghost or even a being that has crawled out of the very depths of hell.
If you ever find yourself on Slough Hill Lane, beware of the evil Shug Monkey, a beast like none other found in myth or fable.
Hounds of Hell
Large, black dogs, or “hounds of hell” as they are oftentimes called, have been an integral part of British folklore since time immemorial.
Known by many names, with Black Shuck being the most common, these hellish four-legged beasts are believed to have their origins in Norse legends.
And of course, the beastly three-headed dog, Cerberus, that keeps the damned souls of ancient Greek mythology from returning to the land of the living to wreak havoc on dark nights.
Although most demonic black dogs seem to have a common appearance, the Shug Monkey is different as it’s believed to be a hybrid of a dog and a horrific monkey.
But what are the origins of the Shug Monkey? Believe it or not, it is not as ancient as you might think.
“Here Are Ghosts And Witches”
In 1954, author James Wentworth Day released his book, “Here Are Ghosts And Witches”.
Considered an essential read by anyone who love British ghost stories and haunted histories, Day’s book is a travelogue of all things spooky about the United Kingdom.
Day, goes into great detail of some of the most spirited places in the English countryside.
Among its many stories of ghosts and haunted castles of old, Day mentions a horrific beast that haunts the Cambridgeshire countryside. Specifically Slough Hill Lane.
While speaking with people in the area, even local police constables, Day described the beast as being the size of a giant sheepdog.
He went on further to say, the fur is matted and as black as obsidian. With great, big, burning eyes.
Of course, this sounds just like any other legendary hound of hell, except for a few differences.
The limbs of the Shug Monkey are much longer than those of a regular dog, and its face, with its deep set fiery eyes, is more simian in appearance. As if it’s a bizarre hybrid of canine and primate.
And to top its nightmarish appearance off, the Shug Monkey had long pointy, tusk-like fangs. Whatever Shug Monkey is can only be described as truly terrifying.
What Is Shug Monkey?
Aside from local tales of vicious black dogs roaming the land, many ideas on what this ravenous monster is have been offered.
Some believe, due to its simian appearance, that the Shug Monkey is closely related to Sasquatch or Bigfoot of North American folklore.
Another idea has been put forward that the Shug Monkey may be an extraterrestrial pet that escaped and was left behind to roam Slough Hill Lane.
And finally, the great monkey/dog is a demonic entity conjured from the pits of hell and let loose on our unsuspecting world.
Whether it’s an alien pet, or a British Bigfoot, the Shug Monkey had not been seen haunting Slough Hill Lane since the final days of World War II.
But that doesn’t stop the locals from fearing the night and the horrific beast that may someday return and spread terror among the people of Cambridgeshire.
Have you seen the Shug Monkey in Cambridgeshire? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
Hello lived in the village for 27 years. Distinctly remember as a child cycling along that path with my father. We stopped and observed what we believed to be a black panther at the time in the bushes staring at us. This was prior to both of us having ever heard of the Shug monkey.