The Hobgoblin of Spital Hill

In 1856 the Hobgoblin of Spital Hill not far from Boston was described thus:

“There is a curious superstition relative to a place in the parish of Freiston, called Spital Hill (from a hospital which was formerly there), that a hobgoblin or sprite, frequents the spot at midnight, in the shape of a small rough horse. This sprite has been named the “Spital Hill tut”, and sometimes the “shag foal”. It is said to have frequently followed a traveller, mounted his horse behind him, and almost hugged him to death with his fore-legs. It accompanies him in a certain distance then vanishes. Different causes are assigned for this appearance by those who believe in it. One is, that a murder was committed near the spot wher the “shag-foal” appears. Another, that a treasure is secreted there, and that this hobgoblin is appointed to watch over and protect it. This latter seems to be the most consistent theory; for this “Spital Hill tut” would not chase persons away from the place, if it was designed that a murder which had been committed there should be discovered.