15:19, Wednesday, 23 September 2009TALES of a mythical creature rumoured to be lurking in the depths of South Lakeland waters have been causing a stir.
Click here to see the footage
The so-called “Bownessie” is fast becoming part of modern Lake District folklore, as reported sightings of the fabled creature continue to be made.
Footage that some people believe appears to show the creature causing ripples in the surface of Windermere was shot by Lakes TV cameraman John McKeown on Saturday.
It has since appeared on Sky News on Sunday evening and American TV network giant CBS is also interested in the story.
People in Windermere are not convinced Bownessie actually exists.
But they believe it could be good for the town’s tourist economy if the legend can capture the imagination of visitors in a similar way to the Loch Ness monster.
Councillor Bill Smith, mayor of Windermere, said: “If they believe it’s actually there, I’m sure it will attract them to come and see.
“Anything that draws interest and awareness to the Lake District has to be a positive opportunity.
“I don’t think the term monster is the best expression of an animal living in the lake that could be of interest.
“It suggests something nasty, not something that could be attractive and positive.
“Bownessie conjures up something that’s a bit more cute.
“The people that have seen it believe genuinely they have seen something, even if there is no real proof yet.
“But let’s be honest, it’s far better for Loch Ness that they’ve never located it because it helps perpetuate the belief.”
Paul Holdsworth, Windermere town centre manager, says the Bownessie phenomenon is the latest in a long line of Lake District mythologies.
He said: “Probably the longest standing one is Tizzie Wizzie, which was first spotted by a Bowness boatman around 1900 and he used to tell stories of this extraordinary creature.
“It was said to have the body of a hedgehog, tail of a squirrel and a pair of bee-like wings and was a shy, water-loving creature.
“So, for the sceptics who think Bownessie is something to get the tourists in, this tale has already been around for over a hundred years. There is nothing new under the sun perhaps.”
Jacqui O’Connor, press officer for Windermere Lakes Cruises, said: “Our vessels sail up and down the lake 364 days a year and we have never seen anything unusual.
“However, our skippers remain alert as always.”
Windermere myth and legend
GYLPIN’S wild boar – A wild boar is said to have terrorised pilgrims who entered the woods between Kendal and Windermere in the 12th century.
Richard de Gylpin killed the boar and was rewarded with the manor of Kentmere.The white horse of Windermere – It is said a ghostly white horse walks on the water from shore to shore when harm is about to come to the homes around the lake.
The Crier of Claife – Centuries ago, ferrymen at Ferry Nab often heard strange calls for the boat to come across the water, but were too afraid to go. A monk exorcised the ghost and confined it to the quarry and woods. But there are still tales of walkers being followed by a hooded figure at Claife.
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/mythical_beast_is_spotted_in_lake_windermere_1_614951?referrerPath=news
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