Black Shuck at Blythburgh and Bungay
On 4 August 1577 a storm struck the Suffolk churches of Blythburgh and Bungay, and a black dog was reported inside during services. Two people died at Blythburgh in some tellings.
On Sunday 4 August 1577 a storm hit the area around Blythburgh in Suffolk. Wikipedia's article on Holy Trinity Church records that lightning struck during morning service, split the door, tore the steeple timber and broke the chimes. The spire came down onto the font and roof, and the roof was repaired only in 1782. The door carries marks that look like burns from candle flames.
The tale of Black Shuck, a black dog said to have fiery eyes and sharp claws, is tied to that day. Wikipedia's Black Shuck article says the dog burst through the doors of Holy Trinity to a clap of thunder, ran along the nave through a large congregation, killed a man and a boy, and left scorch marks on the north door. Atlas Obscura places the same attack at two churches, Blythburgh and Bungay.
A period account quoted by Atlas Obscura describes a black dog, or the devil in that form, racing down the church among the people. It passed between two kneeling worshippers and wrung both their necks at once, and they died on the spot.
"One of the most notable reports of Black Shuck is of his appearance at the churches of Bungay and Blythburgh in Suffolk. On 4 August 1577, at Blythburgh, Black Shuck is said to have burst in through the doors of Holy Trinity Church to a clap of thunder. He ran up the nave, past a large congregation, killing a man and boy and causing the church steeple to collapse through the roof. As the dog left, he left scorch marks on the north door which can be seen at the church to this day.[12]"
- Archaeology, Folklore, and the Skeletal Remains of a Hellhound, Atlas Obscura
- Holy Trinity Church, Blythburgh, Wikipedia