This oulde ladye is the evil goddess of the Tees. I also meet with a Nanny Powler, at Darlington, who from the identity of their sirnames, is, I judge, a sister, or it may be a daughter of Peg’s. Nanny Powler, aforesaid, haunts the Skerne, a tributary of the Tees.
Denham Tracts 1891
Glassensikes, near Darlington, is haunted by a Barguest, which assumes at will the form of a headless man (who disappears in flame), a headless lady, a white cat, rabbit or dog, or a black dog. There is a Barguest, too, in a most uncanny looking glen, between Darlington and Houghton, near Throstlenest.
William Brockie 1886
The Smell of Water 