Spider Gates Cemetery

Posted: 03.14.2025 | Updated: 03.15.2025

Spider Gates Cemetery is difficult to find, as its name is not written on any maps. Still, this legendary graveyard can be found by those dedicated enough to find it. The small but mysterious cemetery lies in a densely wooded reservoir, surrounded by No-Trespassing signs.

The path leading to it is unnamed, although some maps may label it as Earle Street. This unmarked path is barred by a yellow gate preventing cars from accessing the road, which is between Manville and Mulberry Street. The cemetery lies at the end of this unmarked path, about a third of a mile from the road, accessible via Manville Street. 

Those who dare to walk to it may be enticed by any one of the many legends surrounding this strange Quaker cemetery. Read on to learn of its numerous stories of the strange and sinister. Looking to discover more creepy tales from The Bay State? 

Book a Boston ghost tour with Boston Ghosts and descend into the shadows of Beantown’s dark history. 

What Is The Legend of Spider Gates Cemetery? 

There are many legends concerning Spider Gates Cemetery, including that its entrance is the Eighth Gate to Hell. Why the eighth? Some believe there are eight gates throughout the country, and these are the last. 

Others claim this cemetery holds seven other entrances to Hell that one must pass through first. If they pass through the eighth entrance last, it will open. This is far from the only legend, however. Inside these Gates to Hell, many more bizarre tales lurk. 

The History Behind Spider Gates Cemetery

Spider Gates Cemetery is a nickname granted to the small, secluded Quaker cemetery tucked into the woodland landscape of the Kettle Brook Reservoir area. Officially known as Friends Cemetery, the name was bestowed on it due to the recognizable wrought-iron gates enveloping the cemetery, which were said to resemble spider webs. 

Although the design was intended as an Art Deco portrayal of sun rays, their strange appearance only fueled tales of the weird and otherworldly. The cemetery’s signature gates were installed in 1895, although the cemetery dates back at least a century more. Some of the oldest graves within are dated to the mid-1700s.

Unfortunately, Spider Gates Cemetery’s iconic gates are no longer there. Their distinct appearance and otherworldly lore have caused them to be stolen and consequently replaced. It appears the gates were removed in 2022 after multiple episodes of graffiti and vandalism.

They are now in the possession of the Leicester Historical Society, which has yet to decide how to make the gates accessible again for public viewing while protecting them from vandals. 

Over the years, more than one noteworthy figure has been laid to rest within this centuries-old cemetery. Leicester architect Stephen Earle is buried within—the man who designed the Leicester Public Library, Bancroft Tower, and Boynton Hall at WPI located in nearby Worcester. 

Pliny Earle, the man who created the first working carding machine in America, may also be found inside, along with his son Dr. Pliny Earle Jr., who financed the cemetery’s restoration at the end of the 19th century. 

Hauntings and Legends Inside the “Gates To Hell”

When exploring the legends and lore of Spider Gates Cemetery, it is difficult to know where to begin. The stories surrounding this small Quaker cemetery have only seemed to grow as the years pass, etching them deeper into the local landscape like a well-worn footpath. 

The most prominent tale is that of Marmaduke Earl. It is said that if you visit his tombstone at midnight, walk around it ten times, and announce the words “Marmaduke, speak to me,” you can hear his voice when you place your ear against his stone. 

Many have tried to attempt this ritual, as the ground around his grave is bare due to the regular treading of visiting feet. What people expect to hear him say can only be guessed at. Given that he died at the ripe old age of ninety, perhaps he’ll share the secret to longevity. 

However, this is far from the only tale found in and around this quaintly wooded sanctuary. At times, bizarre white ooze has been said to emerge from the earth. There is also a large oak tree rumored to be haunted by the soul of someone who hung themselves from its branches. 

Just outside the cemetery, a strange cropping of stones covered with runes has been seen. Not far off, a river can be found, claimed by many to be none other than the River Styx. If followed, it will lead the trespasser to the underworld. Perhaps this is why many find coins atop some of the graves: payment for the ferryman. 

Them there is the legend of a cave close by in which a woman was murdered. Tales of a demonic creature inhabiting the woods also persist. Those who’ve visited at night have claimed to hear its terrible roars. 

The Mystery of the Vanishing Cemetery

A lesser-spoken legend involves a mysterious second cemetery, one that can only be seen once and never again. Many whisper about these uncanny stories of a secondary, vanishing cemetery, yet no one knows why it can be seen only once. 

As shared in a 2024 news piece in Worcester’s Telegram, a woman named April recently experienced something strange within Spider Gates. 

She found herself in the cemetery one evening with her daughter, discovering the dimming light of the falling sun to render the ambiance all the more creepy. 

Amongst the odd sounds in the darkening woods, the two observed what appeared to be another area of the cemetery further down the path that led to the river. Yet, the pair decided not to walk that way.

The woman returned to the cemetery with her husband the next day in the clear light of day. They walked down the path she had seen the night before but found no second cemetery—only the path and the river. 

Upon hearing of the legend of the second cemetery sometime later, she wondered if that might have been the sight she had seen.

Is Spider Gates Cemetery haunted? Those who call Leicester their hometown will likely tell you so. It seems daylight doesn’t even render the cemetery free of spooky happenings. The very same woman who saw the vanishing cemetery heard eerie noises from the river, sounding like a woman’s voice.

Why do some see the cemetery and not others? It may have to do with the time of day or time of year. This woman and her daughter visited one evening as Halloween was on the horizon, just as dusk fell. 

Haunted Boston

What makes Spider Gates Cemetery haunted? No one can say for sure. And it’s unlikely we’ll ever find out. Paranormal investigations are not allowed on the grounds. This is likely for the best. Conducting otherworldly endeavors at the Gates to Hell is unlikely to produce benign results. 

Referred to on some maps simply as Quaker Cemetery, this resting place is cared for by the Worcester Friends Meeting, a Quaker body. They continue to use the land for burials for members of their group. Although the grounds are public, entry is only permitted from dusk until dawn. 

To those interested in an after-dark excursion, you best book a Boston ghost tour with Boston Ghosts instead and be regaled with countless haunting tales in and around the Hub. For more strange and unsettling stories, keep reading on our blog. Still hungry for more sinister content? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok to fill your feed with even more spookiness.

Sources:

• https://www.theodysseyonline.com/hometown-horrors-spider-gates
• https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/spider-gates-cemetery
• https://terrordaves.com/2012/06/13/spider-gates-cemetery-truly-haunted-probably-not/
• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94970267/marmaduke-earle
• https://newenglandfolklore.blogspot.com/2016/09/spider-gates-cemetery-portals-to-hell.html
• https://www.telegram.com/story/lifestyle/columns/2024/10/13/worcester-county-wonders-friends-cemetery-and-lore-of-spider-gates/75454681007