The illusion is seen at a spot called Dead Man's Cross in Dartmouth, Devon, where criminals were hanged in the 13th Century.
Pictures of the shadow at a crossroads between Milton Lane and Waterpool Road have gone viral after being shared on social media.
...Paula Johnston said: 'Definitely not Photoshop. Many locals, including myself, have been to the spot and looked for ourselves. 'It appears on a house opposite the crossroads known as Dead Man's Cross.'
A spokesman for Dartmouth Museum said hangings were common at Dead Man's Cross in the 1400s.