The Saxon Chieftain of Westmeston
The rolling hills of Westmeston in Sussex are said to be haunted by the ghost of a Saxon chieftain. This spectral figure is believed to wander the downs, gazing out over the nearby towns and villages. The chieftain's presence is a reminder of the area's rich history, dating back to the Saxon era. Locals have reported catching glimpses of this ghostly figure, adding to the allure of the downs as a hotspot for paranormal activity.
Historical records suggest that the Saxon chieftain may have been a prominent figure in the area during the Saxon period. The downs have yielded several archaeological finds, including ancient burial grounds and settlements. While there's no concrete evidence linking the chieftain to a specific event or location, the ghostly apparition remains a popular topic among locals and paranormal enthusiasts. The lack of a specific date or time for the haunting has only added to the mystery, leaving many to wonder when and where the chieftain will appear next.
The area has a rich Saxon history, with several archaeological sites nearby.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Mute Girl of Pevensey
The Old Mint House, Pevensey
The Old Mint House in Pevensey stands sentinel opposite the castle, its ancient walls bearing witness to a tragic tale of a teenage girl whose life was brutally cut short. Legend has it that she was subjected to the horrific punishment of having her tongue cut out, leaving her unable to cry out for help or express the agony she endured. Abandoned and left to starve to death within the very walls of the mint house, her spirit is said to haunt a room known as 'the haunted chamber', a place where the echoes of her suffering linger.
The Carving Monk of Westmeston
Westmeston Place, Westmeston
Westmeston Place, a sixteenth century hall in the rolling hills of Sussex, is home to a most intriguing phantom - a monk who has been observed carving away at an ornate wall. This ghostly figure, known as the Carving Monk, has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The hall's rich history and stunning architecture provide the perfect backdrop for this bizarre haunting. As you explore the property, you can't help but wonder what drove this monk to continue his work in the afterlife.
Clayton Hill Mysterious Drumming
Clayton Hill, Ditchling
Clayton Hill in Ditchling, Sussex, is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to coexist. On a typical day in March 2015, a dog walker in the area reported hearing the unmistakable sounds of drumming and men shouting. The cacophony of sounds lasted for 15 to 20 minutes, creating an atmosphere that was both intense and surreal. The witness likened the experience to being on the set of a movie where an army was about to charge into battle. Despite the vividness of the sounds, nothing out of the ordinary was seen, leaving the witness and anyone interested in the paranormal to wonder about the origin and meaning of these mysterious auditory events.
Jacob Harris Ghost Hanging
Jacob's Post, Ditchling
Jacob's Post in Ditchling, Sussex, is a spot where a gruesome crime took place back in 1734. A pedlar named Jacob Harris was hanged for murdering Richard Mills, simply because he had a fancy for Mills' riding coat. It's said that Jacob's spirit has haunted the area ever since, and his presence is still felt today. The Royal Oak public house stands nearby, and it's possible that Jacob's ghostly wanderings take in this historic inn.
The Open Door Haunting
Wing's Place, Ditchling
Wing's Place in Ditchling, Sussex, is a house with a rather intriguing reputation. It's said to be haunted by a female figure with a curious habit of leaving doors open behind her. This seemingly simple phenomenon has been enough to capture the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The house, also known as the Old House, has a history that stretches back centuries, and it's possible that the ghostly lady is a former occupant who just cant seem to settle. Her presence is felt by those who visit, and the open doors are seen as a sign of her gentle nature.
The Nun of Westmeston Church
St Martin's Church, Westmeston
St Martin's Church in Westmeston is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. This lonely figure, reportedly a nun, has been seen leaving the churchyard in the afternoon, crossing the road, and then disappearing through the wall of a nearby house. It's a curious sighting that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The fact that the nun only appears in the afternoon adds to the mystique, leaving many to wonder about the story behind her ghostly wanderings.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Downs in the area

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex