The Black Monk of Battle
Battle Abbey, a site steeped in history and intrigue, is home to a mysterious figure known as the Black Monk. This spectral presence has been reported in various locations around the abbey, including the guest house, monks' walk, and by the walls outside. Some claim to have seen the monk at the vicarage of St Mary's Church, adding to the enigma. The Black Monk is often accompanied by other ghostly apparitions, such as a woman in a large red dress seen in the Common House, and the occasional sighting of King Harold, complete with an arrow protruding from his head.
Dating back to the 11th century, Battle Abbey has a rich and bloody history, being the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It's little wonder that this historic location is said to be haunted. The Black Monk is believed to be a former resident of the abbey, and his appearances have been documented from the late twentieth century to as recently as 10 November 2014. The variety of locations where the monk has been spotted suggests that he may be a restless spirit, unable to find peace.
Battle Abbey was built on the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Battle Ghost Cat
Gatehouse Restaurant, Battle
The Gatehouse Restaurant in Battle, East Sussex, is home to a rather unusual ghostly resident - a small, floating cat. This feline phantom has been known to make appearances in the restaurant's corridor, seemingly out of nowhere, before vanishing through a wall. The cat's ghostly form is said to be that of a small house cat, and its movements are described as floating rather than walking. It's a curious sighting that has left many a diner and staff member scratching their heads.
Battle Church Curate Ghost
St Mary's church, Battle
St Mary's church in Battle, Sussex, is home to a curious ghostly sighting. After a Sunday service in the twentieth century, several members of the congregation approached the Reverend with a puzzled expression. They had seen a new curate standing in the sanctuary, but as it turned out, the old curate had left and no replacement had been appointed yet. This led to speculation that the congregation had caught a glimpse of a phantom curate.
Battle Ghost Girl Apparition
Mount Street, Battle
Mount Street in Battle, Sussex, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. A little girl with golden hair, dressed in clothing from the early twentieth century, has been spotted in several buildings along this road, including the Bayeux Restaurant. Her appearances are said to have taken place in the late twentieth century, and it's not clear what her connection is to the area or the specific buildings where she's been seen.
Tramp Ghost on A21
A21 near Vinehall School, Johns Cross
On the A21 near Vinehall School in Johns Cross, Sussex, a rather eerie sighting has been reported by several drivers. This concerns a scruffy man carrying a sack who appears on the road, only to vanish halfway across. It's little wonder that those who have encountered him are left feeling concerned, wondering if they may have inadvertently hit him. The man's disappearance is all the more unsettling given that there's no apparent explanation for his vanishing.
Ninfield Churchyard Ghost
Churchyard & area, Ninfield
In the sleepy village of Ninfield, nestled in the rolling hills of East Sussex, a gruesome tragedy unfolded in the churchyard, leaving behind a legacy of paranormal activity. A bitter dispute between two brothers ended in horrific fashion when one brother decapitated the other with a scythe. This brutal act has imprinted a lasting presence on the location, with reports of a headless torso making appearances, sending shivers down the spines of locals and visitors alike.
The Lady in Black of Hastings
Wishing Tree Inn and road outside Inn, Hastings
The Wishing Tree Inn in Hollington, Hastings, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. Locals have nicknamed her the Lady in Black, a Victorian woman who has been known to make her presence felt by pushing past patrons in the public house. Outside, she's been spotted walking with a pram, adding to the mystique of this enigmatic figure. It's not uncommon for people to catch a glimpse of her, especially in the evenings when the inn is busiest.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Battle Abbey

Royal Victoria Hotel
St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex

The Mermaid Inn
Rye, East Sussex

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

The Chequers
Smarden, Kent