Tall Man in Black Ghost
Deep in the Sussex woods, north of Darvell reservoir in Brightling, a chilling figure is said to roam. The Tall Man in Black is a ghostly apparition reportedly seen by numerous people. This spooky figure is believed to be the spirit of a local drug dealer who met a tragic end, murdered in the middle of the twentieth century. His presence is a stark reminder of the area's darker past.
The story of the Tall Man in Black dates back to 1996 when the haunting was first reported. It's said that the ghostly figure appears to locals and passersby, its dark attire and imposing stature making it a formidable sight. While the details of his death are shrouded in mystery, the legend of the Tall Man in Black has become an integral part of local folklore. Witnesses describe feeling a sense of unease in his presence, but there have been no reports of malicious intent.
The haunting is linked to a local drug dealer's murder in the mid-20th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mad Jack of Brightling
Churchyard, Brightling
Brightling Church stands tall in the rolling Sussex countryside, its pyramid monument a striking feature of the churchyard. This imposing structure is the final resting place of Jack, a man so nicknamed 'Mad Jack'. Legend has it that by running around the pyramid seven times, you can raise Jack from the dead. The pyramid's interior is said to be lined with glass, a precaution to prevent the Devil from claiming Jack's soul. It's a quirky tale that adds to the mystique of this rural churchyard, leaving many to wonder about the story behind Mad Jack's unusual burial.
Rudyard Kipling's Ghostly Study
Bateman's house, Burwash
Bateman's House, the former home of renowned author Rudyard Kipling, is said to be haunted by his ghost. Kipling's spirit has been reportedly seen in his study, a room that was once his sanctuary for writing some of his most famous works. The fleeting shade of the author has also been spotted standing by flowers in the garden, giving the impression that he is still enjoying the beauty of nature that inspired so much of his writing.
Gladwish Wood Haunting
Gladwish Wood, Burwash
Gladwish Wood in Burwash, Sussex, has a reputation for being a place of ancient evil, a sentiment shared by renowned author Rudyard Kipling who strongly disliked the area. This wooded location is said to be haunted by the ghost of David Leary, a farmer who was wrongly accused of poisoning his landlord. Leary was hanged for the crime, but it was later discovered that the landowner had actually died of a heart attack. It's said that Leary's spirit, filled with anger and injustice, has lingered in the wood since his death.
The Tall Man of Brighton
Easy Bar, Brighton
In the bustling heart of Brighton, the Easy Bar on Cranbourne Street is home to a rather unsettling presence. A tall phantom man is said to sit in the corner of the bar, watching people during busy periods. His ghostly figure seems to appear out of nowhere, leaving patrons and staff alike feeling uneasy. While there's no record of any tragic events occurring at this specific location, the Easy Bar's long history as a popular watering hole may hold clues to the identity of this mysterious figure.
The Monk of East Dean
Churchyard, East Dean
In the sleepy village of East Dean, nestled in the rolling hills of Sussex, a haunting presence has been felt for years. The local churchyard, a place of rest for generations of villagers, is said to be home to a ghostly monk-like figure. This spectral presence has been reported wandering aimlessly among the weathered headstones, its existence a mystery that has sparked curiosity and intrigue among locals and visitors alike. While details of the sightings are scarce, the image of a lone, hooded figure drifting through the shadows of the churchyard has become an enduring part of East Dean's folklore.
Tobacco Scented Ghost
Busheygate, Robertsbridge
Busheygate, the home of paranormal author Andrew Green, is famously haunted by a pungent and unexplained odour of tobacco. This strange phenomenon has been reported by numerous people who have visited the property, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this ghostly scent. Is it a lingering presence from a former occupant or a manifestation of something more sinister? The truth remains a mystery, but one thing is certain - the smell of tobacco is a potent and unsettling experience for those who encounter it.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wooded area north of Darvell reservoir

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

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

The Mermaid Inn
Rye, East Sussex

The Chequers
Smarden, Kent