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Jacob Harris Ghost Hanging

Jacob's Post, Ditchling, East Sussex Apparition Georgian

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 story of Jacob Harris is a dark one. He was a pedlar who roamed the countryside, selling his wares to locals. But on one fateful day, he laid eyes on Richard Mills' riding coat and his desire turned deadly. Harris murdered Mills and was subsequently caught, tried, and hanged at Jacob's Post. This brutal act of violence seems to have imprinted Harris' spirit on the location, and many believe he still roams the area, perhaps searching for his next victim or reliving the events of that terrible day.

Historical Context

18th-century crime and punishment

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House and Post
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1734 onwards?
Postcode Area
BN7

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