Phantom Peacock of Five Ashes
On a stretch of road in Five Ashes, Sussex, a rather unusual phenomenon has been reported. It's here on the A267 that motorists have claimed to have hit a peacock crossing the road, not once but twice, in October 2006. Wildlife rescuers were called to the scene on both occasions, only to find no evidence of the bird's existence. It's a puzzling incident that has left many wondering if the peacock was ever really there at all. Was it a phantom bird, a misperception, or something more inexplicable?
The events took place on a section of road that is likely to see a fair amount of wildlife crossing, given its rural location. While there are no recorded instances of peacocks being native to this area, it's not impossible that a bird could have escaped from a nearby aviary or been released. However, the fact that no physical evidence was found and that multiple motorists reported the incident suggests there may be more to this story. The lack of any further reports since 2006 implies that the appearances, if they were real, were isolated incidents.
Rural Sussex has a rich history of reported paranormal activity, from ghostly apparitions to unexplained animal sightings.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
St Dunstan's Devil Tongs
Mayfield Convent, Mayfield
Mayfield Convent in Sussex holds a rather unusual piece of paranormal history - a pair of tongs said to have been used by St Dunstan to grab the Devil by the nose. According to legend, the fallen angel was disguising himself as a woman, but St Dunstan was not fooled, noticing the cloven feet. He quickly grabbed the Devil with his trusty tongs, causing the evil spirit to flee to the springs at Tunbridge Wells. This bizarre encounter has been a part of local folklore for centuries, and the tongs are still on display at the convent.
The Flying Hands of Warbleton Priory
Warbleton Priory, Heathfield
Warbleton Priory in Heathfield is home to a rather bizarre and unexplained phenomenon - a pair of small pale hands that have been seen appearing outside the building. These ghostly hands have been visible from an upstairs window on multiple occasions, leaving many to wonder what could be behind this strange manifestation. The priory itself has a rich history, but it's the appearance of these flying hands that has captured the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts and visitors alike.
The Bag of Soot Ghost
Jarvis Brook Road, Crowborough
On Jarvis Brook Road in Crowborough, Sussex, a rather unusual ghost is said to roam. This phantom, known as the Bag of Soot, has a reputation for chasing unwary travellers down the road. It's not your typical ghostly apparition, but rather a strange and intriguing phenomenon that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The exact date and time of these encounters are unknown, but the Bag of Soot remains a fascinating and unexplained occurrence.
The Wailing Well of Inveresk
Routing Well, Inveresk
Routing Well in Inveresk has long been associated with a strange, wailing sound that's said to precede a storm. This eerie phenomenon has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike for centuries. The well, situated in a quiet corner of the town, seems an unlikely spot for such a remarkable occurrence. Yet, it's precisely this juxtaposition of the ordinary and the unexplained that makes the Wailing Well of Inveresk so fascinating. As the wind picks up and the skies grow dark, the well's mournful cry is said to echo through the streets, a haunting harbinger of the storm to come.
Mackie's Farm Poltergeist
Mackie's Farm, Ringcroft
Mackie's Farm in Ringcroft, Lowlands, was once the site of a rather remarkable poltergeist case back in 1695. This wasn't just any ordinary haunting; the spirit seemed to have a particular grudge against the farm and its livestock. It started by releasing the herds from their enclosures, causing quite a commotion, and then things escalated with the entity bruising people using stones and sticks. It was a pretty intense situation, especially when priests came to try and exorcise the spirit, only to be driven away.
Witch of Buxted Haunting
Nan Tucks Lane, Buxted
Nan Tucks Lane in Buxted is a rural road with a dark history. It's said that Nan, a local woman accused of witchcraft, used this very road to escape a mob of villagers who sought to lynch her. The lane is a quiet, winding route that cuts through the Sussex countryside, but at certain times of night, locals claim to see Nan's ghostly figure running along the road, reliving her desperate bid for freedom.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near A267
Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast
Hever, Kent
The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex
Royal Victoria Hotel
St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex