The Purple Cloaked Woman of Herstmonceux
Nestled in the heart of Herstmonceux, Windmill Hill Stores has been a hub of local activity for years, but its fame extends beyond the realm of everyday retail. In November 1995, the shop's owners reported a rather unusual sighting - a mysterious, purple-cloaked woman wandering about the first floor. This apparition, dubbed the Purple Cloaked Woman, has left many questions unanswered, and her presence remains a topic of fascination among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Delving into the historical context of this haunting, it's worth noting that Herstmonceux has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. While there's no direct connection between the Purple Cloaked Woman and the village's past, the apparition's presence on the first floor of Windmill Hill Stores suggests a possible link to the building's history. The owners' conviction in what they saw lends credibility to the account, and as a result, this haunting has become a notable part of Herstmonceux's paranormal folklore.
Herstmonceux has a long history dating back to the 11th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Little Old Lady Ghost
Millers House, Herstmonceux
Millers House on Windmill Hill in Herstmonceux is home to a rather charming ghost. Locals have reported seeing a little old lady standing on the staircase. She's described as having short grey hair and wearing civilian clothing from the Napoleonic era. It's a pretty unusual sighting, especially given the lady's era of dress. The ghostly lady seems to be going about her business, unbothered by the living. Her presence adds a touch of old-world charm to the house.
Phantom Drummer of Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux
Herstmonceux Castle stands tall in the Sussex countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history and, some say, paranormal activity. A phantom drummer is said to haunt these hallowed halls, its presence marked by a sparking blue light that flashes with every beat. The identity of this ghostly drummer remains a mystery, with some speculating it could be the spirit of Lord Dacre, a local eccentric from days gone by, while others believe it might be a soldier who fought at the Battle of Agincourt. Whatever its origins, the drummer's haunting is a fascinating phenomenon that draws visitors to this historic castle.
Stroking Poltergeist Haunting
Green Yard Public House, Brighton
The Green Yard Public House in Brighton has a reputation for being one of the most unsettling places in town. This former nineteenth century animal pound has seen some strange occurrences, from items falling off shelves without any apparent reason to lights switching off on their own. But perhaps the most bizarre and unexplained incident was when a female customer reported feeling invisible hands stroking her forehead. It's an experience that has left many wondering if the Green Yard is indeed haunted by a mischievous poltergeist.
Cloaked Man of Michelham
Michelham Priory, Hailsham
Michelham Priory has witnessed its fair share of paranormal activity over the years, but one of the most intriguing sightings is that of a man dressed in a cloak. In 1969, a couple of witnesses reported seeing this mysterious figure float into a room, hotly pursued by a woman in Tudor clothing. The image of the cloaked man is particularly striking, and it's unclear whether the female spirit chasing him is connected to another reported ghost, the woman in grey, often seen with a small brown dog in other areas of the estate.
The Grey Lady of Hailsham
Augustine Priory Gatehouse, Hailsham
Augustine Priory Gatehouse stands sentinel in the quiet Sussex town of Hailsham, its ancient stones bearing witness to a lingering presence - a misty grey female wraith. Locals have long whispered about this ghostly apparition, said to roam the premises of this aging building. The Grey Lady of Hailsham is an elusive entity, with sightings reported over the years, though details are scarce. Her ethereal form seems to materialise and vanish at will, leaving onlookers with more questions than answers.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Windmill Hill Stores

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

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

The Mermaid Inn
Rye, East Sussex