Patching Hall Lane, Chelmsford

Patching Hall Lane in Chelmsford is home to a rather unsettling ghost story. Back in the 1970s, a group of teenagers were out and about on this very lane when they caught sight of a tall, pallid figure. He was a striking sight, dressed in a top hat and cloak, and he clearly gave the teens a fright as they took off in a hurry. One of them, however, looked back to see if the figure was following, but by that time, he had vanished into thin air.

Regiment Way roundabout in Beaulieu, Chelmsford

Regiment Way in Beaulieu is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained collide. On a typical night in 2018, two travellers slowed down to get their bearings as they approached the roundabout. That's when they spotted him - a man dressed in Victorian attire, complete with a small top hat, walking along the side of the road. The encounter was brief, lasting only a few seconds, before the man vanished into thin air, leaving behind a misty trail.

Springfield Place, Chelmsford

Springfield Place in Chelmsford has a rather unsavory reputation thanks to its resident ugly little dwarf, affectionately known as the Funny Man. This mischievous entity has been blamed for harassing numerous people who have ventured near the building, particularly in the churchyard. The Funny Man is said to be a troublesome fairy, prone to causing a ruckus and generally making life difficult for those who cross his path.

Unknown dance hall, Chelmsford

In the heart of Chelmsford, a terrifying tragedy unfolded on a sweltering summer evening in 1938. Phyllis Newcombe, just 22 years old, was enjoying a night out at a local dance hall when disaster struck. As she left the dance floor, her dress suddenly burst into flames, engulfing her in a matter of seconds. The incident was all the more baffling given that tests later showed her clothing could not be ignited with a cigarette, leaving many to wonder if an otherworldly force was at play.

New Hall, Boreham

New Hall in Boreham, Essex, is a place where history and legend entwine. This stately home, once a favourite haunt of Anne Boleyn, is said to be traversed by the ghostly procession of the ill-fated queen herself. While still in favour with her husband, Henry VIII, Anne would often visit New Hall, and it's believed that her spirit continues to roam the corridors. The exact date and time of these sightings are unknown, but the legend has endured for centuries.

Main road through village, High Laver

High Laver village is home to a rather poignant ghostly sighting, one that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who's ever experienced loss. On Christmas Eve, a mournful procession makes its way down the main road, a horse-drawn carriage carrying a lone figure, Abigail Masham. Her residence, once a grand part of the village, has long since vanished, leaving behind only memories and this annual, spectral revisit.