Ghostly Residents of Hyde Hall
Hyde Hall in Chelmsford has a reputation for being haunted by two friendly spirits. Richard de Foe, a former owner, is said to haunt the guest room, while a little girl is often seen wandering other parts of the house. The house was once owned by singer Suzi Quatro, who claimed to have experienced paranormal activity during her time there. The ghostly residents are believed to be benevolent, and their presence has been reported by multiple witnesses over the years.
Historically, Hyde Hall has been a private residence for many years, and its past is not well-documented. However, the reported hauntings date back to the 1980s, when Suzi Quatro owned the property. She reported that Richard de Foe, likely a reference to the 18th-century English writer Daniel Defoe, haunted the guest room. The little girl's identity remains a mystery, but her presence has been felt throughout the house. The hauntings are characterized by visual and audio activity, with witnesses reporting sightings and unexplained noises.
18th-century English writer Daniel Defoe
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Man in Grey Coat Apparition
Outside Smugglers Den Public House, Hullbridge
Outside the Smugglers Den Public House in Hullbridge, a rather unsettling encounter took place in February 2019. A visitor to the pub was out for a stroll when they spotted a man dressed in a grey coat. The figure was clearly visible, but before the witness could process what they were seeing, the man vanished into thin air, leaving the onlooker shaken. The sudden disappearance of the apparition has left many questions unanswered, and the incident remains a fascinating example of a haunting manifestation.
Drowned Girl of Edwin's Hall
Edwin's Hall, Woodham Ferrers
Edwin's Hall in Woodham Ferrers is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who met a tragic end. She is believed to have drowned in the moat that once surrounded the hall, and her spirit is thought to still roam the grounds. People have reported catching glimpses of her, a fleeting figure in the distance, often near the old moat. The story of her death is shrouded in mystery, but her presence is still felt by those who visit the hall.
The Angry Nun of Chelmsford
All Saints Church, Chelmsford
All Saints Church in Chelmsford, Essex, is home to a rather unusual legend. They say that if you're brave - or foolhardy - enough to walk around the church thirteen times at midnight, you'll be met with a rather angry phantom nun. It's not clear where this story came from, but it's been circulating locally for a while. The challenge is to complete the circuit without, well, being confronted by the nun. Presumably, it's not a pleasant experience.
Ghostly Horse and Cart
Road leading to East Hannington, Rettendon
Rettendon road is said to be haunted by the ghost of a farmer riding his horse and cart. This eerie apparition has been spotted by motorists and locals alike, often at dusk or in the dead of night. The ghostly horse and trap are thought to be a harbinger of doom or a spectral messenger from beyond the grave. Some claim to have seen the ghostly farmer urging his horse on, as if in a great hurry to reach a destination. Others report hearing the sound of horse's hooves and rattling cart wheels, even when no one is around.
The Lost Bell of Danbury
Bell Common, Danbury
Bell Common in Danbury, Essex, is home to a rather unusual legend. They say the Devil himself was responsible for a church bell ending up buried deep in the earth. Apparently, he had a hand in stealing the bell, but his plan was foiled when he accidentally dropped it on the common. The story goes that the bell sank into the ground and has remained there ever since, waiting to be rediscovered.
Roman Soldier of Danbury
Various places on the common, Danbury
Danbury Common in Essex has a long history dating back to Roman times, and it's said that one Roman soldier has never left. The area was once a garrison, and locals claim that the soldier still roams the common, making his presence known to those who venture into the area. While there's no record of a specific incident or sighting, the legend of the Roman soldier has become an integral part of the common's folklore.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Hyde Hall

