Epping's Ghostly Monk
Deep in Great Monk Wood, near Epping in Essex, a peculiar sighting has been reported by locals and visitors alike. The area was once home to monks from Waltham Abbey, who would roam these very woods as part of their daily routines. Today, it seems that one of these hooded figures still wanders, albeit in ghostly form. Descriptions of a lone, hooded apparition strolling between the trees have been documented, leaving many to wonder about the connection between the land's past and its present-day paranormal activity.
The history of Waltham Abbey and its monks dates back to the medieval period. It's likely that the ghostly monk is a remnant of this bygone era. Although there are no specific dates or times for the sightings, reports suggest that these apparitions have been seen at various points throughout the twentieth century. The fact that multiple witnesses have come forward with similar descriptions lends credibility to the claims, and it's clear that Great Monk Wood holds a special, if eerie, place in the local folklore.
Medieval monks from Waltham Abbey once inhabited the area
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Dick Turpin's Ghostly Ride
Traps Hill, Loughton
Traps Hill in Loughton is a spot where the past comes alive, or rather, refuses to rest. This hill is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman, and an old woman who's been riding on his back for eternity. According to legend, Turpin tortured the woman until she revealed the location of her hidden money, and now her spirit is forever bound to his, a grim reminder of his cruel deeds. Three times a year, locals claim to see Turpin's ghostly figure riding down the hill, with the woman's apparition clinging to his back.
Epping's Mysterious Backwards Gravity
Hangman's Hill, Epping
Hangman's Hill in Epping has a rather bizarre reputation. It's said that if you release your car's handbrake at the bottom of this slight incline, your vehicle will inexplicably roll uphill, coming to a stop at the site of an old gallows. This strange phenomenon has been observed by many and has sparked debate about the nature of gravity and the possible presence of paranormal activity in the area. While some attribute this to a trick of the mind or a quirk of the road's design, others believe that there's more to it than meets the eye.
Gravity Hill Ghost Phenomenon
Hangman's Hill, High Beach
Deep in Epping Forest lies Hangman's Hill, a spot shrouded in mystery and paranormal activity. This eerie location, also known as Gravity Hill, has gained notoriety for its unexplained phenomenon where cars appear to be pushed uphill, defying the laws of gravity. The story goes that a person who took their own life by hanging here is responsible for this strange occurrence, or perhaps it's the ghost of a phantom hangman who went on a killing spree. Whatever the reason, the anti-gravity effect is now widely believed to be an environmental optical illusion.
Loughton Hall Soldier Ghost
Small, Loughton
Deep in the wooded paths near Loughton Hall, a chilling sighting has been reported. A local girl claimed to have seen the phantom of a Civil War soldier in 2000. The apparition was only visible from the top part up, leaving many questions about the circumstances of this ghostly encounter. The eerie atmosphere of the woods, combined with the unexplained presence of this soldier, makes for a fascinating case study in the paranormal.
Phantom Pair of Arms
Pond near Alderton Hall, Loughton
In the quiet town of Loughton, Essex, there's a pond near Alderton Hall that's said to be home to a rather bizarre ghostly apparition - a phantom pair of arms. This strange phenomenon has been observed rising out of the water, leaving many to wonder what could be behind such an unusual sighting. The fact that it's been spotted in a pond adds to the mystique, making you wonder if it's connected to the nearby hall or something more sinister.
The White Dressed Maid of Alderton Hall
Alderton Hall, Loughton
Alderton Hall in Loughton, Essex, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a teenage girl dressed in white. This spirit is believed to be the former maid who was cast out of service after giving birth to the master's illegitimate child. Heartbreak and tragedy led her down a dark path, as she drowned her newborn in a nearby pond before taking her own life. Despite her untimely demise, her presence lingers, particularly in the upper parts of the hall.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Great Monk Wood

The Green Man
Harlow, Essex

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

Down Hall Hotel
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent