Layer Marney Churchyard, Layer Marney

Layer Marney Churchyard is home to a truly bizarre and unexplained phenomenon. Every Christmas, a headless chicken is said to appear and run blindly around the gravestones. The origins of this strange occurrence are unknown, but it's a story that's been passed down through the years. The image of a headless chicken careening wildly through the churchyard is a surreal one, and it's easy to see why this haunting has become a local legend.

Layer Marney Hall, Layer Marney

Layer Marney Hall, a majestic country house in Essex, is home to a rather spiteful ghost. Lord Marney, the hall's original builder, started construction in the early sixteenth century but unfortunately died before its completion. His unfinished business on earth seems to be a spirited one. According to local legend, Lord Marney now haunts the tower, scaring anyone who interrupts his daily descent down the staircase banister. It's said that if you're unfortunate enough to cross his path, you'll be met with a ghostly apparition riding down the stairs, a sight that's sure to send shivers down your spine.

Bretons Manor, Rainham

Bretons Manor in Rainham, Essex, is home to a number of ghostly residents. Roman soldiers have been spotted walking through walls in the basement, giving a glimpse into the site's rich history. A lady in white has been seen on the lower half of the stairs, while another lady, believed to be Martha Ayloff, has been seen on the stairs. Anne Ayloff, dressed in a lavender dress, is said to haunt the room adjacent to room 7. These ghostly apparitions have been reported over a period of time, suggesting that Bretons Manor is a hub of paranormal activity.

Exact location not known, Tolleshunt Knights

Tolleshunt Knights in Essex has been associated with a mysterious and intriguing sighting - an alien big cat reportedly seen in January 1996. This creature was thought to resemble a lion and has sparked curiosity among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Some speculate that it might be connected to a similar sighting in nearby Great Wigborough, although concrete evidence remains elusive. The incident has left many questions unanswered, fuelling ongoing debate about the existence of such enigmatic creatures.

Moot, Tolleshunt Knights

In the rolling countryside of Tolleshunt Knights, a most unusual legend has been etched into local folklore. It centres around a knight who, in the twelfth century, attempted to build a house a mile away from Moot Field, but his plans were constantly thwarted by a mischievous force. Each night, the devil would appear and pull the house down, leaving the knight bewildered and frustrated. This nocturnal sabotage continued until the knight agreed to erect his building closer to the field, effectively appeasing the devil's demands.

Fox and Fiddler Public House, Colchester

The Fox and Fiddler Public House in Colchester, formerly known as the Headgate, is home to a trio of friendly ghosts. Sarah, Jack, and a young child are said to roam the premises, with the little one often heard running around, adding a playful touch to the haunting. Described as 'friendly', these ghosts dont seem to cause any trouble, making the Fox and Fiddler a welcoming spot for those interested in the paranormal. Locals and visitors alike have reported encountering these spirits, which has contributed to the pub's reputation as one of Colchester's most haunted sites.