The Sea Witch of Leigh
In the quaint Essex village of Leigh, a most sinister figure is said to have once resided. Sarah Moore, affectionately yet ominously known as the Sea Witch, was rumoured to possess supernatural powers that she allegedly used for malevolent purposes. Locals believed she was capable of cursing unborn children with hare lips, conjuring storms at sea, and even spontaneously combusting those who dared to trespass on her property. Her notoriety was so widespread that her very presence was enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most hardened villagers.
The legend of the Sea Witch dates back to the mid-19th century, a time when superstition and folklore were an integral part of rural life. According to accounts, Sarah Moore's reign of terror eventually came to an end when she cursed a skipper, who, in a fit of rage, hacked away at his boat's rigging with an axe. When he arrived back to shore he found her bludgeoned to death at Bell Wharf in Old Leigh. It is said that the psychic energy generated by his actions, combined with the telepathic blows from the axe, ultimately led to her demise. This dark chapter in Leigh's history has been passed down through generations, leaving behind a legacy of fear and fascination.
The Victorian era saw a resurgence in interest in the supernatural and the occult, which may have contributed to the perpetuation of the Sea Witch legend.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Leigh Building Footsteps Haunting
on, Leigh
In the heart of Leigh, Essex, a mysterious presence has been detected within a local building. On 21 March 2012, a witness reported hearing unexplained footsteps and other strange sounds after the building had closed. The eerie atmosphere took a more bizarre turn when the witness saw items being moved unaided, leaving them wondering if they were truly alone. The building's history is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain - its reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity has been cemented.
Leigh's Mysterious Lynx Sightings
on, Leigh
Leigh in Essex is a place where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to coexist, particularly at night. Residents and visitors have reported catching glimpses of a large cat, possibly a lynx, roaming the area under the cover of darkness. The creature's appearances have been sporadic, with sightings logged between 2005 and 2010, and some claim it continues to haunt these parts. Descriptions of the animal are scarce, but it is said to be a majestic creature with a distinctive appearance.
Leigh Bakery Ghost
on, Leigh
The bakery in Leigh, Essex, has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. It's said that a man who took his own life on the site before it was converted into a bakery is responsible for the paranormal activity. Staff have reported objects being moved around, footsteps echoing through the empty corridors, and inexplicable breezes sweeping through parts of the bakery. One worker was so spooked by what they saw that they fled the bakery and never spoke about the incident again.
The Wobbly Man of Leigh
on, Leigh
In the quaint town of Leigh, Essex, a most unusual ghostly apparition has been spotted. Dubbed the Wobbly Man, this short spirit is said to appear accompanied by a rather pungent fishy smell. He's easily recognisable in his long coat, which adds to the mystique of this bizarre encounter. While details of the sightings are scarce, the Wobbly Man has become a local legend of sorts, with many curious onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of him.
Anne Boleyn's Hunting Lodge Ghost
Leigh on Sea, Leigh on Sea
The old hunting lodge in Leigh, Essex, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated wife of Henry VIII. This former hunting lodge was reportedly a favourite haunt of Boleyn's, and local legend has it that she occasionally returns to the site. The lodge has stood for centuries, and its atmospheric surroundings have led to numerous reports of paranormal activity. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of Boleyn's ghostly visits, the site's rich history and Boleyn's enduring legacy make it a fascinating spot for anyone interested in the paranormal.
Southend Phantom Canine
Lower Road, Southend
Southend roads can be a pretty ordinary place, but on one evening in 1991, a passenger in a car caught a glimpse of something that would change their perception of the mundane. A calf-sized dog was seen walking on the other side of the road, but here's the thing - it was only spotted by the passenger, not the driver. It was an unusual sighting that left the witness feeling unnerved, to say the least. The description of the dog as being calf-sized is quite specific, and it's interesting to consider what could have caused such a vivid impression.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bell Wharf, Leigh Old Town

The Shurland Hotel
Eastchurch, Kent

The Blue Boar Hotel
Maldon, Essex

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone
Maidstone, Kent

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent