The Woman in Black of Oxford
At the bottom of Willow Walk in Oxford, a spine-tingling sighting has been reported by multiple witnesses. The ghostly figure of a woman clad in a black cloak has been seen emerging from Willow Walk, floating across the road, and up the path beside St Lawrence's Church. This eerie apparition is believed to be the spirit of a woman who met a tragic end. Her story is one of love, betrayal, and murder, which has become an integral part of Oxford's paranormal folklore.
Historical records suggest that the woman in black was travelling to meet her secret lover in Yarnton. However, her husband discovered the affair, followed her, and ultimately murdered her. This heinous act has left an indelible mark on the location, manifesting as the ghostly apparition of the woman in black. Witnesses describe the figure as a woman in a black cloak, and the sightings have been documented as far back as October 1994. The location, opposite St Lawrence's Church, seems to be a hub for paranormal activity, with the church's history and the woman's tragic tale contributing to the area's haunted reputation.
The haunting is believed to date back to the 19th century, although the exact date is unknown.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Bomber Crewman's Ghostly Apparition
Former site of RAF Grove, Wantage
The Former RAF Grove site in Wantage, Oxfordshire, is home to a reported ghostly apparition. Staff at the private company which took over this industrial unit frequently reported a ghostly figure dressed in flying kit or feeling his presence. The identity of the bomber crewman remains a mystery but it's believed he was a local man killed when his bomber crash landed nearby. The payload exploded, killing everyone on board. His presence has been a regular occurrence since the late 1970s.
The Vanishing Village of Ouseley
Area east of village, Ipsden
Ouseley, a tiny village nestled in the rolling hills of Oxfordshire, has a mystifying tale to tell. It's said that back in the early to mid seventeenth century, this once bustling little community suddenly and inexplicably vanished into thin air, leaving behind nothing but an unsettling silence and a lingering sense of unease. The village's disappearance has become the stuff of local legend, with many wondering what could have driven its residents to abandon their homes so abruptly. Was it a catastrophic event, a mysterious curse, or something even more inexplicable?
The Blowing Stone Legend
Blowingstone Hill, Kingston Lisle
Perched atop Blowingstone Hill in Oxfordshire, the Blowing Stone has been a source of fascination for centuries. This ancient relic is said to have been used by King Alfred himself to summon an army to fight off invading Vikings. When blown into, the stone emits a deep, resonant note that can be heard for miles. Legend has it that whoever can produce a sound that carries all the way to the Uffington White Horse Hill shall be crowned king of England - a claim that's probably not legally binding, but still makes for a compelling tale.
Beckley Poltergeist Haunting
Farm east of Village, Beckley
In the sleepy Oxfordshire village of Beckley, a most unsettling poltergeist was reported back in 1857. The trouble began at a farmhouse situated just east of the village. It started with bits of ceiling collapsing in every room, but curiously, the furniture remained untouched. Windows were smashed, not by any human hand, but by stones and pieces of roof tile seemingly thrown by an invisible force. The entity made a single appearance, manifesting as a tall, dark man to a serving girl, who understandably fainted at the sight.
Phantom Pyre of Broad Street
Broad Street memorial, Oxford
Broad Street in Oxford is home to a memorial that marks a dark and tragic event in the city's history. It's said that on certain occasions, the site bursts into phantom flames, with shadowy figures dancing within the inferno. This eerie phenomenon is believed to be connected to the brutal persecution of bishops who were burnt to death at this very spot for their unwavering beliefs. The exact date of these events is unclear, but it's thought to have occurred in the 16th or 17th century, a time of great turmoil and religious upheaval in England.
Uffington White Horse Legend
Hills of town, Uffington
Perched atop the rolling hills of Uffington village in Oxfordshire, the famous White Horse has been a source of fascination for locals and visitors alike. This isn't just any ordinary horse, but a legendary creature said to roam the hills once every 100 years. According to local lore, the White Horse makes its way to the ancient Wayland's Smithy, a neolithic burial site, to have its feet shod. Some claim it's not a horse at all, but a dragon said to have been slain by St George on that very hill. The exact origins of this legend are unclear, but its impact on the local community is undeniable.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Road at bottom of Willow Walk

Warner Hotels - Littlecote House
Near Hungerford, Wiltshire (on Berkshire-Wiltshire border)

Best Western The George Hotel
Pangbourne, Berkshire
The Hind's Head
Aldermaston, Berkshire