Cursed Church Tower Haunting
St Andrew's church in Chelmondiston has a reputation for being one of the most cursed places in Suffolk. The church tower has been plagued by a series of bizarre and unexplained events, starting with a fire that burned it to the ground. It was rebuilt, only to be struck by lightning and burn down again. A third tower was built to prevent this from happening once more, but it too met a fiery end - this time at the hands of a bomb during World War II. Locals believe that a local witch was responsible for cursing the tower, and that her malevolent spirit still lingers.
The history of St Andrew's church tower is marked by tragedy and disaster. The original tower was destroyed by fire in the 17th century, and its replacement suffered a similar fate just a few years later. The third and current tower was built in an attempt to break the curse, but it was hit by a bomb in 1942. While there are no reports of recent paranormal activity, the tower's dark history has led many to speculate about the presence of a malevolent spirit. The church is still an active place of worship, and visitors are welcome to attend services and explore the premises.
The church dates back to the 14th century, and has undergone several restorations and rebuilds over the centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Butley Priory Ghost
Butley Priory, Butley
Butley Priory, a mansion steeped in history, is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Robert Brommer. He met his demise in Ipswich, succumbing to the pressures of debt and ultimately taking his own life. After a tumultuous journey, his remains were finally laid to rest at a crossroads along nearby Hausen Street. However, it seems his spirit didn't rest easy. Reports have surfaced of a haunting presence within the gatehouse of Butley Priory, a testament to the turmoil Robert Brommer must have endured in life and death.
The White Lady of Tangham Forest
Forest, Tangham
Deep in Tangham Forest, a spine-tingling encounter has been etched in local folklore for generations. A lone traveller, driving a horse and cart through the woods, was startled by the sudden appearance of a white lady sitting beside him. She vanished as mysteriously as she appeared, leaving the driver to wonder if he'd really seen her at all. This enigmatic figure, known as the White Lady, has been the subject of whispered tales and speculation ever since.
Tragic Rectory Ghost
Rectory, Butley
The Rectory in Butley, Suffolk, is home to a heartbreaking ghost story. A former owner, driven by desperation and heartbreak, shot his wife at the top of the stairs, but she cleverly feigned death to avoid a second, fatal shot. The distraught husband then turned the gun on himself, and it's here, at this very spot, that he's seen standing by numerous people. This location, steeped in tragedy, seems to hold onto the memories of that fateful day, allowing the former owner to relive his final moments.
Rendlesham Forest UFO Encounter
Rendlesham Forest, Rendlesham
Rendlesham Forest, a tranquil Suffolk woodland, was the unlikely setting for one of the most enduring UFO stories in British history. In December 1981, a strange craft reportedly landed in the forest, sending shockwaves through ufological circles and beyond. The incident remains shrouded in mystery, with various explanations proposed over the years. Interestingly, this wasn't the only unusual phenomenon reported in the area; around 1995, there were also sightings of big cats roaming the forest.
The Merman of Orford
Coast near to Orford Castle, Orford
Off the coast of Orford, in the Suffolk countryside, a bizarre encounter took place back in 1167. Fishermen caught a strange, naked, hairy man just off the coast. This unusual creature, who would come to be known as the Merman, didn't speak a word, even when subjected to torture by being hung upside down. His diet consisted of fish, which he would squeeze with his hands to extract the liquid, drinking only that. He was held at Orford Castle for a while - some say six months - before being allowed to swim in the sea, albeit in a netted enclosure under close guard.
Rendlesham UFO Sighting
Bentwaters USAF, Rendlesham
Deep in Suffolk, at the former Bentwaters USAF base near Rendlesham, a most intriguing incident took place on a summer evening in 1956. Radar operators at the base detected several unidentified flying objects crossing the North Sea at incredible speeds, far beyond the capabilities of any known aircraft at the time. The objects were tracked on radar, and one was even intercepted by a US fighter, but it quickly vanished from sight.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St. Andrew's church

Seckford Hall Hotel
Woodbridge, Suffolk

The Crown
Framlingham, Suffolk

The Mistley Thorn Hotel
Mistley (near Manningtree), Essex