Skip to main content

The Marching Man of Horley

A23, Horley, Surrey Apparition Unknown

On the A23 near Horley, a strange encounter has been reported by a driver who claimed to have nearly hit an elderly man who stepped out in front of him. The man was described as being in his seventies, slim, and walked very upright, as if marching. He was dressed in a flat cap, tweed jacket, and petrol blue trousers. The driver braked hard, expecting to collide with the figure, but when the car stopped, the old man had vanished into thin air.

This incident occurred in March 2007, around 21:00h. The witness thought he had left the braking too late and was surprised when the old man disappeared. The Cambridge Hotel is nearby, but there are no further details about any connections to the haunting. The incident remains a mystery, with no explanation for the sudden disappearance of the elderly man.

Historical Context

No specific historical context available

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Road
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
March 2007, around 21:00h
Postcode Area
RH12

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.6 mi

Phantom Marching Troops

Thunderfield Castle and Haroldslea Drive area, Horley

Thunderfield Castle in Horley, Surrey, is a place where history comes alive on 11 November every year. As the sun sets, a phantom bell begins to toll, its sound growing louder with each passing minute. By midnight, the tolling reaches its peak, and a small army of men, believed to be King Harold's troops, march through the area, passing by Haroldslea Drive. This eerie procession is said to commemorate the time the castle served as a resting place for King Harold's men as they marched to the Battle of Hastings.

Castle and Residential Area Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.8 mi

The Man in Boots Haunting

Wray Farm, Reigate

Wray Farm in Reigate, Surrey, is home to a trio of ghostly residents. The most striking of these is the Man in Boots, a phantom wearing riding boots. He's not alone, though - an older woman who likes to sit by the fireplace and a little blonde-haired girl are also said to roam the halls. The haunting, which reportedly took place in the 1970s, remains a fascinating case for paranormal enthusiasts.

Private Residence Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.7 mi

Female Ghosts of Smallfield Place

Smallfield Place, Burstow

Smallfield Place in Burstow, Surrey, seems to have a bit of a reputation for being a hotspot for female ghosts. It's not uncommon for visitors to catch a glimpse of a woman appearing from a wall in the dining room, while another lady dressed in blue is often seen drifting about in the drawing room. But that's not all - a third female form, dressed in wedding lace, has been spotted outside the house, near the pond, before vanishing into thin air.

Private Residence Unknown
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 3.7 mi

The Golden Cat of Earlston

General area, Earlston

In the rolling hills of Earlston, a strange sighting has left residents and visitors alike scratching their heads. It's said that a large, golden cat was spotted roaming the general area back in 1983. The creature was described as being quite majestic, but its appearance was short-lived as it vanished without a trace. Some say it was a fleeting glimpse of something truly unusual, while others believe it might have been a clever hoax. Whatever the truth may be, the image of that golden cat has stuck with locals for years.

General Area Late 20th Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.9 mi

Reigate Priory Phantom Priest

Reigate Priory, Reigate

Reigate Priory has stood for centuries, its stone walls bearing witness to countless events and emotions. Among the reported paranormal activity here is the apparition of a phantom priest, believed to have been a resident or visitor to the priory since the twelfth century. This ghostly figure has apparently been absent from sightings for some years now, leaving behind only whispers of its former presence.

Historic Mansion Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 4 mi

The Preacher of Sandrock

Sandrock Public House, Croydon

The Sandrock Public House on Upper Shirley Road in Croydon is a place where the past seems to linger. This unassuming pub has been home to a rather intriguing ghost - an old man with a long beard, dressed as a preacher. He's said to have been spotted by former staff members, who've caught glimpses of him wandering around the premises. The preacher's presence is a bit of an enigma, leaving many to wonder what his connection is to this particular pub.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near A23