The Monk of Leatherhead
St Mary and St Nicholas parish church in Leatherhead is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. An older church worker reportedly told the sexton about a monk-like figure that had been seen passing through the church, disappearing through a bricked-up doorway in the north wall. Footsteps would also follow the sexton as he walked up the aisle, only to cease upon reaching the chancel. These strange occurrences took place back in the early 1950s.
Digging deeper into the history of this Surrey church, it seems that the hauntings aren't limited to just the monk-like figure. There's also a story about a Victorian woman who would occasionally appear in the organ loft, searching for the organist who sadly died, too bashful to declare his love for her. While we can't help but wonder about the connections between these two entities, it's clear that St Mary and St Nicholas parish church has a rich history of unexplained events.
St Mary and St Nicholas parish church has been a place of worship for centuries, with its architecture and features reflecting various periods of history.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Tall Phantom Woman of Leatherhead
Swan Corner, Leatherhead
Swan Corner in Leatherhead, Surrey, is a spot where drivers have reported a rather unsettling sighting. A tall phantom woman would appear in the middle of the road, only to vanish a few seconds later. One truck driver was so convinced he'd hit and killed her that he stopped to search for a body, but there was none to be found. This eerie apparition was seen by several drivers back in 1930 and 1931, leaving them all with a fair amount of shock and confusion.
Fetcham Red Haired Ghost
Cottage, Fetcham
In the sleepy Surrey village of Fetcham, a most unsettling encounter took place at a quaint cottage on The Street. Two people, fast asleep in their bedroom, were startled awake by an uninvited presence. Standing before them was the phantom of an older lady, her hair a fiery red that seemed to burn with an inner intensity. The sudden apparition was all the more shocking given the peaceful nature of the rural setting. This was no fleeting glimpse; the lady lingered, her presence a poignant reminder of Fetcham's mysterious past.
Cobham Wood Ghostly Apparitions
Darnley Mausoleum, Cobham Wood
Deep in Cobham Wood, the Darnley Mausoleum stands as a haunting presence, shrouded in mystery and rumoured to be home to various ghostly apparitions. This ancient structure, surrounded by dense woodland, has long been associated with paranormal activity, although the exact details of these sightings remain unclear. The atmosphere is thick with an air of foreboding, making it a hotspot for those drawn to the unknown.
Lord Nelson's Ghostly Coachman
Burford Bridge Hotel, Dorking
Burford Bridge Hotel, Box Hill, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lord Nelson's coachman. This historic inn, situated at the foot of Box Hill, has been the site of numerous paranormal sightings. Guests and staff have reported seeing a ghostly figure dressed in a long coat, believed to be the coachman of the famous Admiral Lord Nelson, who is known to have stayed at the hotel. The apparition has been spotted in the car park and old stables, adding to the inn's reputation as a haunted location.
Upside Down Ghost of Box Hill
General area, Box Hill
Box Hill in Surrey is home to a rather unusual ghost story. It's said that Major Peter Labelliere requested to be buried upside down near the summit of the hill, and despite this unorthodox burial, his spirit hasn't rested. Locals and visitors have reported seeing a ghostly horse and rider roaming the area near his grave. This strange tale has become a popular part of local folklore, with many intrigued by the Major's eccentric final wish.
Shaggy Brown Shuck Sighting
Between Polesden Lane and Admiral Walk, Great Bookham
In the sleepy Surrey village of Great Bookham, a bizarre encounter took place on a quiet country road. A witness was walking her dog with her father between Polesden Lane and Admiral Walk, just before the crossroads with Crabtree Lane. As they strolled along, they spotted a large, dog-shaped figure standing in the middle of the track about 20 metres away. The creature stood around a metre high, with very shaggy brown fur and a blurry appearance. It vanished as the witness approached, but interestingly, it seemed to dematerialise as the witness walked away.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Mary and St Nicholas parish church

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire