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Ghost of Sir Robert Earnley

Crab & Lobster Public House, Sidlesham, Sussex Apparition English Civil War

The Crab & Lobster Public House in Sidlesham is home to a rather gruesome ghost story. It's said that Sir Robert Earnley, a local gentleman, was brutally killed by a gang of Cromwell's soldiers. With his dying breath, Earnley managed to drag himself into the pub, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. Since then, his ghost has been spotted by numerous patrons, typically before dawn, dressed in a tall, proudly uniformed attire. On one occasion, a witness even reported seeing him lying on the floor in a pool of blood, a chilling reminder of his tragic demise.

Historical records suggest that Sir Robert Earnley's death occurred during the English Civil War, a time of great turmoil and conflict in the country. As a supporter of the Royalist cause, Earnley found himself at odds with the Parliamentarian forces led by Oliver Cromwell. His ghostly apparition has been interpreted as a manifestation of his unfinished business on earth, a haunting reminder of the violence and bloodshed that characterised this period in English history. While there are no concrete witness accounts to draw upon, the consistency of the sightings suggests that Earnley's spirit remains restless to this day.

Historical Context

English Civil War, 1642-1651

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
PO27

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