Ghost of Sir Robert Earnley
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.
English Civil War, 1642-1651
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Cavalier of Sidlesham
Crab and Lobster Inn Inn, Sidlesham
The Crab and Lobster Inn in Sidlesham is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A tall, cloaked figure has been spotted both inside and outside the inn, and it's thought that he might be a Cavalier who was taken to the building after being mortally shot. The story goes that this Cavalier was seen by a visiting medium in 1969, who claimed to have seen the dying form of the man on the floor of the bar. It's a pretty chilling tale, and one that's been fascinating locals and visitors alike for years.
Groaning Ghost of Selsey
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On the western edge of Pagham Harbour, in the quiet town of Selsey, a chilling incident took place on a dark autumn night in 2001. Two teenagers, hanging out in the church car park at 23:30h, witnessed a sudden flash followed by a bang. As they sat in their car, they heard loud moaning approaching, but there were no footsteps on the gravel. The sound sent a shiver down their spines, and they quickly drove off, leaving the unsettling atmosphere behind. Years later, one of the witnesses stumbled upon an account of a Civil War ghost said to haunt the area, which made them wonder if their experience was more than just a coincidence.
Elmer's Ghostly Apparition
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Elmer Woods in Bognor Regis is said to be haunted by the ghost of a local farmer named Elmer. The story goes that Elmer was evicted from his home and now wanders the woods, searching for a place to call his own. Some say he's accompanied by a large black dog, which is also believed to be a ghostly apparition. Locals have reported strange sightings and unexplained occurrences in the area, adding to the legend of Elmer's restless spirit.
Crying Ghost of Chichester
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Ghost of William Shepherd
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The Royal Oak Public House in Chichester is said to be haunted by the ghost of William 'Shagger' Shepherd, a notorious sheep rustler who met his demise at the hands of a vengeful mob within its very walls. Locals have reported strange occurrences and sightings, which they attribute to Shepherd's restless spirit. The pub's long history and reputation for paranormal activity make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the supernatural.
Shadowy Figure on A259
A259, Chichester
On the A259, a stretch of road that connects Chichester to Bognor Regis in Sussex, a driver and passenger had a harrowing experience in 2003. As they were driving along, a shadowy figure suddenly stepped in front of their car, but thankfully, there was no impact. The witnesses were left shaken by the encounter. Interestingly, one of the witnesses has reported seeing the figure multiple times since the initial incident, suggesting that this may not be a one-off sighting.
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