Skip to main content

The Miller's Ghostly Summoning

The Miller's Tomb, Worthing, Sussex Legend Georgian

Perched on Highdown Hill, The Miller's Tomb has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue for centuries. This unassuming grave has been the focal point of a bizarre legend that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. According to folklore, if you walk or dance around the tomb seven times, you'll summon the miller who's buried within - or perhaps something far more sinister. The origins of this eerie ritual are lost to time, but its reputation has endured, drawing thrill-seekers and curiosity-driven wanderers to the hill.

Dating back to 1794, the legend of The Miller's Tomb has been a part of Sussex's rich folklore heritage. While the miller's identity remains a mystery, his tomb has become a hotspot for paranormal activity. In 2022, two witnesses reported encountering a large black dog on a rainy evening; the creature silently watched them, causing the pair to quickly leave. Was this a harbinger of the miller's ghost or a manifestation of the darker forces some believe are summoned by the tomb's ritual? The truth, much like the miller's fate, remains unknown.

Historical Context

Late 18th-century burial site linked to local milling industry

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Tomb or Mausoleum
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1794 onwards (miller)(?), Dog in 2022
Postcode Area
BN11

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.7 mi

The Giant Monk of Ecclesden

Area of Ecclesden Manor, Angmering

Deep in the Sussex countryside, the historic Ecclesden Manor stands as a backdrop for one of the most bizarre and intriguing ghost stories in English folklore. Locals have long spoken of an enormous monk, reportedly fifteen feet tall, that roams the grounds of this ancient estate. The sheer scale of this apparition has captivated the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts and locals alike. But that's not all - a disembodied voice, whispering the names of those who dare to enter, has also been reported within the manor's walls. It's said that a housekeeper caught a glimpse of the ghost of a former owner, adding to the mystique of this haunted location.

Country House Victorian
Read Full Story
Legend 1.7 mi

Summoning Old Nick Tree

Unknown tree in the area, Kingston by Sea

Deep in the woods of Kingston by Sea, a spine-tingling legend has taken root. They say that somewhere amongst the trees, a gruesome murder took place, and the victim's skeleton became intertwined with the roots of a mysterious tree. Brave souls who dare to venture into these woods claim that if you run around this tree seven or nine times, you'll summon Old Nick himself. The identity of Old Nick remains a mystery, but the locals seem to know exactly who - or what - you're referring to. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, the atmosphere becomes electric with anticipation. Will you be the one to summon Old Nick?

Woods Unknown
Read Full Story
Unknown 1.8 mi

Clapham Wood Disappearances

Clapham Wood, Clapham

Clapham Wood has long been shrouded in mystery and a sense of unease. This dense woodland in Sussex has gained a reputation for containing evil, with numerous reports of strange disappearances and unidentified lights seen in and over the tree line. Locals have noticed that dogs tend to stay away from the area, often reacting badly if forced too close. In fact, a TV news story from 1975 highlighted the problem of dogs becoming confused or vanishing in the woodland, adding to the wood's mystique.

Woods 18th Century
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.9 mi

Dancing Skeletons of Worthing

Broadwater Green, Worthing

Broadwater Green in Worthing, Sussex, is home to a rather unusual and intriguing paranormal phenomenon. On the eve of Midsummer, specifically 23 June, a local legend comes to life. It's said that a group of dancing skeletons materialise beneath an ancient oak tree. These animated bones are believed to dance and jig throughout the night until the sun rises the following day. The image of skeletal figures moving to an unheard rhythm under the moonlight is a haunting one, and it's little wonder that this tale has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

Public Green Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3 mi

Phantom Priest of Arundel

St Nicholas Church, Arundel

St Nicholas Church in Arundel is home to a fascinating phantom priest. This ghostly figure was captured on a photograph taken inside the church back in 1940, standing by the altar. The image is a compelling piece of paranormal evidence. Alongside the priest, the church is said to be haunted by two women - a nun who has been seen and heard walking in the bell tower, and a woman in blue who has been observed praying at the altar. These apparitions contribute to the church's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Post-Mortem Apparition 3.1 mi

Composer's Ghostly Visit

Knight's Croft, Rustington

Knight's Croft in Rustington, Sussex, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Hubert Parry, the famous composer of 'Jerusalem'. One day, not long after his passing in 1918, Parry's spirit was seen wandering around his former home, a warm smile on his face. He seemed to be taking in his surroundings, as if reacquainting himself with the place he once called home. And then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he vanished into thin air.

Private Residence Edwardian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Miller's Tomb