Summoning Old Nick Tree
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?
Historical records are scarce, but the tale of the summoning tree has been passed down through generations of locals. It's said that the murdered man was a victim of circumstance, and his spirit was trapped within the tree's roots. Some believe that Old Nick is a manifestation of this spirit, while others think he might be a malevolent entity. Whatever the truth may be, one thing is certain - those who have attempted to summon Old Nick have reported strange occurrences. The tree itself remains hidden, but the legend lives on, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts to the woods of Kingston by Sea.
The legend of the summoning tree has been a part of local folklore for generations.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Miller's Ghostly Summoning
The Miller's Tomb, Worthing
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.
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.
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.
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.
Poling Priory Ghostly Chants
House built on site of St John's Priory, Poling
Deep in the Sussex countryside, the house at Plainchant stands on a site steeped in history - the former grounds of St John's Priory. It's here that a haunting, otherworldly phenomenon has been reported: the sound of monks singing their praises to God. These ethereal voices, sometimes accompanied by the faint sound of an organ, are said to echo through the halls of the house, transporting listeners to a bygone era of devotion and contemplation.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Unknown tree in the area

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex

Chichester Inn
Chichester, West Sussex