Sussex ghosts and myths
With a history as rich as ours in 1066 Country, its not surprising that a few of our most memorable characters have stayed with us, long after their demise.
Centuries old stories of ghosts and ghouls in hidden lanes and ethereal regulars in country pubs may inspire a daring walk through 1066 Country.
This section gives you a list of some of our regular visitors from another world, and you never know if you stay long enough you might just come face to face with one or two of our famous ancestors.
The Black Monk is said to haunt the archways and corridors at Battle Abbey, a lady also wanders the abbey, wearing a red dress. More poignantly, a knight on horseback has been reported on or around the anniversary of the Battle of Hastings every October, moving across the battlefield.
A mysterious lady in red lurks in the tower at Bodiam Castle, and is said to return most Easter Sundays, standing tall illuminated by the moonlight.
Mad Jack Fuller has been seen to rise from his pyramid tomb at Brightling on several occasions. Legend has it that visitors can raise Fuller from his tomb by running around it several times.
Hastings Castle plays host to a number of guests from its 1000-year history. Hungry prisoners have been seen in the castle grounds and on certain days a reflection of the castle, as it would’ve been in its heyday, can be seen on the sea.
The Stag Inn in Hastings is a notorious stop-off for guests from the other side. A highwayman has been the most frequent visitor to the Old Town pub, along with other ghostly visions. The Royal Victoria Hotel in St Leonards is visited by a man in a grey suit, who is thought to be a previous manager who died in a fire.
Herstmonceux Castle has had reports of a 15th Century drummer in the grounds, and a 20-year old girl has been seen by the castle’s moat and some witnesses say they’ve seen her die on a day that appears to be her 21st birthday.
The ghost of Rudyard Kipling has been seen regularly in the house at Batemans, his former residence, and reports say he can also be seen wandering the gardens from time to time.
Pevensey Castle is another of our area’s haunted attractions, with frequent visits from a pale lady, thought to be Lady Pelham, who was besieged at the castle by Richard II.
In Rye, duellers go head to head in The Mermaid Inn, fighting across the bar area. Room five is said to visited by a female figure in grey and a fading man has been seen in rooms 10 and 18. Spooky figures also frequent the quaint cobbled streets of Rye, including two women in long gowns and younger visions of a girl and boy.
Wherever you wander, you’ll find a spooky trail or ghostly lane to explore and there’s no better time than autumn to discover the dark side of 1066 Country!
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