There are many ghost stories in Sussex from phantom dogs to Caesar’s army. I have even heard someone say that the devil now works at Southern Rail which at least explains why you have to sell your soul for a train ticket. As the nights get longer and the leaves turn golden brown, here are a few tales for you.
I
Shuck
Ask anybody who frequents the South Downs at dawn and they will tell you that they have seen the shuck. The shuck is usually portrayed as a phantom black dog. Though the description I most often hear is a creature bigger than a deer with forward facing eyes which reflect like a cat’s. It could be an escaped big cat, an undiscovered species or something supernatural. Usually stories start with the creature hiding in the bushes, causing even usually quiet dogs to bark incessantly or drivers seeing it outside their lorries. Maybe the shuck has even wandered off the Downs and into the university, lost amongst the concrete buildings. For even the most experienced walkers, it is easy for the mind to run wild when alone in the dim light with nature.
II
The Songs of the Fishwives
A stone’s throwaway from campus is a ghost town called Balsdean. You would not know if you stumble upon it as nothing remains but barns. The hamlet was evacuated during World War II for Allied target practice. When the wind howls you can reportedly hear the songs of the fishwives carried through distance and time. The fishwives were the wives of fishermen that used to carry heavy baskets, known as juggs, long distances to trade in market towns. If you look hard enough, you might even see them on their way to Lewes. Pareidolia is the phenomenon of seeing patterns where there are none, such as seeing faces in objects or hearing words in background noise. The Downs surround you on all sides, making you feel claustrophobic, it is easy for the mind to fill the empty space and trick you into seeing the past.
III
Tales of Chanctonbury Ring
Chanctonbury Ring is home to many ghosts if folk tales can be believed. A ghost of a druid is said to wander the hill and strange lights have reportedly been seen in the sky. Allegedly, if you walk anti-clockwise three times around the Ring a lady on a white horse can be summoned, if five times Caesar and his army will appear before you or seven times bringing you the devil himself. It is said that the devil will offer you a bowl of soup in exchange for your soul which does not sound like a fair bargain, so I would advise bringing your own snacks if you attempt it. These types of folk tales often include difficult tasks. As the vast majority of people won’t attempt such deeds, they therefore can’t say indubitably if it is true.
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/11/the-brighton-veteran-car-run/
