Beyond Midhurst’s historic streets and the wooded hills of the South Downs lies another landscape — one of ancient legends, mysterious happenings and stories passed down through generations.
From the supposed curse that haunted Cowdray to tales associated with ancient hills, ruined castles and forgotten traditions, the countryside around Midhurst is rich in stories that blur the boundary between history and imagination.
Explore the folklore, legends and curious traditions of Midhurst and the surrounding villages. Discover the real places behind the stories, uncover their historical origins and decide for yourself where fact ends and folklore begins.
Legends, Mysteries & Ancient Traditions.
The ruins of Cowdray are among England’s most atmospheric, but their history is shadowed by a curse. Fire, tragedy, and the fall of a great family all became woven into a powerful local legend that still clings to the stones today.
St Ann’s Hill — Midhurst’s Mysterious Ancient Hill.
Rising above the historic heart of Midhurst, St Ann’s Hill holds secrets stretching back centuries. Before the Norman castle stood here, could this have been a place of ancient pagan worship? Known in local tradition as Tan Hill, the site has been linked to Beltane, an ancient festival of fire celebrating the coming of summer. But how much of this mysterious history is fact, and how much is legend? Discover the secrets of one of Midhurst’s oldest and most intriguing landmarks.
Explore St Ann’s Hill. Discover the castle ruins and follow a short historic walk from Midhurst town centre.
The Ghostly Bear of Verdley Castle
Deep in the ancient woodlands near Fernhurst lie the remains of Verdley Castle, a mysterious medieval hunting lodge with a particularly unusual ghost story. According to local legend, the spirit of a bear, said to have been the last wild bear in England, still haunts the ruins where it met its end. Some say the ghost returns every Christmas Day. Discover the history behind this forgotten Sussex stronghold and one of the strangest legends of the South Downs.
The Devils Jumps Where Thor Challenged The Devil
High on the South Downs near Treyford, five Bronze Age burial mounds rise from the chalk. Legend says the Devil leapt between them until Thor drove him away with a stone. Discover the archaeology and the folklore.