The Spirits of Chanctonbury Ring

Chanctonbury Ring, an Iron Age hill fort crowned with beech trees on the South Downs of West Sussex, has been a site of supernatural legend for millennia. The ring attracts reports of apparitions, strange lights, and encounters that defy explanation.

The Location

The hill fort dates to the Bronze Age, with later Iron Age and Roman occupation. The distinctive ring of beech trees was planted in 1760 by Charles Goring. The trees suffered heavily in the Great Storm of 1987 but have partially recovered, maintaining the site’s iconic appearance.

The Legends

Local folklore warns against visiting Chanctonbury Ring at night. Those who run around the ring seven times anti-clockwise on a moonless night are said to summon the Devil, who will offer them a bowl of soup or porridge in exchange for their soul. Variations specify certain dates or numbers of circuits.

The Apparitions

Witnesses have reported seeing robed figures processing around the ring, particularly at dawn or dusk. These figures are often described as wearing Roman or pre-Roman clothing. Some have reported seeing ritual sacrifices being performed, only for the scene to vanish.

The UFO Connection

Chanctonbury Ring has also been a site of UFO sightings. Bright lights have been observed hovering over the hill, and some witnesses have reported seeing craft landing within the ring. The convergence of ancient site and modern UFO activity has attracted researchers.

Physical Effects

Visitors have reported electrical equipment malfunctioning at the site. Compasses have been known to spin wildly. Some people experience intense headaches or nausea when visiting, while others report feelings of euphoria or spiritual transcendence.

Assessment

Chanctonbury Ring represents a location where centuries of human belief and ritual have created a concentration of reported supernatural activity. Whether the site has genuine paranormal properties or simply attracts such beliefs, it remains one of Sussex’s most mysterious locations.