The Grey Lady of Winchelsea

Winchelsea, the medieval planned town that never grew to its intended size, has an atmosphere of faded grandeur. Among its quiet streets and ancient buildings walks a grey figure who has been seen for centuries.

The Town

Winchelsea was built in the 1280s after the old town was destroyed by storms. It was planned as a major port but never prospered. Today it is a tiny, atmospheric village with massive medieval gates and a partly ruined church.

The Grey Lady

The Grey Lady of Winchelsea appears throughout the town, walking the streets as if on a familiar journey. She wears a grey medieval dress and moves silently. Her face is rarely clearly seen.

The Church

She is often seen near St. Thomas’s Church, which was never completed. The ruined nave and the surviving chancel create an atmospheric setting. The Grey Lady has been observed entering the church and vanishing.

The Identity

Various theories exist about her identity. Some suggest she is a victim of the French raids that devastated Winchelsea in medieval times. Others believe she died of plague or was connected to one of the town’s religious houses.

The Atmosphere

Winchelsea’s strange, empty quality contributes to its supernatural reputation. The town was designed for thousands but houses only hundreds. The empty spaces seem to contain presences.

Assessment

The Grey Lady of Winchelsea has been a constant presence in the town for centuries. Her continuing appearances add to the uncanny atmosphere of this medieval survival.