The ancient woodland of Epping Forest is said to be the home of several ghosts.
Queen Boudica and her daughters haunt Ambresbury Banks - an Iron Age fort near Loughton. Tradition states that it was the site of her last battle against the Romans in AD 61. On certain nights, drumming and mournful groans have also been heard. The Wake Arms roundabout is a notorious accident blackspot and has a selection of ghosts ranging from phantom horsemen to headless bikers. One phantom is said to run out in front of cars and then vanish! Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman, used Epping Forest as a hideout and his ghost has been seen riding through the trees. Traps Hill is said to be a good place to spot him - if you are so inclined! A certain pool in the forest was the scene of murder over 300 years ago. Two young lovers used to meet there in secret. The father of the girl was against the relationship and murdered his daughter by the pool in a fit of anger. Her grief-stricken lover couldn't face life without her and killed himself at the very spot where she was murdered. Following this, the waters turned black and wildlife shunned the area. It was said that the pool had the power to make people commit suicide following the tragedy. Rumours of witch covens gathering in the woods for pagan rites persist.
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AuthorJohn is a producer, TV/Radio presenter and writer living in Suffolk Archives
January 2021
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