Clapham Woods is an area of woodland located in West Sussex, England, within the Arun district. The woods have a long history dating back centuries, with evidence of ancient settlements and Roman activity in the vicinity. During World War II, the area was used for military purposes, including as a station for Canadian troops.

The woods gained notoriety in the 1960s and 1970s due to a series of unexplained events and alleged paranormal occurrences. Several disappearances and deaths have been reported in the area, including the unsolved murder of Jillian Matthews in 1972 and the discovery of a vicar’s body in 1978.

Numerous ghost sightings have been documented in Clapham Woods. Witnesses have reported seeing a tall, dark figure known as the “Black Monk,” often described as wearing a long dark robe with a hood. This entity is said to appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly.

Another frequently reported apparition is that of a woman in white, believed by some to be the ghost of a suicide victim from the 1700s. Visitors have also described seeing strange lights moving through the trees at night, defying explanation.

Some accounts mention a strong sense of being watched while in the woods, accompanied by sudden temperature drops and feelings of unease. Electronic equipment malfunctions have been reported by investigators, with batteries draining unexpectedly and cameras failing to work properly.

Local folklore speaks of an ancient pagan site within the woods, possibly linked to the alleged paranormal activity. Some researchers have suggested connections to ley lines and Earth energies in the area, though these claims remain speculative.