Oxney Bottom lies about half way between Deal and Dover in Kent. It has been called the most haunted place in Kent, but there is really very little to substantiate this claim. Certainly over the centuries, strange events have taken place at this location and local folklore has embellished the facts, giving rise to the many scary tales that continue to be told to this day.
The dark, forbidding woodland with its ivy-covered trees and thick undergrowth seems to hold many secrets: a ruined church, an ancient stately home, strange trenches and rumour that it was once the site of a village. The Dover Road winds its way through these woods and the tortuous curves have been the site of many accidents. Drivers have reported seeing an old woman dressed in grey hobbling along beside the road, or of swerving to avoid hitting her. She is even reputed to have boarded a double-decker bus. This ‘Grey Lady’ is the focus of much of the mystery, but as we shall see, is only a small part of the fascinating history of Oxney. Earlier ghosts are said to include that of a gallant highwayman who was hanged in chains following his capture in the eighteenth century.
The aim of this site is to detail the history of Oxney as factually as possible, without sensationalising the more supernatural or ethereal reputation of the location. As we shall see, there are actually some historical reasons for Oxney having acquired its spooky reputation over the centuries.
The woodlands and area of Oxney are private property.
The old manor house sat in ruins for over eighty years with the estate lying derelict and open to public access.
This property has now been rebuilt and is once again a private residence.
The ruined chapel of St Nicholas and its surrounding acres of woodland are private property and contain family graves of the ancestors of the present owner. Steps are being actively taken to protect the ruin from public access and vandalism. Recent destruction of ’No Trespassing’ signs and removal of access limitation devices are being investigated by the police.
The chapel has suffered more damage during the last thirty years than at any time since the sixteenth century; please stay away, and limit your curiosity to enjoying the photographs on these pages that were taken during the years before closure of this area to the public.
All trespassers are liable to arrest and prosecution.
