Sussex folklore explored: Fairies, buried treasure and ghosts in the Worthing area

Stories like these have been highlighted on a new map of South Downs, Hampshire and Sussex folklore, released as part of South Downs for All project.

Based on research by Sussex folklorist Jacqueline Simpson, a lifelong resident of Worthing, with additional information by local historian Chris Hare, the map points out all sorts of places and dates that are significant.

Most of the information in the leaflet was first published by the Chichester Centre for Fairy Tales, Fantasy and Speculative Fiction at the University of Chichester. Visit southdownsforall.org.uk/folklore-map to download the map and www.sussexfolktalecentre.org for more information.

New map of South Downs, Hampshire and Sussex folklore released as part of South Downs for All project

Cissbury Ring is said to have a tunnel leading to Offington Hall, with treasure at one end guarded by snakes.

The map tells us: "In the 1920s, most of the servants were too frightened to go down to Offington Hall’s cellars, even though the tunnel had long been blocked up.

"The fairies can be seen dancing on Cissbury on Midsummer’s Eve. In the past young lads and lasses would dance here at Easter. A local clergyman complained of these antics, which he found blasphemous and lewd."

The last home of the fairies in England is said to be Harrow Hill, near Patching, according to the map. Archaeologists discovered dozens of ox skulls buried here close to the Neolithic flint mines and a golden calf was believed to be buried at nearby Blackpatch Hill.

At Chanctonbury Ring, it is treasure that is said to be buried beneath the ground.

The map says: "At Chanctonbury Ring you can raise Julius Caesar and his armies by counting the trees, or see a druid or a Saxon killed at the Battle of Hastings.