UK Unsolved Clapham Wood Murders (1972 - 1981)

[Resourceress]

Now this is a case that has sunk near enough into Legend and story. Whereas other cases of a similar nature would still be very much remembered in a much more serious manner.

This wooded area has been linked to "satanism" for over 50 years. Because many pets go missing there and you can often find occult symbols and sacrificed animals in the area. On one particular walk I personally took there, I did see a splayed out rabbit left upon a gravestone in the church yard. Though I think it is likely the historical case and urban legends connected to the place is probably what mostly likely causes this more current behaviour (presumably from teens or wannabe cultists).

However, most resources online and in print adamantly link these murders to paranormal activity in the area. Which has been extensively written about and documented by Charles Walker in The Demonic Connection 1987 book, and short film "Hunting Hecate", 2010. These sources seem to exclusively pin these murders on cult activity in the area which may or may not be true.



On to the known facts;

The bodies of 4 missing people were found in Clapham Wood, West Sussex, UK between 1972 - 1981

• Police Constable Peter Goldsmith (found June 1972, 6 months after disappearance)

• Leon Foster (missing pensioner found 1975, by a couple searching for their lost horse)

• Reverend Harry Neil Snelling (65 year old vicar found 1978 - 3 years' after he was reported missing)

• Jillian Matthews (November 1981, a homeless lady with schizophrenia found soon after being brutally raped, strangled and left in the woods)

Very little concrete can be found on these deaths and I hoped we could compile anything we do find here. Or maybe even someone with local knowledge may know a little more than I.




The chilling Sussex wood where bodies were found, UFOs seen and pets go missing

Quest to rid village of satanists

Clapham Wood - Wikipedia

Black Magic In Clapham and Sussex – Mysterious Britain & Ireland