William Rufus is said to haunt this place (above) on the anniversary of his death on 2nd August 1100. His phantom follows the route of the cart, which carried his body to Winchester. However, the Gregorian change in the calendar may make the night of July 22 a more advantageous date for a visit. Rufus used the site of Castle Mallwood located to the southeast, as a hunting lodge. This too is reputedly haunted. The water of Ocknell Pond, situated to the west of the Rufus Stone is said to be red because the murderer stopped here and washed his hands.