The Enigmatic Ghosts of Pluckley, England
Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, the ghostly tales of Pluckley, England, are hard to overlook. This charming, historic village, nestled 50 miles southeast of London and home to around 1,000 residents, is steeped in supernatural lore. Among its haunted legends are the phantom coach and horses, a tormented screaming man, and the infamous “watercress lady,” who is said to be engulfed in flames. Additionally, the tale of a highwayman who met his end at what is known as “fright corner” adds to the village’s eerie reputation.
In Pluckley, the ethereal presence is palpable; at least a dozen spirits are rumored to haunt St. Nicholas Church, its graveyard, and various pubs and buildings scattered throughout the village. For those seeking a thrill, the nearby “screaming woods” are notorious for their spine-chilling nocturnal cries.
A small tourism industry has emerged around these ghostly narratives, drawing in thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. However, not everyone is pleased with the influx of ghost hunters. Some villagers wish that these visitors, particularly during the Halloween season, would seek their supernatural experiences elsewhere.
- James Buss, the owner of the Dering Arms—one of Pluckley’s haunted pubs—expressed his concerns: “We’ve had 2,000 people arriving in the village. There would be hundreds on every corner where there is supposed to be a ghost, and they would trash the churchyard and light fires.”
- To combat the chaos that ensues when a train arrives on Halloween at the nearby rail station, Mr. Buss sometimes resorts to turning off the lights, locking the doors, and pretending the Dering Arms is closed until the crowd wanders off, often toward a sign that warns drivers to “slow down or you will upset our ghosts.”
Among the many establishments in Pluckley, the Black Horse pub is particularly renowned as the epicenter of paranormal activities, further solidifying the village’s reputation as one of England’s most haunted locations.
