How the UK’s most haunted village got its name – as locals brace for another Halloween rush
A SMALL village in Kent has been labelled as the “UK’s most haunted” place.
Although it’s been described as both “pretty” and “picturesque” the village is mostly known for its reputation as a ghostly hotspot.
Pluckley in Kent has little more than 1,000 residents, although not all of them are alive, if reports are to be believed.
A host of local ghosts, including the screaming man, the highwayman, the elderly woman, the schoolmaster and many others, are known to habitually spook the locals and visitors.
The village was even included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most haunted in 1989, although haunted places are no longer included in the book.
Haunted Rooms explained that there are believed to be more than 10 local ghosts, drawing some of the most famous paranormal investigators.
They wrote: “According to records, the surrounding area has about twelve to fourteen ghosts.
“Pluckley’s reputation as the most haunted village in England has drawn various paranormal television programs, as well as paranormal investigators for several years.”
Arguably, the most famous of those ghosts is the screaming man, who is believed to be a man called Jay Smiths, who worked in the village’s brickworks.
Legend has it Jay was killed when a clay wall fell on top of him at the brickworks and his screams can still be heard to this day.
The ghosts don’t spend all their time haunting the places where they died, however, as plenty of them are apparently partial to a pint.
Their venue local haunt is the Black Horse, a pub situated in a former farmhouse that was built in the 1470s.
It is “well known for its many ghosts,” according to Pluckley.net.
They wrote: “One is an invisible phantom who makes himself known by moving both glasses and possessions around the pub – which can go missing for days on end.
“Many customers have felt or seen the presence of a small child.
“This long history of happenings has been experienced by both the landlady & landlord, and customers throughout the pub’s rich history.”
London Walking Tours have advised a haunted route for anyone interested in taking a spooky stroll through the village, taking in sights like the screaming wood, fright corner and the church.
They wrote: “Pluckley is not only known for its reputation as the most haunted village in England but also because it is a pretty, picturesque place.
“The walk will give you the chance to enjoy picturesque countryside and fresh, pure air, albeit air that is charged with a great deal of psychic energy.”
UK hotel chain Travelodge listed Pluckley in their list of top Halloween ghost tours, with people often choosing to visit the village at the spookiest time of the year and told the tale of the watercress woman.
They wrote: If you’re looking for a more private ghost hunting experience, why not take a trip to the Most Haunted Village in Britain, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, 1989.
“Amongst Pluckley’s various ghostly tales and sightings is that of The Watercress Woman, who has been reported from numerous sources to have been seen sitting on Pinnock Bridge smoking her pipe.
“The old woman was well-known in the village for gathering watercress from the river and selling it to the villagers. It is believed that one evening after drinking, she fell asleep smoking her pipe, and within seconds, she was consumed by the flames.”
For anyone brave enough to spend the night in Pluckley, the going rate in the area is around £60 per night for two. Nearby camping pitches offer cheaper options.
Meanwhile, Europe’s largest “scream park” is coming to the UK this autumn.
And you can stay in the world’s most haunted house – here’s how.