The 'most haunted village in Britain' where at least 12 ghosts are said to roam
It was named the most haunted village in Britain by the Guinness Book of Records with at least 12 ghosts said to haunt the area
Pluckley, a picturesque village in Kent, is not just known for its beauty but also holds the eerie title of being one of Britain's most haunted villages.
Located just a 90-minute drive from London, Pluckley was officially recognised as the 'most haunted' by the Guinness Book of Records in 1989, with at least twelve ghosts reported to roam the area.
Although Guinness no longer uses this title, it hasn't stopped speculation about whether Pluckley still holds the record for the most haunted village in Britain and ghost sightings continue to be reported in the quaint Kentish town.
One of the most famous apparitions is the Red Lady, believed to be a member of the local aristocratic Dering family. She is said to haunt the graveyard of St Nicholas's Church.
The tragic tale associated with her suggests she roams the graveyard searching for her child's unmarked grave. Various accounts suggest she died during childbirth, her child was stillborn, or that the infant passed away shortly after birth, reports the Mirror.
Another spectral figure linked to the Dering family is the White Lady, who is also said to haunt the church. Little is known about her, except that she was buried inside seven coffins and an oak sarcophagus, dressed in a white gown, which earned her the name.
A rather sad tale is the story behind the Monk and the Lady of Rose Court. The Monk is believed to haunt Greystones, the former rectory, while the lady's spirit is said to linger in the manor house Rose Court.
Local folklore suggests that there was some connection between the two, though the nature of this relationship varies from story to story. Some believe they were friends, others suggest they were lovers or entangled in a love triangle.
Regardless of their relationship, it is said that the Monk died of a broken heart, and the Lady of Rose Court ended her own life by consuming the juices of poisonous berries and ivy. There are even claims that died standing at her window, gazing towards Greystones.
A Tudor Lady is also reported to haunt Rose Court, with some speculating that she and the Lady of Rose Court are the same entity. This spectral figure can be heard calling for her dogs on the road between Greystones and Rose Court.
Pluckley is also home to other ghostly tales, including a highwayman known as the Screaming Man, a drowned Gypsy woman, and a phantom coach and horses.