Will You Dare To Visit This Haunted Village In England? Know The Stories Of Pluckley

New Delhi: There's a village in England that's said to be haunted by ghosts. Pluckley, located in the Kent district, is considered one of the UK's most haunted villages. It's even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Located on the northern edge of the Kentish Weald, between Maidstone and Ashford, the village is famous for its Guinness World Records.

Pluckley's history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and it appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Plucheli." Its name is believed to come from "Plucca's clearing." It's a popular tourist destination.

Identity of Pluckley village

Stepping into Pluckley will make you want to put your phone aside and wander the gardens, open spaces grazing sheep, old houses, and leafy lanes. In the center of the village is St. Nicholas Church, parts of which date back to medieval times. According to the 2021 census, the village has 1,083 residents, not including 12 "official" ghosts. Yes, ghosts in Pluckley can be official and unofficial. The village has also appeared in numerous pop culture and media, such as the 1990s series "The Darling Buds of May," which was based on the village.

Famous ghosts here

Pluckley is often cited as England's most haunted village, with between 10 and 17 spirits said to be present. In 1989, it earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most haunted village.

'White Lady' and 'Red Lady'

A famous ghostly spirit is the "Red Lady," believed to be a member of the Dering family. She is said to haunt St. Nicholas Churchyard, searching for the grave of her deceased child. Another spirit is the "White Lady," who was buried in seven coffins and an oak sarcophagus. Her spirit is said to haunt the church and its grounds. The story of the "Watercress Woman" is also famous. It is believed that she caught fire while smoking a pipe near a bridge. Legend has it that her spirit is seen enveloped in flames, crying for help. This corresponds to an incident in 1911, when a watercress seller named Sarah Sharp died after her clothes caught fire, possibly from her burning tobacco pipe.

The reality of the stories

However, these stories haven't always been consistent. A 2025 study by Dr. Simon Morton of the University of the West of England revealed that many of these stories were written by local historian and ghost hunter Frederick Sanders. Sanders first described Pluckley as "England's most haunted village" in a 1950 newspaper article and listed ten ghosts. His stories were based on local anecdotes and actual events, but he sometimes exaggerated details or mixed up people and events. For example, the supposed schoolmaster was actually a papermaker named Henry Edgar Martin.

Actor and radio presenter Desmond Carrington fabricated three more stories for a 1962 magazine article. These included a phantom coach and horses, a hermit at Greystone, and a poltergeist at Surrenden Dering. As these stories were published in books and newspapers, the number of ghosts in the village grew.

Concerns of the villagers

These stories have attracted curious visitors ever since, especially around Halloween. However, not everyone in the village welcomes the crowds. Some residents have expressed concern about visitors disturbing the churchyard and leaving behind trash and fires. A trip to Pluckley may fill you with questions, especially if you hear a scream in the woods or see a figure wandering the churchyard. With centuries-old stories, this village offers no shortage of company after dark. And really, who needs a quiet countryside vacation when you can experience something a little paranormal?