The Smisby Phantom Gentleman
Forties Lane in Smisby is home to a rather enigmatic presence, known locally as the Man in Black. This phantom gentleman is said to roam the lane in silence, dressed in attire reminiscent of a bygone era. His outfit consists of a long, open jacket adorned with many small buttons, a waistcoat, tie, short trousers with matching stockings, and a top hat. The fact that he walks in silence adds to the mystique surrounding this ghostly figure.
The year 1967 marks the earliest recorded sighting of the Man in Black. Although details about the witnesses and their accounts are scarce, the description of the phantom has remained consistent over the years. One theory is that the Man in Black might be a former resident of the area, possibly a gentleman of some standing, who met an untimely or tragic end. His elaborate attire suggests a high social status, but without further research, the true story behind this haunting remains a mystery.
The area has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, with many historic buildings and landmarks nearby.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Calke Abbey Ghostly Encounters
Calke Abbey, Ticknall
Calke Abbey in Ticknall, Derbyshire, is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Several entities are said to roam the halls, including a maid in the kitchen and another figure in the entrance hall. It's not just visual sightings that have been reported; voices are said to emerge from empty rooms, adding to the eerie atmosphere. A ghost hunter claimed to have made contact with a spirit that had taken up residence in a wooden log; remarkably, the spirit was named as a former resident of the abbey.
Phantom WWII Bomber Sighting
Skies over the village, Ticknall
Over the sleepy village of Ticknall in Derbyshire, something strange has been spotted in the skies. A low-flying, four-engine aircraft from the Second World War has been seen flying overhead, sending shockwaves of excitement through the community. The aircraft in question is a Halifax bomber, a type of plane that has been out of operational service for decades. So, what could be causing this ghostly apparition to appear in the skies above Ticknall?
Regent Street Ghostly Apparitions
Regent Street, Swadlincote
Regent Street in Swadlincote has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. It all started when a local newspaper featured the street in an article, highlighting the strange occurrences that had been happening in a few of its properties. Residents and visitors alike have reported experiencing all sorts of bizarre phenomena, from disembodied footsteps to unexplained noises and sightings. A washing machine door slamming shut on its own is just one of the many inexplicable events that have left people scratching their heads. Some have even claimed to have seen a woman in white and a strange man lurking about, while others have heard laughter coming from nowhere.
Cursed Cedar of Lebanon
Tree on the grounds of Bretby Hospital, Bretby
Standing tall on the grounds of Bretby Hospital was the infamous Cedar of Lebanon, a tree steeped in local legend and said to be cursed. The story goes that Lady Margaret threw herself off a nearby tower, her blood spilling onto the tree, resulting in the supposed curse. For years, locals believed that if a branch fell from the tree, a member of the family residing at the nearby hall would soon meet their demise. Though the tree no longer stands, having been felled during the 1950s, its dark history lives on, captivating those with an interest in the paranormal.
Derby Black Clad Figure
MacDonald's restaurant, Derby
Deep in the heart of Derby City Centre, a strange and intriguing haunting has been reported at a MacDonald's restaurant. This eerie phenomenon centres around a mysterious figure clad in a long black raincoat, which is said to emerge from a wall. But that's not the whole story - this ghostly apparition is also known to make an appearance in the nearby Miss Selfridge clothing store. The Black Clad Figure of Derby has left many questions unanswered, and its presence continues to fascinate those interested in the paranormal.
Maid in Fire Gresley Hall
Gresley Hall, Swadlincote
Gresley Hall, a grand country house in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, is said to be haunted by the tragic spirit of a maid who met her untimely demise in a fiery accident. The story goes that her dress caught fire, and she burnt to death within the very walls of this historic mansion. It's a tale of sorrow and loss that has left an indelible mark on the hall, with many claiming to have seen or sensed the maid's presence over the years. Some say she's a fleeting glimpse of movement, a whispered sigh in the corridors, or an unexplained chill in the air.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Forties Lane
