Mysterious Straw Fall
Basildon was hit by a strange and unexplained phenomenon on a summer's afternoon, 28 July 1992. Large piles of straw fell from the sky, blanketing parts of the town in a layer of dry, golden hay. It was a bizarre event that left residents scratching their heads and wondering what could have caused it. The fact that a similar straw fall was reported in South Wonston, Hampshire on the same day only adds to the mystery.
The incident occurred in the early afternoon, catching people off guard as they went about their daily business. While there's no concrete evidence to explain what happened, the simultaneous reports from two separate locations suggest that some kind of unusual atmospheric or meteorological event may have been at play. The lack of any obvious connection between the two locations makes the coincidence all the more intriguing. Unfortunately, there's no detailed information on witness accounts or documented evidence beyond the basic facts of the event.
Part of a series of unexplained weather events in the UK during the 1990s
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Blue Workman of Basildon
Ambassador Bowling Club, Basildon
Ambassador Bowling Club in Basildon, Essex, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. In the 1960s, staff and visitors began reporting strange occurrences on lane 17, now a bingo hall. The ghostly figure of a man dressed in blue overalls has been seen standing by a bench, while the machinery along the lane has a history of behaving erratically. Temperatures in the area have also been known to drop, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Screams at Cash's Well
Cash's Well, Basildon
Deep in the heart of Langdon Hills Country Park, a sense of unease settles over the woodland surrounding Cash's Well, also known as Vange Well No.5. This seemingly tranquil spot has gained a spooky reputation, thanks to the disembodied screams that have been echoing through the trees since 2019. The unsettling cries have left many to wonder if there's more to this picturesque park than meets the eye. As the sun dips below the horizon, the woods take on a sinister tone, and the screams seem to grow louder, beckoning in the brave and the curious.
The Woman in Beige
Goldsmith's Manor, Basildon
Goldsmith's Manor in Langdon Hills is home to a rather intriguing presence. They say a lady in a beige dress haunts one of the attics, believed to be the wife of a former owner. It's not just her apparition that's reported, but also a series of unexplained bangs and tapings that seem to occur around the manor. The story goes that she's been blamed for these strange noises, but what's behind her haunting is anyone's guess.
The White Fuzz Ghost
Level crossing at the Fobbing turn, Vange
At the Fobbing turn level crossing in Vange, Essex, a strange and unexplained phenomenon has been reported. Drivers approaching the crossing have caught glimpses of a fuzzy, humanoid shape on the pavement by the barrier. One witness reported seeing the entity and then losing sight of it in their rearview mirror. The White Fuzz, as it has come to be known, seems to appear and disappear without warning. Its movements have been tracked from the nearby church towards the rail crossing.
Pitsea Black Cat Sighting
Exact location not known, Pitsea
In the sleepy town of Pitsea, nestled in the heart of Essex, a mysterious black cat was spotted back in May 1976. Described as a typical large cat with a sleek black coat, this enigmatic creature has left many wondering about its origins. Was it a stray, a wild animal, or something more extraordinary? The details are scarce, but one thing is certain - this black cat has become a fascinating footnote in the town's history.
Laindon's Crying Lollipop Lady
Riverview Estate, Laindon
Riverview Estate in Laindon, Essex, is home to a rather unsettling apparition known as the Crying Lollipop Lady. On a summer evening in 1997, two young girls witnessed a woman dressed in a school crossing uniform, clutching a 'stop' sign, as she stood outside their home, overcome with emotion. Her distress was palpable, but it was what happened next that has left a lasting impression on the estate's residents. The woman suddenly transformed into a mist and vanished into thin air, leaving the girls stunned and curious about the strange encounter.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near General area

The Blue Boar Hotel
Maldon, Essex

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

Down Hall Hotel
Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone
Maidstone, Kent