Skip to main content

The Hobbling Old Man Poltergeist

The Black Horse, White Roding, Essex Poltergeist Unknown

The Black Horse in White Roding is home to a rather unusual poltergeist. This ghostly presence is said to be that of an old man who hobbles around with the aid of a stick. His antics have been causing quite a stir in the mid 1980s, with reports of strange sounds and unexplained piano playing ringing out from within the pub - despite there being no piano on the premises. It's a curious case that has left many wondering about the identity of this elderly spirit and what might be causing him to manifest in such a peculiar way.

Digging deeper into the history of The Black Horse, it's clear that this pub has seen its fair share of activity over the years. While there aren't any specific records of the old man's identity, it's possible that he might have been a regular patron or even a former employee. The fact that his ghostly presence is characterised by a fondness for piano music - or at least, the sound of it - adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Some have speculated that the old man's spirit might be connected to a past tragedy or loss, but without more concrete evidence, it's difficult to say for certain.

Historical Context

The Black Horse has been a local pub for many years, serving the community of White Roding and surrounding areas.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Mid 1980s
Postcode Area
CM22

Nearby Haunted Places

Legend 1.4 mi

The Moving Stone of Beauchamp Roding

Church on top of hill, Beauchamp Roding

Perched atop a hill in the quaint village of Beauchamp Roding, a mysterious stone has been a silent witness to the passage of time. This isn't just any stone, but a large boulder that played a pivotal role in the construction of the very church that now stands beside it. Legend has it that when builders were struggling to find materials, they dragged this massive stone down to the village, only to find it mysteriously relocated back to its original spot on the hill the following day. This strange occurrence happened not once, but twice, leading the villagers to interpret it as a divine sign.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Legend 2.5 mi

The Devil's Moved Stones

Church, Matching

Matching Church in Essex stands as a testament to the village's rich history, but it's also home to a fascinating legend. The story goes that the Devil himself tried to prevent the church from being built by moving stones at night. It's said that every morning, the villagers would find that the stones they had laid out for the construction had been relocated, as if an invisible force was at work. But the villagers were determined to see their church built, and ultimately, their perseverance paid off.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.7 mi

Murderous Publican Ghost

Sutton Arms, Little Hallingbury

The Sutton Arms in Little Hallingbury, Essex, is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of a former landowner named Sutton. Legend has it that Sutton brutally murdered a maid at the inn, and his ghost now roams the premises seeking forgiveness for his heinous crime. Although the inn is no longer operating, reports of paranormal activity persist, drawing in those with a keen interest in the supernatural.

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story
Fairy 3.8 mi

Fyfield Fairy Singing

Gypsy Mead, Fyfield

Deep in the Essex countryside, Gypsy Mead is a place where the ordinary and the extraordinary seem to blend seamlessly together. At dawn, when the world is still waking up, a gentle, melodic voice can be heard ringing out across the meadow. This is the haunting singing of Lavina, a female elf who's said to make her presence known at this special spot every morning at sunrise.

Woodland Area Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.8 mi

The Old Lady of Clatterford

Clatterford House, Fyfield

Clatterford House in Fyfield, Essex, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. The Old Lady with a Basket is seen crossing one of the rooms in this historic building. Although her history remains a mystery, her appearances have been reported over the years, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. The lady is described as an elderly woman carrying a basket, but little else is known about her story or connection to the house.

Private Residence Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.5 mi

The White Hart Ghost

White Hart Inn Inn, Moreton

Deep in the heart of Moreton, Essex, the White Hart Inn has stood for centuries, its ancient walls bearing witness to countless tales of love, loss, and laughter. But amidst the warmth and hospitality, a more sinister presence lurks. In 1991, a lone witness caught a glimpse of a young woman in a long dress, her silhouette eerily visible through the glass window of the internal kitchen door. The figure vanished into thin air the moment the door swung open, leaving the witness with a haunting question: who was this ghostly apparition, and what was she doing in his kitchen?

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Black Horse