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Screeching Ploughboy Haunting

North side of A13 near Fanton Hall, North Benfleet, Essex Apparition Georgian

Screeching Boy's Wood, a small woodland on the north side of the A13 near Fanton Hall in North Benfleet, Essex, is home to a haunting that has been reported since 1734. The wood takes its name from a tragic event in which a ploughboy was allegedly murdered by his master. The ghostly presence, known as the Screeching Ploughboy, has been seen and heard by numerous people over the years. Some claim to have heard the blood-curdling screams of the ploughboy, while others have caught glimpses of the phantom figure. The haunting has become a well-known legend in the area, with many believing that the ploughboy's spirit still roams the wood, seeking justice or revenge.

The story behind the haunting is shrouded in some mystery. One account states that the ploughboy was brutally murdered by his master, who later confessed to the crime many years after it happened. This confession, some believe, put an end to the screams of the phantom. Another version of the story suggests that the ploughboy was not murdered at all, but was simply knocked down by a horse-drawn carriage. Whatever the truth may be, the Screeching Ploughboy has become a notorious figure in local folklore, with many reporting strange occurrences and sightings in the wood. The haunting has been documented as far back as 1734, and it remains one of the most enduring and fascinating ghost stories in Essex.

Historical Context

18th century rural England

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woods
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Land
Date / Era
1734 onwards
Postcode Area
SS12

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