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Gentle Pete of Gosport

Lane running past The Hermitage, Gosport, Hampshire Apparition Elizabethan

The lane running past The Hermitage in Gosport, Hampshire, is where a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place back in the late 1970s. A woman out walking her dog around 22:00h came face to face with a dark figure dressed in Elizabethan attire. The gentleman tipped his hat in a courteous gesture before proceeding to walk through a wall and a closed door, leaving the woman quite bewildered. This apparition has since been affectionately referred to as Gentle Pete, a nod to his polite demeanour.

Interestingly, the story of Gentle Pete gained further attention a few years later when it featured in a magazine. According to the article, Gentle Pete was believed to be a Dutchman who had fled to England to escape persecution during the Elizabethan era. While we can't confirm the accuracy of this backstory, it's clear that the encounter left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. The fact that the figure was seen wearing Elizabethan clothing and exhibited such courteous behaviour has led to speculation about his possible identity and connection to the area.

Historical Context

The Elizabethan era saw significant turmoil in Europe, with many fleeing persecution.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Lane
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Late 1970s, around 22:00h
Postcode Area
PO12

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