The Invisible Hand of Pluckley
The Black Horse Public House in Pluckley is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. This Kentish village pub has been plagued by the presence of an invisible hand that's been making itself known since the 1980s. Patrons and staff have reported that items move around on their own, with some even being tidied away or hidden. Coats and wallets have gone missing, only to reappear in strange places. It's as if the spirit is trying to help, but in a rather mischievous way. The atmosphere is also punctuated by disembodied screaming, adding to the sense of unease and mystery.
Pluckley is often referred to as one of the most haunted villages in England, and The Black Horse Public House is a significant contributor to this reputation. While the exact nature and origin of the invisible hand remain a mystery, it's clear that this haunting manifestation has been a long-standing feature of the pub's paranormal activity. The fact that these events have been occurring over several decades suggests that the spirit is quite persistent. What's interesting is that the spirit seems to focus on everyday items, perhaps indicating a strong connection to the daily life and routines of those who have frequented the pub over the years.
The Black Horse Public House has been serving the village of Pluckley for over a century, with its current building dating back to the Victorian era.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Horse and Carriage
The main village street, Pluckley
Pluckley's main village street is where locals and visitors alike claim to have spotted a rather unusual sight - a horse-drawn carriage trotting along as if it's been there for centuries. The exact history of this phantom carriage is unknown but it's said to be pulled by either two or four horses depending on who you ask. It's a curious thing to see and has become a popular tale told among those interested in the paranormal.
Screaming Ghost of Pluckley
Area around the Brickworks, Pluckley
Pluckley Heath is a place where the ordinary and the paranormal seem to collide. This area, near the old Brickworks, has been associated with a bloodcurdling scream that has left many a witness spooked. The scream, which has been reported as far back as 1991, is said to be quite unlike the cries of a fox, which is a common enough sound in these parts. It's a sound that can send shivers down your spine and make you wonder if you're really alone in the woods.
Phantom Officer of Pluckley
Park Wood, Pluckley
Park Wood in Pluckley, Kent, was once home to a phantom officer who met a tragic end. This woodland area, now levelled, was said to be haunted by the ghost of a military man who had taken his own life by hanging. The haunting, which was reportedly witnessed pre-1965, adds a layer of mystery to the already rural charm of the area. Although the woodland no longer stands, its eerie legacy lives on.
Highwayman Tree Ghost
Fright, Pluckley
Frith Corner in Pluckley, Kent, is a spot where the paranormal and the past collide. A large spectral tree has been seen here, together with a highwayman pinned to it by several swords. This eerie sighting is often referred to as the Dying Highwayman. The tree seems to be a focal point for ghostly activity, with reports of a spectral presence that draws in curious onlookers. It's a place where the ordinary and the unexplained coexist, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this haunted location.
The Flaming Woman of Pluckley
Surrenden House, Pluckley
Surrenden House in Pluckley, Kent, is said to be haunted by the terrifying apparition known as the Flaming Woman. This eerie sighting was first reported in a local newspaper around 1904. A visitor to the house claimed to have seen a burning woman, astonishingly holding a baby, as she ran frantically along the driveway. The witness was so shocked that she fainted, and by the time she regained consciousness, the figure had vanished into thin air. The event was so traumatic that it reportedly caused another woman to experience a terrifying night, with an entity allegedly trying to strangle her in her bed.
Mill Hill Ghostly Apparitions
Mill Hill, Pluckley
Mill Hill in Pluckley, Kent, is a spot where the past seems to linger, a place where the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. This is where a ruined mill once stood, its remnants long gone, but the memories and legends of those who lived and died here remain. They say that the ghost of a miller, who likely met his demise at this very spot, still walks these grounds. Alongside him, a gypsy woman is said to haunt the area, her spirit a tragic reminder of a life cut short in a fiery blaze that claimed her life.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Black Horse Public House

The Chequers
Smarden, Kent

Eastwell Manor
Boughton Lees, Kent

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
Maidstone, Kent

Woolpack Inn
Chilham, Kent