Skip to main content

The Wailing Woman of Chequers

Chequers Public House, Sevenoaks, Kent Apparition Pre-Victorian

The Chequers Public House in Sevenoaks, Kent, is home to a heartbreaking ghost story. A female phantom is said to haunt the inn, her spirit trapped by a tragic event from the past. According to local legend, she watched in horror as her son was led to his execution, his final moments witnessed from an upstairs window of the very pub where her ghost now resides. Her presence is still felt today, with visitors and staff reporting the sound of her sorrowful wails echoing through the corridors.

Historical records suggest that the Chequers Public House has been a staple of Sevenoaks for centuries, its rich history intertwined with the town's own story. While the exact details of the wailing woman's identity and her son's fate remain unclear, it's said that her grief-stricken cries are occasionally heard by those in the pub. The haunting is characterised by a sense of deep sadness, a poignant reminder of the human cost of historical events. Though the date and time of her apparition are unknown, the impact of her presence is still palpable.

Historical Context

The Chequers Public House has been a Sevenoaks landmark for centuries.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
TN13

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.6 mi

Ghostly Apparition on Sevenoaks Bypass

Sevenoaks bypass, Sevenoaks

The stretch of road known as the Sevenoaks bypass in Kent has a reputation for being one of the most haunted roads in England. It was back in March 1979 when a driver reported a rather unsettling experience. She claimed that the road ahead of her seemed to fade from view, and a ghostly figure appeared to her right. This apparition was so realistic that it nearly led to a head-on collision with oncoming traffic. The incident was taken seriously, and it's believed that this phenomenon has been responsible for several fatal accidents along this stretch of road.

Road Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.8 mi

Dame Dorothy's Haunting

Ightham Mote, Ightham

Ightham Mote, a stunning 14th-century moated manor house in Kent, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dame Dorothy Selby. While legends claim she was killed by Guy Fawkes or on his orders for warning the authorities about the Gunpowder Plot, it's unlikely to be true. Yet, a spirit is believed to roam the building, causing mysterious cold spots that leave visitors intrigued. The Mote's rich history and architectural beauty make it a fascinating place to explore, especially for those interested in the paranormal.

Historic House Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 3 mi

Kemsing Church Knight Apparition

Kemsing Church, Kemsing

Kemsing Church stands quietly in the Kentish countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to centuries of history. On one special evening each year, December 29th, a most unusual visitor rides up to the church. A gallant figure clad in shining armour, the Knight in Shining Armour is a haunting manifestation that has been observed for many years. He enters the church, approaches the altar, and offers a brief prayer before vanishing as suddenly as he appeared. This intriguing spectacle has become a cherished part of local folklore.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 3.5 mi

The Deaf Adder Legend

Woodland in the area, Sevenoaks

Deep in the woodland area near Sevenoaks, a legend has long been whispered about of a serpent so sinister, its very presence strikes fear into the hearts of locals. This was no ordinary snake, for it was said to be completely deaf, yet it possessed an uncanny ability to track down its prey with relentless pursuit. Its victims would succumb to a fatal bite, leaving behind a trail of terror and mystery that has endured for centuries.

Woods Victorian
Read Full Story
Curse 4 mi

Cursed Widow of Combe Bank

Combe Bank, Sundridge

Combe Bank in Sundridge, Kent, is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Lord Ferrer's widow, a woman consumed by a curse placed upon her by her husband before his execution. It's said her testimony put him in the dock, allowing her to escape with another man, but her freedom was short-lived. She died in a fire so intense that only part of her thumb was recovered, leaving her spirit to search for the rest of her body. Locals claim that on certain evenings, a ghostly figure can be seen wandering the grounds, her presence a chilling reminder of the tragic events that unfolded here.

Historic Mansion Tudor
Read Full Story
Fairy 4.2 mi

Inchigeela Fairy Sighting

Close to a stream?, Inchigeela

Deep in the Irish countryside, near the gentle flow of a stream in Inchigeela, a remarkable encounter took place. A group of fairies, described as wearing red caps, were seen dancing in the moonlight. Their joyful revelry was interrupted when they were advised to consult a priest regarding a pressing concern - would they be admitted to heaven? The fairies swiftly departed, leaving behind a intriguing tale that has been passed down through the years.

Rural Area Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Chequers Public House