The Older Lady of Temple Manor
Temple Manor in Strood is said to be haunted by the ghost of an older lady. This 13th-century building has a rich history, having been occupied by the Knights Templars. The exact date and time of the haunting are unknown, but local folklore suggests that the lady's presence is still felt within the manor's walls. Some believe that her spirit may be connected to the site's medieval past.
Built by the Knights Templars in the 13th century, Temple Manor has a long and storied history. The manor's architecture and design reflect its age, with many original features still intact. According to local legend, a secret tunnel connects the site to Rochester Castle on the other side of the river. While the existence of this tunnel is unconfirmed, it adds to the site's mystique and provides a fascinating glimpse into its past. The haunting of the older lady is just one aspect of Temple Manor's paranormal activity.
Occupied by Knights Templars in the 13th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Strood Black Cat Sighting
General area, Strood
In the town of Strood, Kent, a strange sighting has been reported in a local alleyway. A large black cat was seen eating something, its presence seemingly ordinary yet unsettling. However, it wasnt just the cat that caught attention, but also a separate incident involving a teenage girl. She was camping in a garden when she heard a noise and peered out to see green eyes staring back at her. The connection between these two events remains unclear, but they have contributed to the mystique of this area.
Kentish Longtails Curse
General area, Strood
Strood in Kent is home to a rather unusual legend, one that's been passed down through the centuries. It's said that back in 1190, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was riding through the area when a member of the de Broc family cut off his horse's tail. This seemingly minor incident had major repercussions, as Becket was so taken aback that he placed a curse on the people of Strood. The alleged curse? That they'd be born with tails, a rather bizarre and enduring punishment.
Strood Snake Sighting
Carnation Road area, Strood
In the quiet Kent town of Strood, residents on Carnation Road were left slithering out of their comfort zones in the late 1990s. Reports began flooding in of a large snake, presumed to be a python, spotted lurking in gardens and the nearby wooded area. One homeowner even claimed to have seen the creature swimming in her pond, leaving many to wonder how it ended up there. The sightings sent shockwaves through the community, with some speculating about the snake's origins and how it managed to evade capture.
The Goat of Gads Hill
Gads Hill Place, Higham
Gads Hill Place in Higham, Kent, was once the home of Charles Dickens' son, Alfred Tennyson Dickens. It was here that a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place. During a book lecture, Alfred Tennyson Dickens mentioned that the servants at his home had threatened to leave after being scared by a ghost. Dickens and his sons decided to investigate the strange happenings. What they discovered was not your typical ghost, but a strange sounding white shape that turned out to be an aging goat.
Phantom Gentleman of Strood
Three Crutches Inn Inn, Strood
The Three Crutches Inn in Strood is home to a rather refined ghostly presence. This phantom gentleman, dressed in fine clothing, is said to walk through a wall in the dining room. It's a curious sight, to say the least. Another ghostly figure has been spotted sitting at an upper floor window, adding to the inn's mystique. The atmosphere is certainly intriguing, making one wonder about the story behind this elegant spectre.
The Grey Monk Haunting
Cooper's Arms Public House, Rochester
Deep in the heart of Rochester, the ancient Cooper's Arms Public House stands as a testament to the town's rich history. Once a priory, this venerable building has seen its fair share of secrets and scandals. One of the most enduring and eerie legends is that of the Grey Monk, a misty apparition said to emerge from the wall behind the bar once a year in November, late at night. According to local lore, the monk was bricked up alive for a long forgotten sin, and his restless spirit continues to haunt these hallowed halls.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Temple Manor

Hamlet Hotels Maidstone
Maidstone, Kent

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
Maidstone, Kent

The Shurland Hotel
Eastchurch, Kent