Headless Highwayman of Hothfield
Deep in the Kentish countryside, near Hothfield Common, a chilling apparition has been spotted by a local woman. She had recently moved to her new home when she encountered the headless ghost of Robert, a highwayman of local fame and folklore. The year was 1974, and this eerie encounter has been etched in local memory ever since. Robert's ghostly presence is said to manifest without a head, a haunting sight that has captivated the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts.
Historical records suggest that Robert was a notorious highwayman who roamed the roads of Kent during the 18th century. His exploits have become the stuff of local legend, with many claiming that his spirit continues to haunt the area. The 1974 sighting is a well-documented account of a ghostly apparition, with the witness describing a headless figure that appeared to her. While the circumstances of Robert's death are unclear, his ghostly presence remains a popular topic of discussion among locals and paranormal investigators alike.
18th-century highwayman legend
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Dog Walker
Pett Lane, Charing
Pett Lane in Charing, Kent, is home to a rather unusual ghostly sighting. A driver was travelling home with his mother when they spotted a man wearing a mackintosh walking his dog along this quiet lane. As the car slowed to let them cross, the man and his dog seemed to pass straight through the side of the vehicle, illuminating the inside before vanishing into thin air. This bizarre incident has left many questions unanswered, and the identity of the phantom dog walker remains a mystery.
Gliding Lady of Repton Manor
Repton Manor, Ashford
Repton Manor in Kent has been home to a rather eerie presence, known as the Gliding Lady. This phantom white lady was reportedly seen by soldiers who were using the building during the Second World War. According to accounts, she was thought to be the murdered wife of a former owner. Her ghostly appearances were characterised by an ethereal quality, as if she were gliding rather than walking. One person who observed her outside said she had no feet and had drifted across a nearby field, adding to the mystique of this paranormal entity.
Ashford Printing Firm Ghost
SMP Large Format, Ashford
Deep in the heart of Kent's business district, a strange occurrence took place at SMP Large Format, a printing firm based in Ashford's Montpelier Business Park. In October 2012, CCTV footage captured a bizarre sight - a white ball of light seemingly moving of its own accord around a workshop. While it's possible the anomaly could be attributed to a small object close to the camera lens, staff members have reported other inexplicable experiences, including feeling like they're being watched and finding tools moved around the site.
Great Chart Phantom Bull
Church, Great Chart
Deep in the heart of Kent, the historic Great Chart Church has stood for centuries, its stone walls bearing witness to countless events, including one of the most bizarre and terrifying hauntings in English folklore. On a stormy night in the 1600s, a massive phantom bull suddenly materialised within the church, sending panic and chaos through the congregation. The creature, described as a large phantom bull, stampeded through the building, causing destruction and mayhem, killing or injuring several people in its path. As it departed, the bull knocked down part of a wall, leaving a lasting testament to its otherworldly presence.
The Invisible Hand of Pluckley
The Black Horse Public House, 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.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Estate near Hothfield Common

Eastwell Manor
Boughton Lees, Kent

The Chequers
Smarden, Kent

Woolpack Inn
Chilham, Kent

Leeds Castle Stable Courtyard Bed & Breakfast
Maidstone, Kent