The Orange Flash Phenomenon
Portsmouth Road, a stretch between Esher and Cobham, has been the site of a bizarre and unexplained series of events back in 1953. Over the course of a year, seventy-one cars had their windscreens smashed, leaving drivers baffled and concerned for their safety. One driver reported seeing an orange flash along the empty road just before his window shattered, giving the incidents a strange and otherworldly quality. The cause of these events remains a mystery, but they have become a fascinating footnote in the history of paranormal activity in Surrey.
In the early 1950s, this section of Portsmouth Road was a relatively quiet stretch of highway, but it wasnt without its share of problems. The spate of windscreen smashing incidents, which occurred over several months, left local authorities stumped. With no obvious culprit or motive, the events took on a peculiar character, especially given the report of the orange flash. While some might attribute the incidents to mischief or vandals, the sheer number of occurrences and the unusual nature of the reported phenomena have led to speculation about possible paranormal causes. Whatever the explanation, the Orange Flash of Portsmouth Road remains an intriguing example of the strange and inexplicable.
Post-war Britain, a time of reconstruction and social change
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Esher Gentleman's Sudden Departure
House lived in by Anna Porter, Esher
In the sleepy town of Esher, a most unusual incident took place at a house lived in by Anna Porter. A gentleman, known to her, entered a room, sat down, and then suddenly rose and left again. Anna thought he looked unwell, so she sent a servant to check on him at his own house. What they found was shocking - the gentleman had passed away earlier that day. It's a chilling reminder that some presences can transcend the boundaries of life and death.
Hersham Grey Lady Ghost
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Ghost of the Cupboard
Marquis of Granby Hotel, Esher
The Marquis of Granby Hotel in Esher is home to a tragic and unsettling presence known as the Girl in the Cupboard. This small, unassuming room has borne witness to a heartbreaking tale of a young woman who met her demise within its confines. Locked away and left to die, her spirit is said to remain trapped, a poignant reminder of the dark history that permeates these walls. A large family bible propped against the door seems to be the only thing holding her back, a symbolic barrier between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.
Rosehill Bingo Hall Ghost
Mecca Bingo, Rosehill
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Shepperton Ghost Plane Crash
Field near Ferry Lane, Shepperton on Thames
In a field near Ferry Lane, Shepperton on Thames, a rather unusual haunting has been reported. This Surrey field witnessed a tragic event back in 1929 when an old Vickers aircraft crashed, claiming the lives of its two crew members. What's remarkable is that over the next few years, locals didn't just hear the crash, they also reportedly saw it, with some describing the scene as glowing blue in the pale moonlight. It's as if the past kept replaying itself in this quiet corner of Surrey.
The Lady in White of Thames Ditton
Home of Compassion church, Thames Ditton
In the heart of Thames Ditton, the Home of Compassion church stands as a beacon of spirituality, but it's also home to a rather intriguing presence - the Lady in White. This ghostly apparition has been known to manifest in a room that remained locked away for many years, sparking curiosity and fascination among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Described as appearing quite real and substantial, the Lady in White is a melancholic shade who seems to be connected to the church's past.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Portsmouth Road
Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey
The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire
Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire
Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire