Pluckley hauntings researcher is 'distant cousin' of Kent ghost
He added: "Over the course of the research I even discovered that one of the alleged ghosts is a distant cousin - Sarah Sharp, the Watercress Lady."Ms Sharp burned to death in August 1911.Dr Moreton scoured newspapers, birth, marriage and death records and parish papers to piece together the origins of Pluckley's folklore.
The associate professor of creative economies found 10 of the ghost stories were first recorded by local man Frederick Sanders in self-published books on ghost hunting, letters to the local press, and newspaper articles.At least four stories can be traced to real events including the Lady of Rose Court, Mary Ann Bennett, who killed herself in 1862 and the Screaming Man of the Clay Pit, Richard Bridgland, who died in a quarry accident in 1899."Storytelling is a fundamental human behaviour and, whether or not you believe in ghosts, Pluckley's reputation demonstrates how fascinated we are with tales with a spooky edge to them," Dr Moreton said."What's exciting about this research is that it's been possible to demonstrate how one person with a passion for these kinds of story was able to shape, for better or worse, the identity of a whole village through his storytelling."He added: "It reminds us there are real people and real places behind these stories, both of which deserve our respect."A mention in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records, although not an actual award, bolstered the village's spooky reputation.Pluckley also featured in the 1990s TV adaptation of HE Bates's novel The Darling Buds of May and its sequels, starring David Jason and Pam Ferris.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Leader Live
Artist to receive scholarship at Eisteddfod in Wrexham
The Dewi Bowen New Artist Scholarship will be awarded to Barnaby Prendergast, from Bethesda near Bangor, on the opening day of the festival at Y Lle Celf, the Eisteddfod's art exhibition. Awarded in memory of Dewi Bowen by his niece, Elizabeth, the scholarship is given to an individual who has been studying or working as an artist for less than five years. Barnaby hopes to use the £1,500 prize to attend a course at a recognised art school or college, or to take part in masterclasses to further develop his career. In addition, he will be invited to exhibit more of his work at the National Eisteddfod in y Garreg Las in 2026. Barnaby, 22, said he submitted three pieces of artwork for the selectors to consider: 'Most of my work comes from play, and I like to think it wouldn't exist if I didn't enjoy making it. 'I received some funding from student initiatives to buy woodworking tools, which enabled me to make a Welsh stick chair – one of the pieces I submitted. It's not very comfortable to sit on as it's quite small. One of Barney's art pieces. (Image: Eisteddfod)'Another piece is a wobbly candle holder. It's mounted on a spring connected to a small motor, and when switched on, it causes the candle to move. 'The third piece is a rotating frame – a metal chain wound around a wooden block. 'I enjoy working with my hands and love fixing things. I also enjoy seeing other people's DIY efforts and believe there's a sculptural quality in repairs that have gone wrong. I'm interested in what is considered art,' he said. Barnaby, a former pupil at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, studied woodworking at Coleg Glynllifon before completing a fine art degree at the University of the West of England in Bristol. 'I graduated this summer and hope to develop my career as an artist with this scholarship. I've found a shed on a small farm that I hope to turn into a studio,' he added. The selection panel – Bedwyr Williams, Angela Davies and Anya Paintsil – said they were collectively impressed by the overall quality and depth of the submissions across all categories. MOST READ: "Beautifully presented" family home on the market in Wrexham Yellow weather warning for Flintshire with Storm Floris set to hit the UK Plans submitted to build new Home Bargains store in Flintshire 'The craftsmanship, knowledge and honesty evident in the artists' use of materials has resulted in a body of work that feels skilful and deeply considered. 'Many of the applications showed clear sensitivity and integrity, which resonated with the panel, and the Dewi Bowen Award in particular highlighted the exciting potential of emerging talent that deserves to be supported and nurtured. 'We were drawn to pieces that conveyed humour, directness and emotional honesty. Many used materials and processes in an unpretentious way, with great sensitivity. 'This balance of playfulness and seriousness, wit and substance, felt culturally resonant with Wales – where plain speaking and humour are deeply embedded. This humour and playfulness were qualities the panel recognised and appreciated throughout the selection process,' they said. For more information about the festival, visit:
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Huge movie star reveals low-key trips to Butlins and Legoland with Hollywood royalty husband – despite being worth £260m
They spoke out about their kids' annual trips to Swansea keeping it real Huge movie star reveals low-key trips to Butlins and Legoland with Hollywood royalty husband – despite being worth £260m A HUGE Hollywood power couple have revealed their low-key UK staycations in contrast to their lavish lifestyles. The screen stars have been determined to keep their kids grounded and leading an ordinary life away from the spotlight - even making sure they spend at least two weeks a year with their grandparents in Wales. 6 A huge Hollywood power couple have revealed their very normal UK staycations Credit: Alamy 6 Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones insist their brood spend two weeks a year holidaying with their grandparents in Swansea Credit: Getty 6 The screen stars, who share son Dylan and Carys, have also taken trips to Butlins and Legoland Now Wednesday actress Catherine Zeta Jones, 55, has revealed the very normal destinations she and hubby Michael Douglas, 80, enjoy their downtime. Catherine married Basic Instinct star Michael at the Plaza Hotel in New York on November 18, 2000, in a high-profile ceremony cost an estimated £1.5million. The couple share two children, a son Dylan Michael (born August 2000) and a daughter Carys Zeta (born April 2003). Welsh screen star Catherine, who shot to fame in 1991 when she starred in The Darling Buds Of May alongside David Jason, recently told of their family summer holidays. She said of her brood: "They've been to Butlin's, Legoland, seen the sights in London, up to Scotland, over to Ireland." She added to Radio Times: "They've even been to the Isle of Man, I think." Catherine told the publication her kids also spend two weeks a year in her home country, Wales, with her parents David James Jones and Patricia Fair. Previously, the Mask of Zorro actress spoke about their Swansea trips after being given the Freedom of the City. In a speech at the coastal area's Guildhall, Catherine said: 'My children have been coming back to Swansea all their life. "Usually for two weeks without Michael and I and they have nana and bampi's rules which means no rules. Catherine Zeta Jones joined by Bono to celebrate husband's Dublin birthday "It used to take us about two weeks to get them back on track but what it's done is it's instilled in our children their sense of belonging and where they come from." She added: "They'd be up at the crack of dawn down the beach, come rain or shine, digging and making castles so it was important for me that they have roots and know where they come from. "It's very grounding for the kids and they often love coming here and they come back every year to Wales." Aside from the staycations, the family have also ventured further overseas, with trips to Disneyland and Dubai to name a few. Legoland Windsor Factbox Here's everything you need to know about visiting Legoland Windsor in 2024: Legoland Windsor will be officially open from March 15, 2024, to September 25, 2024 Located in Windsor, just west of London, the theme park's full address is Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY Trains take half an hour from London Paddington to Windsor via Slough Trains from London Waterloo take around an hour and go directly to Windsor Tickets should be booked in advance online An online saver ticket costs £35 per adult, saving you £33 if you purchased the same ticket at the gate Parking is not included in the ticket, and you'll need to pay £8 for a ticket, although booking in advance will save you £1 MUM TAKE Catherine has candidly spoken out about her parenting role ahead of the new Wednesday series, to be aired on Netflix. She said: "Wednesday Addams and Morticia Addams' relationship is beautiful, it's encouraging, it's contentious, it's fraught. "It's all those things a mother-daughter relationship goes through, which is a wonderful experience as a mother and not so much as a daughter. I speak from experience." The star, who plays Morticia Addams, added: "To be able to play those in Wednesday is something that's very important and something that's very real." The star is known for her roles in The Mask Of Zorro and Entrapment. She also played the title character in the 1996 historical biopic Catherine The Great. Catherine then won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the musical Chicago. 6 Catherine told of her kids' UK trips and the reasons behind them and said 'have roots and know where they come from' Credit: Getty - Contributor 6 They have also enjoyed more extravagant vacations, including a trip to India
Glasgow Times
22-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
The area that London star Sir David Jason grew up in
Sir David is best known for his role as Del Boy in the BBC sitcom, along with shows, A Touch of Frost, Open All Hours, and The Darling Buds of May. But before becoming a household name and a British national treasure, Sir David spent his time in the London suburb of North Finchley. The area of London where Sir David Jason grew up Born David White, the actor grew up in post-war London as the son of a fishmonger and a cleaning lady. In 2013, Sir David opened up about his childhood with The Scotsman, describing memories of playing on bombsites and learning to play the fool to not get bullied. Sharing with the publication: "I was very shy and had low self-esteem, the only way to stop yourself getting beaten up was to turn your hand to being an idiot." Sir David was inspired to become an actor after his older brother Arthur had won a scholarship to a drama school, and the local amateur dramatic group were short on boys, seeing him sign up. Recommended Reading He attended Northfield Secondary Modern after failing his 11-plus in 1951. Leaving school at 15, he had few aspirations and at 20 worked as an electrician before trying to give professional acting a go. After several years of auditions, in 1965 Sir David made his TV debut in the BBC pantomime as a funny policeman and soon began his decades-long career.
