Haunted Hosts

Valentines Park in Ilford is a tranquil oasis, but on one summer evening in July 1986, a couple strolled upon something rather unusual. As they wandered through the park, they caught sight of two ladies dressed in 1920s attire, gliding effortlessly across the grounds. The witnesses were left bewildered, unsure what to make of the apparitions. Were they the ghosts of former park visitors, or perhaps residual energy from a bygone era? The encounter left more questions than answers, but one thing is certain - those who claim to have seen them will never forget the experience.

The Beehive Public House in Great Waltham is home to a couple of intriguing paranormal residents. A grey cat has been spotted on several occasions, running down a corridor and disappearing into a wall in the bathroom. This feline phantom is quite the enigma. Then there's Old Ruffy, the affectionate name given to the pub's poltergeist, which used to have a mischievous habit of breaking glasses. It's a strange and quirky combination of ghostly activity that's captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.

The East Mersea sea wall, a stretch of coastline in Essex, is home to one of the most bizarre and unexplained paranormal phenomena in the UK - the ABC footprints. In 1996, a series of large, unusual footprints were discovered on the sea wall near Cooper's beach holiday park. Measuring 6 inches across and featuring extended claws, seventeen of these enigmatic marks were found, leaving investigators and locals alike scratching their heads. The fact that cats, which might be expected to leave similar prints, do not walk with their claws extended adds to the mystery.

High Laver village is home to a rather poignant ghostly sighting, one that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who's ever experienced loss. On Christmas Eve, a mournful procession makes its way down the main road, a horse-drawn carriage carrying a lone figure, Abigail Masham. Her residence, once a grand part of the village, has long since vanished, leaving behind only memories and this annual, spectral revisit.

Gilwell Hall, nestled in the Essex countryside, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Adolphus Frederick. This enigmatic figure is known to roam a corridor within the hall, sparking curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts. Although details about Frederick's life are scarce, it's believed he was a frequent visitor to the hall, and his presence has been felt by many. The hall itself has a rich history, and it's not hard to imagine that Frederick's spirit has lingered, perhaps drawn back by fond memories or unfinished business.

Deep in the heart of Hockley Woods, a sense of unease settles over those who venture into this seemingly ordinary Essex forest. It was here, on a summer's day in 1973, that a distressed individual contacted the authorities, convinced they'd just witnessed a horrific aeroplane crash. The caller reported hearing a loud crash and screams for help, but when investigators arrived, they found nothing out of the ordinary. No wreckage, no bodies, just an unsettling feeling that something had indeed occurred, but what?