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The Smoking Cavalier

Intelligent Haunting • 17th Century (Cavalier) or Early 19th Century (Georgian)

A tall male ghost, often seen in a frilled shirt, cape, and boots, or as an early 1800s gentleman. Distinguished by the strong smell of cigar or pipe tobacco that heralds his presence. Generally benign, he might be linked to the Civil War or Richard Trevithick. He sometimes tips his hat or raises an ethereal glass.

👻 Intelligent Haunting 📅 17th Century (Cavalier) or Early 19th Century (Georgian) 🏰 Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

The Story

This spectral figure is described as a tall man, sometimes appearing in attire reminiscent of a 17th-century Cavalier – complete with a frilled shirt, cape, and boots – or alternatively, as an early 19th-century gentleman. His most distinctive characteristic is the strong, unmistakable smell of cigar or pipe tobacco that often precedes or accompanies his appearances, even though smoking is banned in the hotel. He is generally considered a benign, almost comforting presence. Witnesses have reported him tipping his hat or raising an ethereal glass as if in a silent toast. It's speculated he could be a Royalist officer from the Civil War era, or perhaps the ghost of the engineer Richard Trevithick, who died at the inn and was known to smoke cigars. He seems to watch over the inn in his own chivalrous or contemplative way.

Historical Evidence

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Consistent reports from guests and staff over many years detail the unexplained smell of tobacco smoke in specific areas, followed by fleeting glimpses of a male figure in period attire. The historical context of Dartford during the Civil War and Richard Trevithick's death at the inn provide plausible origins for such a spirit. The distinctness of the tobacco scent is a recurring theme in witness accounts.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

Main staircase
Second-floor landing
Hallways (associated with tobacco smell)
Peripheral vision in guest rooms

👁️ Common Sightings

Male figure in Cavalier or Georgian attire
Strong smell of cigar or pipe tobacco
Fleeting glimpses
Ghostly figure tipping hat or raising a glass
Apparition on staircase

Paranormal Investigations

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Sightings are primarily anecdotal, part of the hotel's broader ghostly lore. No specific investigations have focused solely on him, but his presence is a known element of the haunting.

🏰 Stay at This Haunted Hotel

Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel

Dartford, Kent

Experience The Smoking Cavalier's haunting firsthand by staying at this historic Established in the 14th century as the Bull Inn; the current building is largely 18th-century Georgian. hotel.

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