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The Man in Green (Quill-Pen Ghost)

Residual Haunting • 18th Century (Georgian Era)

An apparition of a distinguished man in 1700s attire: green velvet frock coat, ruffled cravat, and a tri-corner hat. He appears engaged in writing or lounging, possibly the infamous Dick Turpin or a Georgian squire. He never interacts, simply vanishing if approached, suggesting a residual presence.

👻 Residual Haunting 📅 18th Century (Georgian Era) 🏰 The Chequers Inn (Smarden)

The Story

Another distinct ghostly figure at The Chequers Inn is that of a distinguished gentleman dressed in 18th-century attire. He is most notably characterised by his green velvet frock coat, ruffled cravat, and a tri-corner hat, sometimes described with a feather plume. This 'Man in Green' is typically seen engaged in writing at a desk in the inn's lounge or occasionally lounging by the fireplace as though he were a patron from a bygone era. If the legends connecting him to the highwayman Dick Turpin are to be believed, his flamboyant style would fit, though Turpin's presence at Smarden is not historically confirmed. More likely, he could be the residual presence of a former wealthy guest or even a past owner from the Georgian period who favored fine attire. He never interacts directly with witnesses, simply fading away if approached or spoken to, suggesting his appearances are a form of residual haunting, replaying a moment from his life.

Historical Evidence

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Multiple landlords and some guests over the years have reported seeing a figure matching this description in the lounge area. The consistency in the details of his attire (green velvet, tri-corner hat) suggests a specific, recurring apparition. Smarden's history as a potential smugglers' haven in the 1700s lends some credibility to the presence of such characters, even if not Turpin himself. The sighting of him writing reinforces the idea of a gentlemanly figure from that period.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

Lounge area, near a writing desk
Main dining area, near the old hearth
After closing time in dimly lit areas

👁️ Common Sightings

Apparition in green velvet frock coat and tri-corner hat
Figure seen writing with a quill pen
Ghostly man lounging by the fire
Faint sound of a quill scratching on paper
Vanishes when approached

Paranormal Investigations

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While less investigated than the soldier, his sightings are part of the inn's established lore, often recounted by staff and documented in local paranormal accounts. His presence contributes to the inn's rich tapestry of ghostly tales.