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"Fred" the Prankster

Poltergeist • Uncertain (Possibly mid-20th Century or older)

"Fred" is the nickname for the unseen entity causing electrical and door disturbances at The Shurland Hotel. Not an apparition, Fred is known by his playful but persistent deeds, like flipping light switches and unlocking doors, especially in Rooms 1 and 2. Staff sometimes politely ask Fred to stop, suggesting an intelligent haunt.

👻 Poltergeist 📅 Uncertain (Possibly mid-20th Century or older) 🏰 The Shurland Hotel

The Story

"Fred" is the resident unseen force at The Shurland Hotel, known for a variety of mischievous pranks. This entity is not seen as an apparition but makes its presence felt through its actions, primarily targeting electrical systems and door mechanisms. The most common manifestations attributed to Fred are lights in Room 1 repeatedly turning themselves on after being switched off and the door of Room 2 unlocking and opening by itself. Staff and some guests have also reported small objects being moved or temporarily misplaced. The personality inferred from these actions is playful and persistent, like a cheeky child or an adult who enjoys minor chaos. Some staff members have even tried politely asking "Fred" to cease his activities, with occasional apparent success, leading to the belief that it's an intelligent, responsive entity. The origin of "Fred" is unknown; theories range from the spirit of a past hotel worker known for practical jokes to residual elemental energy.

Historical Evidence

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The primary evidence for "Fred" is the consistent and long-term reporting of specific phenomena (lights in Room 1, lock on Room 2) by multiple staff members, including a detailed blog kept by the hotel for a period. Guest reviews occasionally corroborate these experiences. The phenomena have persisted through changes in ownership and staff, suggesting an enduring presence rather than isolated incidents or technical faults. The hotel's own acknowledgement of these events lends further credence.

Where to Encounter This Spirit

🔥 Most Active Areas

  • Room 1 (light switch phenomena)
  • Room 2 (door lock phenomena)
  • Older wing of the hotel (Rooms 1-7)
  • Areas with electrical equipment
  • Storage areas (for moving small objects)

👁️ Common Sightings

  • Lights turning on/off inexplicably
  • Doors unlocking/opening on their own
  • Small objects being moved or hidden
  • Electronic devices malfunctioning or activating
  • Sensation of a playful presence (reported by some)

Paranormal Investigations

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A small paranormal team investigated in 2014, reportedly experiencing the light phenomenon and capturing an audio door slam. A spirit box session allegedly yielded the name “Edward.” The hotel maintained a blog for a time detailing “Fred’s” antics.

🏰 Stay at This Haunted Hotel

The Shurland Hotel

Eastchurch, Kent

Experience "Fred" the Prankster's haunting firsthand by staying at this historic Built in the early 19th century (circa 1830s), likely on the site of an older inn. hotel.

👻 Quick Facts

Type: Poltergeist
Era: Uncertain (Possibly mid-20th Century or older)
Active Areas: 5
Hotel: Built in the early 19th century (circa 1830s), likely on the site of an older inn.

🕯️ Paranormal Tips

Best time for encounters: Late evening or early morning hours
Bring: Digital camera, voice recorder, and an open mind
Be respectful: These are believed to be real spirits with their own stories
Ask hotel staff: They often have their own encounters to share

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