Smarden, Kent
The Chequers Inn is legendary for its 'haunted room,' reputedly occupied by the ghost of a Napoleonic-era soldier murdered on the premises. His sorrowful apparition is often reported by guests. Another prominent phantom is a man in green velvet, speculated by some to be the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin, seen enjoying an eternal pint by the fire or writing at a desk. The inn also harbours the spirit of a French prisoner of war from the Napoleonic era, whose presence manifests through poltergeist activity, particularly the moving of small objects and the disturbance of pets. These three spectral figures contribute to the inn's chilling and fascinating reputation as one of Kent's most haunted establishments.
Napoleonic Soldier (Residual Apparition, Interactive Ghost), Man in Green Velvet (possibly Dick Turpin - Apparition), French Prisoner of War (Poltergeist).
The most renowned spirit at The Chequers Inn is the Napoleonic soldier. Legend states that in 1812, an army officer lodging at the inn was tragically stabbed to death during a robbery attempt. His restless ghost has since been reported in the very bedroom where he died, now known by staff as the 'Haunted Chamber.' Guests staying in this room have awakened to see a figure in an old military uniform standing at attention or peering mournfully through the window. Another recurring spectral figure is a 'gentleman in green velvet with a tri-corner hat,' who has been spotted sitting at a writing desk in the inn's lounge area. Local lore speculates this could be the notorious 18th-century highwayman Dick Turpin, or a similarly attired squire. He is often seen writing with a quill pen before mysteriously fading away. The third resident spirit is a French prisoner of war from the Napoleonic era, whose presence manifests differently from the others. Rather than appearing visually, this spirit makes himself known through poltergeist activity—moving small objects, disturbing pets, and creating unexplained sounds. His activity peaks during late spring months, possibly connected to memories of hoped-for repatriation. Additionally, heavy bootsteps and the distinct clink of spurs are sometimes heard crossing empty upper floors at night, possibly linked to one of these ghostly residents.
A restless French prisoner of war from the Napoleonic era who moves small items around the premises and unsettles animals. His activity peaks during late spring and appears to be his way of making his presence known to the living.
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.
The spirit of a young military officer from the early 19th century, often seen in a red coat with a grievous wound. He projects sorrow and is usually silent, possibly looking for justice or a stolen locket. His presence is melancholic rather than threatening, often felt intensely in 'Room 6'.
Built in the 14th century, around 1397.
Originally established as a coaching inn and village alehouse, serving travellers and the local community in Smarden.
As one of the oldest buildings in the village of Smarden, The Chequers Inn has been in continuous use for over 600 years. It has witnessed medieval travellers, served as a central meeting spot for the Smarden area for centuries, and features prominently in local folklore. The inn's remarkable longevity and history of hospitality mean countless lives, and perhaps some deaths, have passed through its ancient doors, contributing to its rich tapestry of stories and alleged hauntings.
The Chequers Inn is a classic timber-framed medieval inn, with later Tudor additions enhancing its historic character. It features a traditional white weatherboard front with contrasting black beams. Originally, it would have had a thatched roof, now tiled. Inside, the inn retains much of its 14th-century charm, with a central hearth, quaint low ceilings, and exposed wooden beams that evoke its ancient origins and provide a deeply atmospheric setting for guests and diners.
Key reported activities include sightings of a Napoleonic soldier's apparition, particularly in 'Room 6'. Guests have felt someone tucking in their blankets or seen the soldier with a bayonet wound. The 'man in green velvet' is seen in the lounge, writing or sitting by the fire. The French prisoner of war manifests through poltergeist activity, moving small objects and disturbing animals, with activity peaking in late spring. Auditory phenomena include heavy bootsteps, the clink of spurs on upper floors, and the faint sound of a quill scratching on paper. Cold drafts and flickering candlelight are noted in the soldier's room.
Room 6 upstairs is frequently identified as the haunted soldier's room, where cold drafts, flickers of candlelight, and apparitions are reported. The main dining area, near the old hearth, is where the green-coated gentleman (possibly Dick Turpin) is most often seen, typically after closing time. The French prisoner's poltergeist activity occurs throughout the building, particularly in kitchen areas and anywhere pets are present. Hallways in the oldest wing of the inn experience sudden temperature drops, and occasionally, the faint sound of a quill scratching on paper has been reported by staff. The main staircase is another active spot, with some feeling a rush of cold air as if someone has brushed past them.
Guests staying in the reputed haunted room (Room 6) have reported waking to the sensation of someone tucking in their blankets or catching a quick glimpse of a man in a red military coat at the foot of their bed. One terrified patron allegedly fled in the middle of the night after witnessing an apparition of a soldier with a visible bayonet wound leaning against the wall. A particularly detailed 1975 account describes a guest experiencing physical contact, with unexplained marks appearing on their back during the night. Regarding the writing ghost, multiple landlords over the years have admitted to seeing the 'gentleman in green' quietly manifest by a corner desk in the lounge, only for him to vanish when approached. Staff and guests have reported the French prisoner's influence through moved objects and agitated pets, particularly during late spring months. Some local villagers claim that on stormy nights, a lantern's glow can be seen moving from window to window upstairs, as if the deceased soldier is eternally patrolling the inn.
The Chequers Inn’s hauntings have been documented in books such as *Haunted Pubs of the Southeast*. An investigation by Haunted Rooms UK highlighted it as an award-winning haunted coaching inn. Paranormal investigators using K2 meters have reported spikes in the so-called soldier’s room and claimed to have recorded an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) of what sounded like faint weeping or a whispered word like “help.” The inn's owners maintain a respectful attitude towards its ghostly legends and may even allow guests to request the haunted room if available. It has not been featured on major TV shows, thus keeping its ghosts as a somewhat local, yet intriguing, secret treasure.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-30 to 2025-09-01 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near room 6 upstairs is frequently identified as the haunted soldier's room for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
Address:
The Street, Smarden, Ashford, Kent, TN27 8QA, England
Phone: +44 1233 770237
Status: Open. A historic 14th-century inn operating as a pub, restaurant, and B&B, known for its traditional charm and haunted reputation.
The Chequers Inn occasionally hosts a Halloween special dinner, often featuring ghost storytelling. There is no dedicated ghost-hunter package, but guests interested in the paranormal can specifically request to stay in the 'haunted room' when making their booking, subject to availability.
Given its status as a very old inn, physical access can be challenging. There are narrow staircases leading to the guest rooms, no lift (elevator), and some uneven floors. Accommodation is not wheelchair accessible. The ground floor pub area has a small step to enter and relatively tight spaces inside. Guests with mobility concerns should discuss their needs with the inn prior to booking.
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