Reading time: 4 minutes
Maidstone in Kent is known for its picturesque countryside, charming architecture and chilling ghost stories. Here are some of the most haunted places.
1. Motepark, Maidstone
Mote Avenue, Maidstone ME15 7RN
When Mote House was first built in the late 18th century, Mote Park was part of the Mote House estate. Eventually sold to Maidstone Borough Council, the land was turned into a public park in 1929, where it remains today. Locals have reported seeing a young girl dressed in white running through the park at night.
A local newspaper reported that a local newspaper named M. Elspass described how he came across the girl while strolling through the park at one in the morning. He said he saw a soft light in front of a tree, which he recognized as circling the boot and not being able to be attached to it. He watched as the light turned into the outline of a little girl without any distinguishing features.
Similar sightings have been recorded by many other people, but her origins are still unclear.
2. Allington Castle
Maidstone, ME16 0NB
William de Cornhill first built Allington Castle in Maidstone in the 12th century. Thomas Becket, the powerful Archbishop of Canterbury, later acquired ownership of it. Sir Thomas Wyatt, a noted courtier and poet of the Tudor period, carried out major renovations to the castle in the 17th century.
Solomon’s Tower, an original feature of the castle, is one of its most notable features. Legend has it that the ghost of a young maid walks through the tower. The girl was also reportedly seen by visitors in the King’s Tower garden. Even when no one is upstairs, the castle’s residents claim to have heard footsteps.
According to the legend of the maid, she was executed for drowning her unborn child in the moat. Although Allington Castle is now privately owned, guests can still enjoy exclusive tours and participate in garden open houses all year round. If you are patient, you may be able to detect the ghostly presence of the maid.
Allington Castle remains a fascinating historic site with many stories to tell.
3. Your old thirsty pig
4A Knightrider St, Maidstone ME15 6LP
Ye Olde Thirsty Pig, a historic structure dating from the 15th century, is located at the intersection of Lower Stone Street and Knightrider Street. The building has high vaulted ceilings, sloping floors and enormous wooden beams on the upper floor. It is believed that it was part of the grounds of the Archbishop’s Palace and was originally a farm.
Rumor has it that the building is haunted, despite its wonderful atmosphere. There have been reports of a young girl and an arrogant-looking man, as well as phantom footsteps and heat from an abandoned fireplace.
4. Leeds Castle
Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
Leeds Castle is a historic castle in Kent, England. It was originally built in the 12th century as a Norman stronghold and later became the residence of several English queens, including Eleanor of Castile and Catherine of Aragon. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and a venue for various events and activities.
A ghostly black dog, whose appearance portends misfortune or perhaps death, haunts Leeds Castle. Legend has it that Eleanor of Gloucester, Henry VI’s aunt, is responsible for the terrifying events. She was imprisoned in the castle for life after being found guilty of practicing necromancy, witchcraft, heresy and treason in 1431.
Some people believe that the black dog is a representation of the supposedly ancient witchcraft that Eleanor of Gloucester practiced and that its spirit is still trapped within the grounds of the castle.
5. The Ringlestone Inn
Ringlestone Road, Harrietsham ME17 1NX
The Ringlestone Inn is known for its homely atmosphere, traditional English food and even its paranormal background. Over the years there have been many reports of paranormal activity at the tavern.
The place is said to be haunted by a variety of ghosts and spirits. Some of the stories involve the mischievous child who plays tricks by shifting toys and other items, an old couple who appear and then disappear, and a ghostly man in boots who blocks the basement stairs.
One story that stands out is about a young child who was discovered killing an animal on the nearby farmland. The boy’s parents, fearing severe punishment, hid him in a crack in the wall, leaving a small opening through which food could flow.
When the boy finally stopped eating, the innkeepers concluded that he had died. They stopped the last stone before leaving and never returned. Since then, many people believe that the boy’s ghost still scares the inn.
Have you seen a ghost in Maidstone? Tell us about it in the comments below!
