reading time: 4 minutes
John S Tantalon, author of the recently published The Haunted Realms of Surrey and Hampshire, talks to DAVID SAUNDERSON about uncovering eerie stories that have captivated locals for generations.
Interview with John S Tantalon author
Spooky Isles: Congratulations on your new book, it’s a blast to read. Can you tell us about your connection to Surrey and Hampshire and what inspired you to write a book specifically about these haunted realms?
John S Tantalon: Greetings, Ghostly Isles. I first went to Hampshire in 2007 when I met my ex-partner who lived in Aldershot. This city, with its deep military history, intrigued me. As I dug into the ghost stories, I realized that Hampshire was a haunted hot spot. I also discovered the Isle of Wight, with its many ghosts and excellent books by author Gay Baldwin. After attending the Newport Ghost Walk and hearing stories from historian Mark Tuckey, I knew I had to delve deeper into the haunted realms of Surrey and Hampshire.
Spooky Isles: In your previous books you focused on Scotland. Surrey and Hampshire couldn’t be further away!
John S Tantalon: Although I continued to work in Edinburgh, I visited Hampshire every month for the next fifteen years. Aldershot in particular fascinated me with its stories, such as the infamous House of Old Mother Squalls. During my visits, I encountered countless stories and connections, which were the catalyst for my new book.
Spooky Isles: How did you come into contact with the stories from “The Haunted Realms of Surrey and Hampshire”?
John S Tantalon: My research spanned over 15 years and I visited every location mentioned in the book. I would choose a place, collect as many books as possible and conduct interviews. Many of the stories came from word of mouth shared by witnesses, residents and employees. I was lucky enough to meet great witnesses and homeowners who contributed to the book.
Spooky Isles: Can you share one of the most intriguing or chilling stories from the book that left a lasting impression on you? What made it particularly fascinating or surprising?
John S Tantalon: There are several stories that stood out during my research. One that left a lasting impression was the tragic story of Sweet Fanny Adams in Alton. The story of a child found mutilated on the floodplain led to the now famous term ‘Sweet FA’. The people of Alton still bear the weight of this tragedy, and their stories were incredibly bleak and impactful.
Spooky Isles: As an Edinburgh author, what challenges did you face when researching and writing about locations in England? Have you noticed any differences in the spooky folklore between Scotland and Surrey/Hampshire?
John S Tantalon: Writing the book was more of a labor of love than a challenge. The investigation took many years and gaining access to locations and witnesses required multiple visits. I met some resistance, as with the story of Mother Squalls in Aldershot. The locals were initially not happy with my interest in their church grounds and the legendary yew tree. Overall, however, the journey of collecting stories in Surrey and Hampshire has been fascinating.
Spooky Isles: Are there any notable historical or cultural aspects of Surrey and Hampshire that contribute to their haunted reputation? How did you incorporate these elements into the book?
John S Tantalon: Surrey and Hampshire have a rich and ancient history. Isle of Wight in particular fascinated me with its relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking landscapes and ghosts. Locations like Carisbrooke Castle and the Ventnor Botanical Gardens provided historical context and spooky stories that I incorporated into the book. The tragic history and legends of these regions added depth to their haunted reputation.
Spooky Isles: Have you personally visited the haunted locations mentioned in the book? If so, can you share your experiences and any encounters with the supernatural?
John S Tantalon: Yes, I visited every location in the book. The many visits were necessary for thorough research and building contacts. Along the way I experienced a few curious incidents. One night I found myself alone and lost on the Brookwood platform, near Brookwood Cemetery. The deserted train station in the late hours and my encounter with a mysterious lone woman made for a chilling experience. There were other odd occurrences that added to the supernatural atmosphere of the trip.
Spooky Isles: How do you approach the storytelling aspect of your book?
John S Tantalon: In my stories I try to include a mix of elements. I integrate historical facts, eyewitness accounts and personal stories to bring the ghost stories to life. Humour, dramatic moments and gory details are strategically woven into the stories. Conducting interviews with witnesses, residents and employees gives a personal touch and authenticity to the stories.
Spooky Isles: What do you hope readers will take away from The Haunted Realms of Surrey and Hampshire? Is there a particular message or feeling you want to convey with your exploration of these haunted locations?
John S Tantalon: My intention with this book is to provide readers with an all-in-one overview of the haunted realms of Surrey and Hampshire. I hope readers will appreciate the extensive collection of ghost stories, historical facts, and personal experiences. It is a travel book for those looking for a supernatural treat while exploring these provinces. I want readers to immerse themselves in the chilling stories and get a sense of the haunted reputation that permeates these regions.
Spooky Isles: After reading this book, do you have any plans to explore other regions or countries known for their spooky history? If so, where would you like to venture further?
John S Tantalon: I’ve already started working on my next project, which will take me back to Edinburgh, Scotland. The self-titled book will feature mysterious tales of Arthur’s Seat, haunted hospitals, pubs, and even a so-called underground hellfire club. I will also share some personal experiences and reveal a story that I was not allowed to discuss until now. Edinburgh has a wealth of spooky history and folklore that I’d like to delve into again.
The Haunted Realms of Surrey and Hampshire is available from Amazon.
