RAMSGATE
5 CLIFTON LAWN
This building was used as classrooms for the Regency Hotel and Sue Peall has provided this information. There was always a strange atmosphere in this house, a strange smell and sounds from upstairs like footsteps and doors opening and closing when there was nobody upstairs.
AIR RAID TUNNELS
The maze of tunnels under Ramsgate (see here) built in 1939 and combined with an older, mile long, railway tunnel (in use until 1925 for normal trains and then until 1936 as a scenic railway). In places, these tunnels are up to 70ft below street level and there are stories of recent sightings (before the final access points were blocked within the last 10 years) as well as visitations from loved ones whilst people were in the tunnels at the time.Click here to read more about the tunnels
CAMDEN ARMS
This public house was once believed to be haunted but a priest was called in to lay the spirit to rest.
THE COURT HOUSE
I am not sure if this is the location of the recent court house (now an annex for Ellington Girls School) as the report I have from 1976 says 'the old court house'. Wherever, it is said to be haunted by a grey lady who walks down the stairs at midnight.
THE DEAL CUTTER
The accommodation above this pub has had an uncomfortable feeling to it and things have been seen.
THE EAGLE, HIGH STREET
A former barmaid was living in the pub when, in the early hours of one morning she came out of her room to find a figure sitting on the stairs. She walked straight past it to the bathroom and when she came out it had gone. Noises of doors opening and shutting have also been heard when no-one else was in the building.
THE EARL ST VINCENT
An investigation in this pub is the most active of ANY that myself and other members had been on. There appear to be several spirits there, including that of a dog, which has been captured on video!
Among the evidence were several loud bangs and taps, good responses during a séance, footsteps in the hallway upstairs and then coming down the stairs (when there was definitely no-one up there).
Aside from the investigation there have been other sightings - a young girl, a man dressed in green and inexplicable lights as well as frequent feelings of a presence there and some poltergeist-like activity.
ELLINGTON PARK
This park was, up until the council bought it for public use in 1892, the home of a mansion belonging to the Sprackling family.
In the 1653, alcoholic owner Adam Sprackling, murdered his wife Kathryn in the grounds. Her apparition has been seen on the rockery (close to the children's play area). The house was exorcised in 1730 and but her ghost still was seen frequently until the house was demolished. The park still as an eerie feel in places and the woman’s cries are occasionally reported.
Stories I heard during my youth were that Sprackling had also cut the head off his 6 dogs and they too roam the park. Also, on the wall in between the steps opposite the bandstand there were two plaques with keys engraved on them.
Once again, childhood tales suggested that behind these plaques were the keys to the old mansion and if anyone could get them out, they can unlock evil!
This legend appears to live on as the plaques are still being hacked at.Read MORE on Ellington Park HERE
THE FALSTAFF
This Addington Street pub is reportedly haunted by a boy dressed in blue.
THE GOODWIN SANDS
Given the number of vessels fallen in this treacherous stretch, it is hardly surprising that ghost ships have been seen. However, the mists and storms which seem to localise over the sands are more mysterious.
Every 50 years, since 1748 (though not in 1998), there have been reports of sightings of the ship 'Lady Lovibond' re-enacting its final moments. It had been forced onto the sands on February 13th 1748 by a rival ship, Everyone on board was killed. Other stories suggest that the ship was purposely ran aground by a love-sick mate who had designs on the Captains fiancée.
Two other ghostly craft are said to frequent the area - the liner 'Montrose', and a man of war named 'Shrewsbury', while on one occasion, in 1974, a look-out on the East Goodwins lightship reported that an old paddle steamer had run aground there. Ramsgate Lifeboat crew searched the area, despite the fact that no ship was reported missing, and they found nothing. Research later showed that a cross channel paddle steamer ran aground on the sands during the last century, losing the lives of all those on board. Recent reports have suggested that there was NEVER a 'Lady Lovibund' suggesting the story is a myth. Given the fact that if everyone on board had died then no-one would be left to tell the tale of it if the love-sick mate story was true.
HAINE HOSPITAL
There have been many tales of this hospital over the years, including former staff members being seen in the corridors and general feelings of presences.
HANOVER COTTAGE, GRANGE ROAD
This 17th century home has the ghost of 'Charlie', who has been seen, in the form of a little old man, standing in the doorway.
HOVERPORT SITE
I have been given an interesting tale from a good few years ago. A couple of people were messing around with an air gun in and around the already decrepit Hoverport building when they heard banging noises from inside. On a following visit they took a tape recorder and though nothing was heard at the time, a subsequent listen to the tape unearthed some extremely strange sounds including a deep voice saying 'You try to find me, but are a thousand years too late'
HENEKEY'S INN / THE FORTE
In the 1960', this pub, which is now a residential property, in Plains of Waterloo saw new manager's move out within eight weeks due to the strange activity there. Beer barrels moved, chandeliers swung and lit cigarettes were unexplicably found.
HERESON SCHOOL (OLD BUILDING)
There are a couple of tales surrounding the former Lillian Road site. Apparently there use to be a gym (I believe to be at the top of the building) where there were several strange things happen, including movement of heavy ropes with no breeze.
There is also a tale (possibly one of false legend status) that tells of a boy who fell down a staircase and died when his head hit the third step from the bottom. Reports of uneasiness on the stair ,and sometimes a feeling of walking through something 'mushy' on it.
THE HERMITAGE
A shadow gazing from a window across the garden is believed to be the spirit of a part-Romany girl in Ramsgate's last remaining thatched cottage.
THE LORD OF THE MANOR ROUNDABOUT
Not sure if there have been many sightings since the new roundabout was built but before that there were numerous tales of a phantom carriage near the manor house. There have also been sightings of a glow, similar to that of a lantern, in the area.
Further research has also thrown up sightings of a 'monk', which drivers have attempted to dodge, in the road. However, one report suggested that the monks robes actually looked more like a naval duffel coat, which, with the presence of the services in the area during war time, would be feasible.
Vehicles have been seen to divert from their route for no apparent reason and there have been many accidents since the first at the spot in 1922.
Yet more strange happenings at the site have been told to me recently. The sound of an approaching motorbike has been heard there, though the bike never appears, while sounds similar to marching legionnaires have also been heard - possibly on their way to Richborough Castle, which is said to be haunted by similar soldiers?
Jake Bamford has contacted me with some information that suggests there is still activity there despite the new layout........
The Lord of the Manor experience occurred about three years ago when I got dropped off on the Haine Road side of the bridge by a cab at about three am. Walking back to Cliffsend towards the Sandwich Road I remember how quiet it was and paranormal thoughs wern't in my mind. I'd just got level with the crash barrier between the Sandwich Rd roundabout and the sign when there was a loud 'ping' on the crash barrier. I glanced around and quickly looked down into the field in case anyone was throwing missiles at me or the barrier but couldn't see any sign of any one. I walked on and had gone about 10 feet when right next to me was another loud 'ping' on the barrier. I kind of lost my nerve after that and trotted down towards Chalk Hill where sometimes there is a police car parked, however not on this night. Had one been there I would've asked them to just check the area to make sure no one was there.
NETHERCOURT PARK
There is no tale to back this up bar what we experienced . The lights we saw were one of the most awesome things I have seen to date. It is rumored that a plane crashed in the park during the war, which created the 'dip' in the park. Given this is where the lights were seen can it be accurate?
NERO'S SITE
Men in uniform, strange smells and time-slips have all been reported at the former nightclub. SEE MORE ON THE NERO'S TALE. Bob Pryor has provided me with some further information on this location. In the early part of this summer a group of Gypies moved on to the site but stayed only a few hours some thing made them leave in a rush in the early hours.
PEGWELL BAY
The shoreline of the bay has always been a popular early morning haunt (sorry) of shrimpers. It is also seemingly the haunt of deceased shrimpers as there are stories of people being seen in the sea with a net, even speaking to the other shrimpers, before disappearing from site.
PEGWELL BAY CARAVAN PARK
In 1973 a family staying in the park had a strange experience which caused them to cut their holiday short. Two of the children were frightened one by a man’s laugh, unbeknown to them that the previous night their mum had received a visit from a ghost in a souwester hat.
PETER NEWMAN SHOES
The storerooms above the shop used to be a flat and during that time many strange occurrences took place, not least the appearance of an elderly woman and knocks on the door when no-one was there.
PRIVATE HOUSE, GILBERT ROAD
The next location is Jake Bamfords present house but this is what happened in one he looked at before moving there.
As a matter of interest, before coming to this house, we viewed a bungalow in Gilbert Road Ramsgate. A very strong presence of the former occupants, an elderly couple (mainly her) who did not appreciate us looking over 'their house'.
PRIVATE HOUSE, QUEEN BERTHA ROAD
Jake Bamford emailed me these details of his current home.
It's a 1930's terrace house and has a resident presence. Her name is Victoria and she is a 13 or 14 year old girl killed during the last war. 1941 or 43. She got caught in a bomb blast on her way to Southwood. She can be very active especially when she thinks she's got an audience! We had some friends round for a barbeque in the summer and was recounting the story of her when the phone rang not normally though but very softly. When we answered there was nobody there. Sometimes she'll knock at the door, even as I started to write this, the phone rang but there was nobody there (although it rang at it's usual volume which might indicate it was a wrong number from 'this side' as opposed to Victoria from the 'other side'.). Occasionally she'll wander around sometimes you just catch glimpses of her other times you just sense her. She's very friendly and it's nice to have her around, sometime I hold little one sided conversations with her!
PYSONS ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
Footsteps, apparitions and cigar-shaped mists as well as strange atmospheres have been experienced in parts of this estate, built on or near the site of a former airfield.
RAF MANSTON
Though it is highly likely that RAF Manston would be the home of paranormal activity, the only tale I can find is that of a 'grey lady' who haunted the Officer's Mess. Unfortunately the mess was pulled down in 1991 but the ghost had been seen by a number of people.
RAMSGATE HOSPITAL
This was mentioned by magiemay in the forum then in a bit more detail via email. A grey lady walks the corridors of the hospital, which is soon to be turned into flats.
RED LION
A spirit known as George moves things around in the cellar of this pub, as well as creating a very cold atmosphere.
REGENCY HOTEL
Sue Peall worked as an EFL teacher there for 18 years until 1998 and the corridor on the 3rd floor was said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman, in a long grey dress who floated along then turned and passed through the wall where there may have originally been a door.
ROYAL VICTORIA PAVILLION
I know a couple of stories involving this place from my time working there. Incidents included knocks on doors when the building was empty and the doors were locked, people bumping into things that are not there and people walking through walls!
ST AUGUSTINES ABBEY/SCREAMING ALLEY
There are three stories as to why this pathway gained its name. One is from a horse and cart which raced down the path before plummeting off the cliff. The second is one that suggests that young girls would go down there to see the soldiers during the war then ran back up the path screaming with excitement. My favourite, however, is that it is the spirit of an unfaithful nun.
ST LAWRENCE HOUSE
This house, which I believe is now flats, backs on to Ellington Park and has been host to phantom monks and an old woman standing in a bedroom doorway!
THE SAN CLU HOTEL
The San Clu was requisitioned as a sergeants mess during the war, and it is said that the shouts of a regimental sergeant major can be heard.
TOWNLEY HOUSE
This building, built in 1792 and home to Farleys in living memory has a few tales to tell. Paul Nettleingham says the following in his history of the building which can be found HERE
Mysterious crashes, ghostly footsteps load enough to make two grown men run out of the building, strange foreboding presence feelings, and most famously a single ghostly white hand floating through the air touching Mr. Harold Farley on the shoulder and then disappearing through a wall, making him run through the building and leaving him quivering, speechless in a chair, so bad we all thought he had suffered a heart attack. There are people who won't even enter the building, or those who certainly don't want to be in there alone. There is one room at the back of the building on the first floor which seems to be the cause of most of the happenings; it's unnaturally cold all year round. The tunnels under the building fanning out in all directions hold there own secrets, one linking the main building to the ill fated Townley castle with it's own tales of gruesome hangings, others rumored to go to St. George's Church. So much has happened in the building it's no wonder it's haunted.
TRAIN STATION
There are 2 stories that I know of involving this site. Firstly, within the last decade, there has been a story of cleaners on one of the trains, lying idle by the alley between the station and the swimming pool, seeing something in the early hours of the morning.
More famously (perhaps), is the story relating to the alleyway to the left of the station. This featured in The Daily Mirror about 15 years ago and told of a couple who walked down the alley on the way home in the early hours of Christmas morning, As they were walking down it they spotted a well-dressed man walking up from the bottom, by the bridge. As they got nearer the man disappeared behind a lamp-post.
UNKNOWN BUNGALOW, CLIFFSEND
I know this is not strictly Ramsgate but I have not got a Cliffsend section yet and as I am in the process of redesigning the site I will not add one until then.
Jake Bamford emailed me the details of this.
I was born and raised in a bog standard 1950's bungalow in Cliffsend. This had a presence in it (maybe two or three even) that my Mother, Father and I were all aware of. Footsteps shuffling in the hall, torch like lights flashing at windows, the occasional glimpse of a tall figure both inside and outside the house and tapping on the windows. This phenomenon occurred as recent as last week when my mother was woken up at 3am by some one tapping on the toilet window!
UNKNOWN HOUSE
Sue Peall sent me this fascinating tale of a friend’s house.
I also had a very strange experience in a private house in Ramsgate where a friend of mine who is psychic lived. The presence was definitely there as it was felt by me, my friend and a colleague of her husband's. The 3 of us were in the front room one evening and were not talking about anything spiritual but when I got up to go to the toilet, the living room door would not open. It was like a powerful force was pulling the handle on the other side but then the door suddenly opened and there was no one there. After that the room was icy cold and I was told I had to call on someone close to me on the other side to come and protect me. I thought of my maternal grandfather and felt he came. Both my friend and her husband's colleague were able to describe him although they had never met him or seen a photo. He died in about 1972.Ity was a very frightening episode but after my friend had a daughter we both felt that the presence left. I don't know why. I will never forget that night.
VALE SQUARE, UNKNOWN HOUSE
Ian emailed me to say that he had what he thinks is a young girls spirit in his basement.
'She has hummed tunes to me and has moved objects, magnetic letters on a fridge/freezer door. She has told me her name is Elizabeth, and just before christmas we put some paper and a crayon in the cellar to see if she would write something, she did, there is some scribble and the words " E go home". We havent heard or felt her since, we haven't had the nerve to go down and film or record anything, or in fact tell anyone. I can understand if you think we're a bit nutty but having read your accounts, it seems we are not the only one's. Anyway i hope this information helps in some way, and I do miss her rendition of "Lavenders Blue" which she would hum to me'
THE WHEATSHEAF, ST LAWRENCE
This pub is currently closed and reportedly about to turn into a Chinese takeaway. However, during it's time as a pub, there were several sightings of a figure walking through the toilet wall.
WESTWOOD CROSS
A Thanet Times article suggests that the site of the new shopping centre has the ghost of an ambulance man. It also states that his spirit used to be in the now demolished ambulance station. See more HERE
WOOLWORTHS
Things have flown off shelves and other strange things have happened in the stockroom. The site was originally occupied by the Bull and George pub which was bombed, killing (as I recall) 13 people during the war.
I believe a priest has been called to the bulding and presume the activity has stopped.
THE YORK ARMS, KING STREET