HAUNTED MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES
Many public places around England have seen ghost sightings, shadow figures, and other strange happenings over the years and Kent is not excluded from these stories. Some have ghost stories before opening as Museums and libraries, while others only started being reported after being converted...here is what Gofeps have found so far....
If you know of any that are not mentioned or if you hear of any reports of Paranormal Activity at any of the places named above that haven't been reported, please get in touch. Thank you.
DARTFORD DISTRICT
DARTFORD LIBRARY & MUSEUM
MARKET ST, DARTFORD DA1
A.W. Smale, Chairman of the Dartford Urban District Council, and W.A. Ward, Chairman of the Library Committee, officially opened the doors to Dartford Central Library for the first time on January 1, 1916.
The library was constructed as a Carnegie library with financial support from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It was designed by Thomas E. Tiffin AMICE, who was the surveyor for the Dartford Urban District Council at the time, and built by H. Friday and Sons and Ling in Bath, using Portland and York stone.
Its first visitors were soldiers from World War I who were recovering from injuries in nearby military hospitals. In 1937, the library expanded to include what was once the Dartford Tin Works. The original building occupied the area to the right of the current Museum entrance.
During the Second World War, the library's cupola dome served as an air raid watch post.
In 2016, the library underwent a significant refurbishment, creating internal access between it and the Dartford Museum. The library also established the Peter Blake Gallery to showcase works by local artists. Today, Dartford Library is open six days a week.
**Hauntings**
The library is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the TV show "Most Haunted." Employees and visitors have reported unexplained sensations of being touched and the feeling of being watched. They have heard footsteps and noticed strong, unusual scents of lavender. The ghostly figure known as the Lavender Lady is said to regularly stroll through the corridors and staff rooms of the 90-year-old building. In the 1970s, her presence was felt when she was heard stomping across the parquet flooring, even though it was covered in carpet.
Witnesses have also seen books mysteriously falling off shelves despite being securely placed. There is a spectral resident named Kathleen, who is believed to be a spinster and the daughter of the first librarian. The reason for her persistent hauntings of the staff remains a mystery.
Local historian Christoph Bull, however, remains skeptical about the claims of hauntings and has never personally witnessed any strange occurrences during his time at the library.
You can watch the "Most Haunted" episode featuring the library on the GofEPS YouTube playlist. HERE
DOVER DISTRICT
. Crabble Corn Mill
Lower Road River CT17
(currently open to public Thursdays-Sundays Opening days and times may be modified depending on other events and staff availability)
(It is not a Hostelry but a working Corn Mill; however, they do have a fully licensed café, so I added it here)
Records show that a mill had existed on this site since at least 1227, when Henry III granted a Charter of Confirmation to the Monks at St. Radigund's Abbey in the 13th century.
You can still view the ruined Abbey from the hills west of the mill.
The current structure was built in 1812. John Pilcher owned the small country mill at Crabble and built a large new mill beside it. He could profit from government contracts to mill flour for the troops, guarding Dover against Napoleon's threat of invasion.
The existing mill was later demolished to allow for additional storage space, which is now the exhibition area on the ground floor and the tea rooms.
The mill is a working museum that shows Georgian and Victorian engineering excellence at work using one of nature's most powerful forces—water.
1990 The Mill was rescued from demolition and opened to the public. It can now boast to be one of the most complete and working examples of a Georgian watermill in Europe.
Six floors of exhibits and milling machinery describe the process of turning wheat into flour, and the wholemeal flour created is available for sale at the mill.
The café, which is also available for private functions, serves a variety of snacks and meals and has a fully licensed bar serving a variety of beers, cider, wines, and spirits. Several beer festivals are held throughout the year.
A man named George Daynes was married to Phoebe. They bore 18 children. They resided in one of the Millers' cottages, sited next to the mill. George was born in 1851, and he became a Rollerman at Crabble in 1883 until 1892. During this time, George contracted Miller's lung* and eventually died in 1907.
Another story is about two brothers, Edward and William Craft, pauper apprentice millers at Crabble Mill in the early 1800s. Edward was 4 years old when he died at the mill in 1818. He was on level 5 and accidentally fell into the hopper and drowned in the flour. His brother William met his early death 4 years later, in 1822, on level 2 when he fell into the gear workings. Both the boys got buried in the local churchyard of St. Peter & St. Paul's in River.
**HAUNTINGS**
Several sightings of the children at the mill have occurred. Visitors have commented on occasions that the "Victorian children running around, a nice touch!"
Several other people have reported breathing problems while in the mill. (but the atmosphere could be sensitive to some people)
An investigation in 2006 by Ghostconnections reported some paranormal activity.
A team member saw a shadow of what she described as a small child, possibly 4 or 5 years old. The team heard whistling several times. Later, it was informed that a previous employee at the mill whistled a great deal and used to mimic birdsong.
Their findings in the evening are inconclusive.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
*Miller's lung:
A type of allergic inflammation of the lungs in people who are hypersensitive to the granary weevil; people who work with grains or flours contaminated with this weevil are at high risk for this disease, hence the name Miller's lung.
Those who have developed a hypersensitivity to the granary weevil have an acute reaction, including fever, cough, chills, and shortness of breath, within hours of re-exposure to the weevil. Given no further contact with the evil weevil, the symptoms typically improve over a day or two. Still, sometimes weeks are needed for a full recovery.
In the subacute form of Miller's lung, a cough and shortness of breath develop over days or weeks and may be so severe as to require hospitalization. With chronic Miller's lung, which results from contact with the weevil over months to years, there may be scarring (fibrosis) of the lung with increasing shortness of breath and a cough productive of sputum, progressing over months or years to respiratory failure.
GRAVESEND DISTRICT
NORTHFEET LIBRARY
3 COLDHARBOUR RD, NORTHFLEET, GRAVESEND DA11
Coldharbour Library was opened in 1961 to support the area's rapid development following World War II. Like all libraries outside of Gravesend, it was part of the Kent County Library system, which added two mobile libraries that served the Dartford villages, the Hoo Peninsula, Medway Valley, and northern communities.
In 1974, all of Kent's independent public libraries joined the Kent County Library, unifying library services. However, this change was not well-received by Gravesend Library.
In 2006, Coldharbour Library underwent a complete interior refurbishment as part of the "Love Libraries" campaign, a national initiative aimed at modernizing libraries.
**Hauntings**
There have been reports of a ghost in the library: the spirit of a man who committed suicide in the building in 1952 is said to still linger there. Local historian Christoph Bull, who has been studying folklore in north Kent since his teenage years, has compiled an extensive list of ghost stories reported in the area. He has received emails from former staff members now living around the world who remember their experiences at the library. Christoph notes, "It is one of those rare stories where there is documentary evidence, and people have written statements." He hosts Ghost Suppers and shares the stories he's collected over the years, so be sure to check the GofEPS Events in Kent page for updates.
GRAVESEND LIBRARY
WINDMILL ST GRAVESEND DA12
Gravesend began its public library service in 1893, operating from two rooms in the Victoria Adult Education Centre on Darnley Road.
Andrew Carnegie (November 25, 1835 – August 11, 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and one of the most significant philanthropists of his time. Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, he emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1848. Carnegie played a crucial role in the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and is often regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in history.
With his fortune, he dedicated the remainder of his life to supporting local libraries, with particular emphasis on their establishment. In 1913, Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie UK Trust.
The Carnegie Library in Gravesend was donated by Andrew Carnegie and officially opened its doors on September 23, 1905. The architect, Edmund J. Bennett, designed the building in the Palladian Renaissance style, while AE Tong served as the builder. Initially, the library operated under closed access, meaning patrons had to request books directly. However, in 1924, shelves and bookcases were added, allowing visitors to browse the books independently.
The library was awarded a Grade II listing in 1975 and expanded into the neighboring building in 1983. In 2011, it underwent a major refurbishment, during which workmen discovered a 300-year-old brandy bottle and a small porcelain cup in the Carnegie Building, named after the millionaire who funded it in 1904. Christoph Bull, the district manager of Gravesham and Dartford libraries, informed the Gravesend reporter, “Certainly, there would have been no drinks allowed on the site (an almshouse at the time), so we think it was probably someone’s secret tipple that they had to stow away quickly during an inspection.”
**Hauntings**
It has been reported that librarian and former Royal Marine Gordon Jenns, who had been working at the library for 14 years, often heard a toilet flush several times over the years, always on Friday nights after patrons had left. He also reported hearing mysterious footsteps before each flushing event.
MAIDSTONE DISTRICT
KENT LIFE
LOCK LANE SANDLING MAIDSTONE ME14
Discover the individuals who contributed to the growth of the Garden of England and immerse yourself in the homes and lifestyles of Kent's rural past.
Pett Farmhouse, originally situated four miles from Kent Life, has been beautifully restored to its Victorian splendor. Nearby, WWII cottages from Lenham showcase the typical home of a wartime housewife, reflecting the decorating styles of the 1930s, as furniture and fittings were scarce and rationed.
The Sandling Petts Farmhouse, a historical gem dating back to the 16th century, offers a unique blend of the past and present. Adorned in 1950s vintage decor, it takes visitors on a fascinating journey through time. An attic exhibition highlights the house's history and its various owners, providing an intriguing glimpse into life during the 1950s.
The collection of original buildings includes the Village Hall from Ulcombe, the Granary, the Oast House, traditional Hoppers' Huts, and a working Blacksmith's forge, inviting exploration and discovery of their rich histories. The farm was once part of Allington Castle, owned by Sir Thomas Wyatt, who was famously associated with Anne Boleyn. This site boasts a history spanning over 400 years, witnessing numerous changes from the Tudor era to the Georgian period, and most recently, the Victorian age. The last owner, Mr. George Brundle, has made a lasting impact on this historic location.
**HAUNTINGS**
Nestled at the base of Bluebell Hill, noted as one of the most haunted locations in England, the museum at Sandling Farm has roots dating back to 1555. This site is not merely a repository of history; it is also shrouded in mystery. Renowned as one of the most haunted museums in the county, it has a rich history filled with tales of paranormal activity. If you enjoy ghost stories, keep an eye out for the spirits said to roam the village.
Reported apparitions include the ghost of a German fighter pilot whose plane crashed on the grounds, a woman who died holding her baby, and another young woman who is often seen wandering near the pond by the original Oast House. Witnesses have described sinister shadows and faces appearing in windows when no one is present, as well as lights flickering on and off and sudden cold spots emerging seemingly out of nowhere. Additionally, there is an old gypsy caravan housed in one of the barns, which is said to be cursed and continues to be so to this day.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
MEDWAY DISTRICT
THE SIX POOR TRAVELLERS HOUSE
97 HIGH STREET. ROCHESTER. KENT. ME1
The Six Poor Travellers House is a 16th-century charitable accommodation located in Rochester, Medway. It was established by local MP Richard Watts to provide free lodging for poor travelers. In his will, Watts allocated funds for the benefit of six destitute travelers, each of whom, according to a plaque on the building, would receive lodging and "entertainment" for one night before being sent on their way with fourpence.
The small almshouse now known as the Six Poor Travellers existed prior to Watts' bequest in his will. His will mentions "the almshouse already erected and standing," with a desire for it to be "reedified" (rebuilt) and expanded to include additional rooms for travelers. This work was completed before the signing of the Indenture Quadripartite in 1593, likely around 1586.
In 1615, a scheme was initiated to provide care for poor children. The 1601 Poor Law made it the responsibility of the Overseers of the Poor to find apprenticeships for orphans, and the almshouse followed this directive. Evidence from the 17th and 18th centuries shows that this practice continued, although references to children ceased by the early 19th century. Charity records indicate that poor children were admitted to the house, with provisions for up to ten male children to stay until age 18 and six female children to stay until age 16. The children could also be apprenticed to "some honest citizen, tradesman, or husbandman."
After 1880, Watts Public Baths were made available, and travelers were required to attend them. However, bathrooms were added to the house in 1923, electric lighting was installed in 1935, and electric radiators were added to the bedrooms the following year, with additional installation in the dining room by 1937.
The Emergency Powers (Defence) Act of 1939 prohibited casual wayfarers in Protected Areas such as Rochester. Following notice from the Chief Constable, the house closed its doors to travelers on July 20, 1940, after 354 years of continuous service.
In 1948, the building was converted to provide two flats for elderly couples, while the ground floor was retained as a museum. In 1977, the building underwent a survey and repairs, returning to its former state with the ground floor and travelers' rooms functioning as a museum, while a residence was located above.
In 1950, the building received its Grade I listing. The house and charity are featured in Charles Dickens' Christmas short story titled "The Seven Poor Travellers," in which Dickens himself, as the narrator, is the seventh traveler. The house includes restored small bedrooms from the Elizabethan period and a herb garden at the rear, and it is open to the public from March to October. During the summer, a courtyard and herb garden attract many visitors.
**HAUNTINGS**
The building is reputed to have paranormal activity, which has startled visitors and employees over the years. Numerous witnesses have reported hearing eerie sounds of moaning and crying coming from one of the small bedrooms at the rear of the property, along with strange knocking sounds throughout the building. A ghostly figure has been seen in the courtyard, and another apparition of a Victorian soldier has been spotted in one of the bedrooms
EASTGATE HOUSE
HIGH ST, ROCHESTER ME1
Built in the 1590s for Sir Peter Buck, the Mayor of Medway and Clerk of the Cheque at Chatham Dockyard, Eastgate House remained in the Buck family for five generations. The Parker family inhabited the house starting in 1687, followed by the Bartholomew family in the 1750s. By 1761, it was owned by Annabel Darwin.
While the exact date of the school's establishment is unclear, Samuel Denne's *The History and Antiquities of Rochester and Its Environs* mentions it as a free school in 1772. In 1791, Mr. James Reed occupied the house. By 1841, it had become a Victorian boarding school for girls governed by Rebecca Norton.
Eastgate House is notable for its association with Charles Dickens. It first appeared as "Westgate" in *The Pickwick Papers* in 1836 and later as the "Nun's House" in *The Mystery of Edwin Drood* in 1870. After Dickens's death, it was purchased by Samuel Shaw, a wholesale coal merchant born in Wandsworth; this was his family's last home in England before they moved to Canada.
The building transformed into a young men's hostel in 1890 and a temperance restaurant in 1897. In 1903, Rochester City Council converted it into a library and museum to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. Eastgate House became a Dickens Museum in 1923.
In the gardens of Eastgate House, visitors can see the Swiss Chalet, where Dickens worked on some of his best-known novels. This chalet was a gift from actor Charles Fechter and arrived at Higham Railway Station on Christmas Eve 1864, packed in 58 boxes. Originally located at Dickens's home in Gad's Hill, it was positioned in a part of his garden known as The Wilderness, allowing him a view of the River Thames. To avoid crossing a busy, muddy road, Dickens constructed a tunnel underneath it, which still exists today.
Dickens used the chalet to write and rehearse for his public appearances; the second floor is believed to have been lined with mirrors for this purpose. He was writing *The Mystery of Edwin Drood* in the chalet on the day he died in 1870. The chalet was later moved to Cobham and finally relocated to Eastgate Gardens in the early 1960s.
The Dickens Centre closed in 2004. In December 2012, Medway Council received £1.28 million in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to transform the house into an exhibition center for art and history events, with improved access and visitor facilities. It reopened in July 2017, and the house and gardens are now open to the public on certain days.
**Hauntings**
When Eastgate House opened as a museum, visitors began reporting strange encounters. One person saw a ghostly face peering out of the window of the Victorian Room. Staff members have witnessed an apparition of a woman on the main staircase, describing her as wearing a flowing grey dress. There are also rumors that the ghost of Charles Dickens has been seen sitting at his desk or looking through the shutters of his Swiss chalet.
Eastgate House is one of the sites included in the Ghost Tours of Rochester, hosted by Neil Arnold, the author of many paranormal books about Kent.
You can watch past paranormal events, visitors' experiences, evidence and activities on the GofEPS YouTube playlist HERE.
SWALE DISTRICT
FLEUR DE LIS HERITAGE CENTRE
12 PRESTON ST, FAVERSHAM ME13
The building currently accommodates the Faversham Society and the local museum, which opened its doors in November 2002. This significant establishment serves as both a museum dedicated to showcasing the rich history of Faversham and a tourist information center for visitors exploring the area.
The structure is partially situated within a public house dating back to the 15th century, originally known as the "Masons Arms." This historic tavern was renamed the "Fleur de Lis" after the original inn of the same name, located at Hugh Place, ceased operations in 1653. Michael David Mirams, in his book "Kent Inns and Inn Signs," notes that while the establishment was referred to as the "Masons Arms," it likely reverted to "Fleur de Lis" in the 18th century. It's important to note that there was also a separate establishment called the "Mason Arms" located on West Street, which adds to the area's historical complexity.
According to a plaque affixed to the building at 1 & 2 Hugh Place, “In the 16th century, 1 & 2 Hugh Place was the Fleur de Lis inn, where the successful plot to murder Thomas Arden was hatched in February 1661, as immortalized in the play *Arden of Feversham*.” This historical nugget emphasizes the building's intriguing past and its connection to notable events in Faversham's history.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore an immersive experience that includes a meticulously reconstructed Victorian schoolroom and kitchen, offering a glimpse into daily life in the past. The museum also features a variety of exhibits related to World War I and World War II, showcasing uniforms, memorabilia, and personal stories that highlight the impact of these events on the local community. Additional displays include period costumes, shopfront recreations indicative of Faversham's commercial history, and a selection of vintage sports equipment, along with informative panels detailing the town's rich heritage.
**HAUNTINGS**
The building is reputed to harbor at least one longstanding resident known as "The White Lady." Staff members frequently report sightings of her at the top of the staircase, where her ethereal figure is said to appear, adding an air of mystery to the museum. Furthermore, there have been peculiar reports regarding the telephone exchange on display in the museum, which has been known to ring unexpectedly, despite being disconnected from any active lines. These supernatural occurrences add an intriguing layer to the museum's already rich tapestry of history.