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30 East Drive: A Famous English Poltergeist

30 East Drive: A Famous English Poltergeist

June 14, 2024 Colin Lawson Comments 0 Comment

30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, is an unassuming address that has captured the attention of paranormal enthusiasts and researchers worldwide.

The story of 30 East Drive dates back to the 1960s when the Pritchard family began experiencing strange and terrifying phenomena. Objects would move on their own, green foam appeared from taps, and even ghostly apparitions were reported, leading to the belief that a poltergeist, nicknamed ‘Fred,’ was responsible for the disturbances.


Known as the home of the Black Monk of Pontefract, this ordinary-looking council house harbours a chilling reputation as one of Europe’s most haunted locations.

It is famously known as the site of one of Britain’s most notorious poltergeist activities, often referred to as the Black Monk of Pontefract. The events that unfolded in this house have become a part of paranormal folklore, attracting ghost hunters and the curious from around the globe.

The story began in the late 1960s when the Pritchard family started experiencing strange phenomena. Objects would move on their own, green foam appeared from taps, and photographs were slashed. The family’s daughter, Diane, was reportedly dragged up the stairs by an unseen force, which left the family terrified and the community baffled.


Green foam appeared from taps

The entity behind these disturbances was nicknamed ‘Fred’ and was believed to be a poltergeist, a type of ghost or other supernatural being responsible for physical disturbances. The intensity of the events led the Pritchard family to eventually leave the home, and since then, 30 East Drive has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations.

The events were so intense that they eventually inspired a British film, “When the Lights Went Out,” and continue to intrigue visitors to this day.

Today, 30 East Drive is a popular destination for ghost hunts and paranormal investigations. Those brave enough can book an overnight stay, hoping to catch a glimpse or encounter with the infamous poltergeist. With a modest 1950s decor, the house remains a time capsule, but it’s the unexplained happenings that draw people to its doors.


With a modest 1950s decor, the house remains a time capsule, but it’s the unexplained happenings that draw people to its doors.

Despite its eerie past, 30 East Drive has a certain allure. Whether it’s the history, the mystery, or the thrill of the unknown, this house has cemented its place in the annals of supernatural lore. For those interested in the paranormal, a visit to 30 East Drive offers a unique and spine-tingling experience that challenges the boundary between our world and the next.

As with all tales of the paranormal, scepticism and belief go hand in hand. While some visitors leave convinced of the house’s haunted nature, others depart with more questions than answers. Regardless of one’s stance, the story of 30 East Drive serves as a fascinating chapter in Britain’s rich tapestry of ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena.

If you’re ever in Pontefract, dare to step inside and decide for yourself if the Black Monk still roams the halls of this infamous house.


Image Copyright: All Images on this page remain the property of their respective owners. Credit is given wherever possible. If you are the owner of an image featured and have not been credited, please let us know, we are happy to remove or credit any offending image.


© Colin Lawson Books

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