Ghosts of 30 East Drive

Join the team on our investigation here and discover for yourself if any of what has been documented is true or sensationalised. A good way to describe 30 East Drive would be to liken it to a modern day Ancient Ram Inn. The spirits are unwelcoming and active and certainly make their presence known to all who set out to challenge them.

We wont go too much into detail over what happened to Diane Pritchard for fear of power of suggestion and we suggest that you do not read too much detail on this property before you investigate it. We will then hopefully be able to have a fresher insight into what is going on. The film, 'When The Lights Went Out' was based purely on some of the terrifying experiences of this poor family.

Many have tried to capture the ghosts and spirits here using many ghost hunting methods and techniques. Our mediums have identified the spirit of a nice female whilst others have endured the presence of a heavy male. Who knows what or who we will uncover but it will not be for the want of trying.

History of 30 East Drive

This unassuming building has become the focus for Yorkshire horror stories, people who have stayed here have been tormented by the infamous monk who makes himself known very loudly to those who enter here. Abandoned for years there is a strange musty smell which you would expect after nobody has lived there. The house itself is unassuming and there are some artefacts which demonstrate that people have lived here as their home. I suppose it is a bit like entering a time warp where nothing has changed.

Some haunting china dolls are still visible in the living room and the patterned carpet of the era still lies on the floor. However, it feels as if something dangerous and intimidating is about to happen. The whole estate where the house belongs has been damaged by the happenings at 30 East Drive and the spine-tingling reputation that it still holds to this day.

This is one B&B the owner DOESN'T recommend you stay in, it has that much history (and having witnessed events for himself) even he won't stay there. Owner Bil Bungay is an Ad man and film producer. When asked why he bought the most infamous haunted house in Europe? He said he had recently made a movie about the house called When the Lights Went Out and was looking for ways to promote the movie when the house came up for sale - and was cheap!

Jean, Joe, Phillip (15) and Diane (12) Pritchard moved into Number 30 East Drive, Pontefract in August 1966. Almost immediately, during the hot summer Bank Holiday, Phillip and his Grandmother first witnessed a baffling phenomenon - a fine layer of chalk like dust falling, not from the ceiling but from a level below head height.

This was the beginning of several years of incredible, inexplicable events; green foam appearing from taps and toilet even after the water was turned off, the tea dispenser being activated resulting in all the dried tea cascading onto the work surface, lights being turned off and on, plants leaping out of their pots and landing on the stairs, cupboards shaking violently, photographs being slashed and an endless list of levitating and thrown objects  including a solid oak sideboard. When both Phillip and Diane were beginning to exit adolescence, the activity reached a new climactic height with Dianes long hair suddenly standing on its end, followed by her being dragged kicking and screaming up the stairs, an event that left her seriously traumatised and with clearly visible finger marks on her throat.

Dubbed Mr Nobody by the local press in 1968 and simply 'Fred' by the family - this poltergeist is recognised as being one of the most violent in European History. A quick search online will provide you with more information about both past and present events, or simply visit the house website for a comprehensive list of incredible recent happenings, visitors comments and images:

30 East Drive has 3 bedrooms: 1 double, 1 single and 1 small single in which the bed was recently, noisily destroyed by the poltergeist. The bed is now fixed, so if you are excited the owner recommends that you don't. The one guest that has partially managed to spend the night there was pinned to the bed in a state of paralysis and terror.

THE STORY OF 30 EAST DRIVE

In August 1966 on a hot summer’s day an unsuspecting family, The Pritchard’s, moved into 30 East Drive, Pontefract. The family members consisted of Jo and Jean, Phillip aged 15 and Diane aged 12.  Strange things began to occur and on the day that they moved in a strange occurrence took place in the form of a dust floating around them that seemed odd to say the least.  This dust settled and in their efforts to clear it up, Mrs Kelly, the children’s aunt, went into the kitchen to get some cleaning implements only to discover a mysterious pool of water that had appeared on the kitchen floor.  The pools of water then appeared all over the kitchen whilst they looked on in shock.

This was just the beginning and nobody could ever have predicted how much they would endure over the next several years. A foam which was green in colour would come out of taps and toilets even though the water had been turned off, lights going on and off repeatedly with no apparent fault. Cupboards shaking violently and objects being slashed.  Pictures were shredded and plants mysteriously leapt out of their plant pot on many occasions.  Furniture moved on its own even heavy sideboards. 

The family had become terrified yet refused to leave their wonderful home. They became so used to the activity that they named the activist as Fred the Poltergeist.  Many attempts were made to help the family gain some peace. Exorcisms were rebuffed as Fred mocked at them and people were attacked physically when he became angry.  The walls leaked fluid on many occasions when attempts at splashing holy water were used.  Fred became violent at times and lifted up objects, moving them in mid-air.  Will your ghost hunt with Haunted Happenings at 30 East Drive make Fred angry?  Are you brave enough to find out? 

Fred concentrated most of his malevolent activity on Diane Pritchard who became the main focus of the haunting. Although it is thought to be rare for a poltergeist to cause grievous bodily harm, Fred made Diane’s life a misery.  As she grew older the attacks took on a new level and she was dragged screaming up the stairs, her face was constantly slapped and she was pulled out of bed.  Her hair was forever being pulled from her head.  Diane ended up severely traumatized and with clearly distinguishable finger marks on her throat. 

Haunted Happenings ghost hunts at 30 East Drive will help us to really find out what it is that is haunting this terrifying building and you can join us if you are brave enough.

Your Event Includes

• Includes teas and coffees
• Use of ghost hunting equipment including EMF Meters, K2 Meters etc.
• Experiments including glass divination and table tipping.
• Ghost hunting vigils and séances in small groups.
• Optional sleepover, please see additional information below.

Optional sleepover - if you would like to sleepover until 08:00am there is an additional fee of £10.00 per person which must be paid to your Haunted Happenings host at the start of the night.

This does not need to be booked in advance with us. You are able to decide when you arrive on the night whether you wish to sleepover.

You will need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow with you.

Address, Maps & Hotels

Address & Hotel Information

30 East Drive, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2AN

For Hotels near to Poltergeist House 30 East Drive , please click here. opens in a new window

Parking

• Local Street Parking

Map & Directions

Information

Accessibility

• This location is not suitable for wheelchair users
• People with mobility issues or walking difficulties please call the office before booking

Important

• All attendees must be 18 years or older
• All attendees must bring a torch
• Wear sensible shoes and warm layered clothing as the location may get cold at night

Location Photos