The Black Monk of Pontefract

The Pontefract Poltergeist, also known as the Black Monk of Pontefract, is considered one of Europe’s most violent and enduring poltergeist cases. For three years, the Pritchard family endured increasingly terrifying phenomena in their council house at 30 East Drive in the Chequerfield estate.

The Setting

The Pritchard family - Joe and Jean Pritchard, with their two children Phillip (15) and Diane (12) - moved into 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the early 1960s. The house was built on land that was once part of a Cluniac priory established in 1090.

The First Incident (August 1966)

The first dramatic event occurred on August 1, 1966, while Joe and Jean were away on vacation. Their son Phillip was being looked after by his grandmother, Sarah Scholes.

On a hot, dry summer day:

• A fine white powder suddenly fell from mid-air throughout the house
• Pools of water appeared on the kitchen floor with no apparent source
• Despite mopping up repeatedly, the pools returned within minutes
• A plant suddenly traveled across the room by itself
• The base of the toilet cracked loudly

When Jean Pritchard returned home, the activity had stopped. It would resume sporadically over the following months and years.

Escalation

The phenomena at 30 East Drive escalated dramatically:

Objects Moving and Flying

• Heavy furniture slid across floors
• Objects flew through the air with force
• Kitchen implements were thrown
• The refrigerator was found moved and tipped on its side
• Eggs floated out of baskets and smashed against walls

Lights and Electronics

• Lights turned on and off constantly
• Light bulbs unscrewed and shattered
• Electrical equipment malfunctioned
• Television channels changed by themselves

Physical Attacks

The entity became increasingly aggressive:

• Family members were pushed and struck
• Diane was particularly targeted, being dragged up the stairs by an invisible force
• Red marks and scratches appeared on family members
• Objects were thrown at people with apparent intent to harm

The Manifestation

Eventually, the entity began to manifest visually:

• A tall figure in a black monk’s habit was seen
• The figure had no visible face under its hood
• It appeared solid enough to be photographed
• It became known as “The Black Monk”

Notable Incidents

The Dragging

In one of the most terrifying events, 12-year-old Diane was reportedly dragged up the stairs by her throat, leaving clear fingerprint-shaped bruises. Multiple witnesses, including neighbors, saw the aftermath.

The Writing on the Wall

Mysterious writing appeared on walls, including the word “DICK” - possibly referring to a monk named Michael who was executed for murder in the area during the reign of Henry VIII.

The Painting Incident

An image of a crucifix was destroyed, while paintings depicting suffering remained untouched - suggesting the entity had particular hatred for religious symbols.

Christmas 1968

The phenomena reached a peak around Christmas 1968:

• The Christmas tree levitated
• Ornaments were destroyed
• The house became intensely cold
• The Black Monk was seen by multiple witnesses

Connection to Local History

Research revealed:

• The house stood on the site of a gallows used by the Cluniac Priory
• A Cluniac monk was allegedly hanged in the 16th century for the murder of a young girl
• The monk’s description matched that of the apparition
• The girl in the house (Diane) was targeted most - possibly because she was close to the age of the monk’s alleged victim

Investigation and Witnesses

The case was witnessed by:

• Family members and relatives
• Neighbors who came to investigate
• Local police officers
• Members of the press
• Various researchers and investigators

Notably, the family did not seek publicity and actually tried to hide the events initially. They did not profit from the haunting and were reluctant participants in any investigation.

Duration and End

The phenomena continued with varying intensity from 1966 to 1969. Activity reportedly decreased after the family obtained a religious blessing and after the children grew older.

However, subsequent residents of 30 East Drive have reported occasional phenomena, suggesting the haunting never fully ceased.

Legacy

The Pontefract case has become famous in paranormal circles:

• When the Lights Went Out (2012): A film dramatizing the events
• Books: Multiple accounts have been published
• Tourism: 30 East Drive operates as a paranormal tourism destination
• Television: Featured in numerous documentaries and paranormal programs
• Ghost Hunts: The house regularly hosts paranormal investigators

The original family’s accounts, the multiple witnesses, the physical evidence (photographs, marks, damaged objects), and the consistency of reports over time make this one of the most compelling poltergeist cases in British history.

The Black Monk of Pontefract remains one of the most famous British hauntings and continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.