30 East Drive Pontefract

The Pritchard family’s home at 30 East Drive in Pontefract became the site of one of Britain’s most violent and well-documented poltergeist hauntings. Over three years, an entity known as the Black Monk of Pontefract terrorized the household.

The House

30 East Drive was an ordinary council house in a quiet Yorkshire neighborhood. The Pritchard family, parents Jean and Joe with children Philip and Diane, lived there unremarkably until August 1966.

The Beginning

While the parents were on vacation, Philip and his grandmother witnessed the first phenomena. Water pooled on the floor. White dust floated from the ceiling. Crashing sounds came from empty rooms.

The Violence

Unlike most poltergeists, this entity was violent. It threw objects with dangerous force. It dragged daughter Diane up the stairs by her throat, leaving visible marks. It attacked visitors. Its malevolence was unmistakable.

The Black Monk

Eventually, the entity manifested visually as a tall figure in a black monk’s robe. Research revealed a monastery had once stood nearby. A monk executed for murder in Henry VIII’s reign was believed to be the spirit.

The Investigation

Investigators witnessed phenomena firsthand. The case was documented extensively. Photographs captured unusual activity. Multiple independent witnesses confirmed the family’s accounts.

The Legacy

30 East Drive still stands and has been investigated repeatedly. The house was purchased specifically for paranormal research. Activity reportedly continues, making it available for investigation.

Assessment

The Pontefract poltergeist stands out for its violence, duration, and documentation. The visible apparition and historical research connecting it to a specific individual add depth to a case that remains compelling decades later.