The history of the haunted Pontefract house that homes 'the most terrifying ghost in Britain'
The Pontefract home is reputedly haunted by the ‘Blank Monk’
A Pontefract house has achieved viral fame due to claims it harbours one of the country's "most terrifying ghosts", with its owner, film producer Bil Bungay, admitting he's too afraid to spend a night there.
Located at 30 East Drive, the property is reputedly haunted by the "Black Monk", a poltergeist whose activity dates back to 1966 when a family first moved into the dwelling.
What followed were years of inexplicable and terrifying events, including lights flickering on and off, plants being violently ejected from their pots, cupboards shaking, photographs slashed, and countless objects levitating or being thrown.
One particularly harrowing account describes the youngest daughter of the family being dragged, kicking and screaming, up the stairs, an ordeal that left her traumatised with visible finger marks on her throat.
Local newspapers of the time dubbed the "demonic" poltergeist the "Black Monk". Ten years later, an amateur historian investigating the phenomena uncovered old reports of a Tudor monk who died in the area during the 16th century. This monk was believed to have been associated with Pontefract Priory, a Cluniac monastery founded in 1090.
Bil Bungay, who produced a horror film based on the house's chilling history, purchased the property after discovering it was for sale.
"After completing the movie, I discovered that the actual house, where all these incredible events allegedly happened, was for sale and it was…er, cheap – so I bought it!" he explained.
Despite owning the infamous house, Bungay has never spent a night there and has no intention of doing so. "I pay the council tax on the place and I promise you I have never stayed there and nor do I have any intention of staying there!" he stated.
He added that even his "smart, grounded, healthily sceptical friends" who have stayed overnight have reported "subtle stuff, but nevertheless real" occurrences.
While not a typical bed and breakfast, 30 East Drive is a notorious destination for ghost hunters and those seeking evidence of the "Black Monk". Recent visitor accounts posted on the house's website include radiators mysteriously being turned up full, a duvet arranged into a man's figure on a neighbour's son's bed, and dolls in the front room changing positions.
One visitor shared their experience online: "This is the place where I had the most amazing phenomena. We heard loud footsteps above us and the light in the kitchen shook with the motion." Another simply described it as "a very haunted house."
Despite the availability of bookings for overnight stays, Bungay strongly advises against it. "There is definitely something deeply profound and intimidating in this house, so frankly I think you’d be nuts to make a booking!"
Theoretical physicists are offered free visits to the property. Details for bookings, house rules, and waivers can be found at www.30eastdrive.com/booking-step-1/.