The latest in the occasional series of history features by Susan Yates, chair of Thurrock Historical Society.

The seasons of the year keep turning and as we enter autumn, Halloween and thoughts of ghosts and spooky events will be to the fore. In this article Susan points us in the direction of some ghoulish moments in Thurrock's past.

Every time you visit a large stately home they always tell you about their ghost. Thurrock too has its share of these stories here are just a few.

The Village Ghost North Sifford

Those who have lived in the pretty village of North Stifford for decades will tell you of an apparition that was seen crossing the High Road from St Mary's Church to Well Lane. The spirit was supposed to reside in one of the thatched cottages near St Mary's church.

To keep the spirit happy, a small window would always be left ajar to allow the spirit free access in and out of the cottage.  Apparently if left closed, a disturbing presence would be felt.

Belhus Headless Horseman

Back in 1956 when Belhus Mansion still stood it was said that if you ventured through Belhus Park after dark be on the look out for 'the headless horseman' driving his carriage and four at full speed through the park.

Does a headless man still drive his carriage through Belhus?

I was also told by Father Hugh Barrett-Lennard, the 6^th Baronet, that when he was a child his mother took him to Belhus. They went up on to the roof of the house and whilst descending via a staircase in what had been the old south front and original entrance they heard footsteps behind them. 

Knowing there had been no-one else on the roof but them they speeded up and so did the footsteps. On reaching the ground floor they slammed the door shut behind them the footsteps carried on for a few seconds when they opened the door there was no-one there!

St Clements West Thurrock

On a visit to St Clements Church, West Thurrock I was told by the gentleman who maintained the churchyard that it is haunted. He told me that if he does not say hello to the occupant of a certain grave before mowing the grass around it he would be pelted with stones. 

Corringham

Corringham like most places has its ghost stories. Many years ago an old lady told me the story of a man who stole a sheep then, in fear of being caught, hid in a tree where his wife and family brought him food after dark and it is said that the wife haunts the tree.

Corringham's historic Bush House.

Eminent local historian F.Z. Claro wrote of a story he was told of how in a secret room at Bush House a dust covered skeleton was found sitting at a table. I could find no corroborating evidence for this story and it did sound rather like one of Daphne du Maurier's Novels.