Podcasts · Pursuit of the Paranormal

Mr. Nobody or the Black Monk? Unravelling the Mystery of 30 East Drive

23 Jan 2026 · 1 h 32 min · Episode 358 · Explicit

The haunting at 30 East Drive, a semi-detached council house in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, commenced shortly after the Pritchard family moved in during August 1966. This episode delves into the unsettling experiences the family encountered, attributed to an unseen force which they referred to as Fred, while media dubbed it Mr. Nobody. The narrative escalates with increasingly disturbing incidents, particularly focusing on the youngest child, Diane, who was allegedly dragged up the stairs by this malevolent entity, leaving her with visible marks. The notoriety of this case has rendered 30 East Drive one of the most renowned poltergeist hauntings in England, inspiring literature and various media adaptations, including the horror film "When the Lights Went Out." As we explore the timeline and complexities of this haunting, we invite you to join us in uncovering the mysteries that surround this infamous location.

Takeaways:

• The haunting at 30 East Drive in Pontefract began shortly after the Pritchard family moved in, with strange occurrences escalating quickly from minor disturbances to alarming physical manifestations. • Over time, the haunting was associated with the legend of the Black Monk of Pontefract, a 16th-century figure said to have been executed for murder, which added a historical context to the family's experiences. • Diane Pritchard, the youngest child, became the focus of the haunting, experiencing incidents such as being dragged up the stairs by an unseen force, leaving her with visible marks on her throat. • The 30 East Drive case gained national attention, inspiring books, documentaries, and a horror film, culminating in the property becoming a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts and investigations. • Despite the compelling nature of the events, there are numerous inconsistencies and contradictions in the timeline of occurrences, leading to skepticism regarding the authenticity of the haunting. • The current owner of 30 East Drive, Bill Bungay, has reported renewed paranormal activity since purchasing the house, suggesting that the location continues to be a site of interest for both believers and skeptics.

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Links in the notes 1

• https://rss.com/podcasts/pursuit-of-the-paranormal/voicemail

The episode on the publisher’s site ↗ (opens in a new tab)