Kent Urban Legends

One tale perhaps more specific to the area than some others, involves a place called “Blue Bell Hill”, where several mysterious stones are located, left in place since the neolithic era. The legend suggests no-one, no matter how hard they try, can count the stones. However, if by some stroke of genius, they complete the task, the devil will appear in-front of them.

Although it may seem like a simple school-yard story, Arnold constructs a pretty compelling case for something odd going on. He attempted to count the stones on many occasions, often with others, but sure enough, every-time he tried, a different number was reached. Unsurprisingly, the strangeness doesn’t stop there. A few terrified people have also reported seeing a ghost walking alongside the road at Blue Bell Hill and our author suggests that these sightings hold weight as there have been many recorded deaths in the area.

As a spooky, night-time read, this publication is fantastic. The formidable storyteller has a great way with words and every case is incredibly well researched, drawing comparisons from similar stories from around the world. Urban legends are probably not meant to be taken entirely seriously, but that’s the beauty of them I suppose – you never know! So the question must be, are you brave enough to find out?

Neil Arnold is an author, a folklore researcher, and a monster-hunter. He hosts regular ghost walks, and has worked with the BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4, as well as appearing on radio shows across the world. It came as no shock to hear that he resides in Kent.

Arguably the best series starter from The History Press so far. I very much look forward to reading more of the “Urban Legends” collection.