KENNY BIDDLE

Several British tabloids and paranormal-themed websites reported that a ghostly black monk appeared in a photograph taken by Wickes during a visit to Eynsford Castle in Kent. Wickes had taken his twelve-year-old son to the castle because he was learning about medieval castles in school. The photo, taken from outside the ruined remains of the castle, shows a dark figure standing in the courtyard. The figure is positioned within an opening between a stone wall and the railing of a stairway leading up to the courtyard.

Photo taken by Jon Wickes allegedly showing a ghostly black monk at Eynsford Castle, Kent. Photo copyright Mercury Press & Media.

According to the Daily Record: “Upon returning from the castle, Wickes noticed an unexplained figure lurking in the background, shrouded in a black cloak.” This statement tells us Wickes had apparently left the castle and was already back home before he looked at the photos and noticed the figure. He no longer had the opportunity to verify if the figure was someone else who wandered into the frame. The figure is also not “lurking” in the background; it’s simply standing there with its back facing the camera.

Wickes is quoted in the article claiming “I was certain that figure hadn’t been there when I took the picture.” This is a common claim made after the discovery of a seeming anomaly well after the photo was taken. However, Wickes gives us no indication he was actually paying any attention to this detail; therefore, his claim that “no one was there” is not particularly convincing. He also states, “We only went to take a few pictures because [my son] wanted to know how a castle was built.” The father and son pair did not go to the castle looking for ghosts or to investigate the location in a controlled environment. They went there as tourists, nothing more. I am curious as to the other photos he had taken, which may offer a look at any other tourists.