The fourteenth century Scotney Castle, situated in Lamberhurst, Kent, was the home of the Darell family for over 300 years and it is one of its members that this ghostly tale involves.

Arthur Darrell is thought to have staged his own funeral, for not only was he supposedly seen at his own graveside, but the coffin in which he was buried was later found containing nothing but stones. Reasons as to why he staged his own funeral are unknown, but some believe that it may be linked with the murder of a revenue officer.

After his 'death', Arthur Darrell is thought to have taken to smuggling and was eventually found out by the revenue officers. His capture led to a fight with revenue officials and in the fight he managed to kill one of them. So he would not be found out, he threw the body into the moat surrounding the castle. It is thought that the ghost that now haunts this beautiful castle is that of the murdered revenue collector. He has been seen coming from the water, dripping with slime and stagnant water and then walking to the front of the castle where he hammers on the door with his hands, seeking vengeance.