Interested in my Spooky Milton Keynes project? Read on, or use the buttons above to find out more
What are you doing? I’m spending 2025 exploring every one of the 114 grid squares in Milton Keynes to collect a true story of the unexplained from every single one, and share them on this blog.
Why?! Because we all know there’s something special about this city of ours. Outsiders see the concrete cows, the roundabouts, the grid roads — and might write MK off as soulless. But those of us who live here? We know better.
There’s something a little uncanny, unusual, even spooky, lingering beneath the concrete underpasses and in the quiet spaces between new-build estates. The skin of the city may be new, but like everywhere, it’s been built on ancient bones.
There are certainly old stories here — tales of dark monks and werewolves, highwaymen and hauntings — but me? I’m looking for the new stories.
I think there might be a ghost story in every grid square. Revenants on the Redway. Cryptids cowering in the concrete. (Yeah, you get the idea.)
How do I get involved? If you have a story to share, you can find all the ways to tell me about it here. If you’ve got local folklore, insights or a tip for a spooky place, do email me.
Where’s the most haunted spot so far? Stony Stratford is top of the list, with two haunted shops and a poltergeist.
What have you found near me? Check the map, or look at the stories so far in each grid square.
Why you, and why now? Because no-one else was doing it! I’m a writer who is fascinated by the paranormal, but I’m also a trained cognitive psychologist with a PhD in the uncanny valley, and a Diploma in Parapsychology from Bucks New University. I’m intrigued by the big questions – what happens when we die? Why do only certain people see ghosts? Was that something dark moving in the corner, or just a trick of the light? There’s a renewed interest in the paranormal right now – whether it’s the #Uncanny effect, the aftermath of living through a pandemic or something else entirely, ghosts are having a moment, and I’ve somehow found myself right in the middle of it. Oh, and I’ve just finished working for the Open University after 23 years, I need a project, and I love talking to people 🙂
Why should I trust you with my story? That’s a great question – because I’ll listen, carefully and respectfully, and make sure it’s told in the same way. I’m not an investigator or a psychic, (although I know some amazing ones) and I’m not going to ask you to prove anything. I promise I’m not going to be shocked or scornful of anything you tell me, and that my aim is just to capture your experience in your own words, and share it on here. You can read how I’ve done that so far – and if you’d prefer to be anonymous, that’s perfectly fine.
How have you been finding the stories so far? Mainly through Facebook, but also word of mouth, Reddit forums, and by leaving postcards around the city attached to benches with daisy chains. I even hung one round the concrete cows!
Can I come and see you talking about the project? Sure! Check the events page for details.
Would you like to be on my podcast / write for my blog / collaborate? Yes please! Email me 🙂
Which story has scared you most? I don’t spook easily, but the story of the ghost children in Great Holm has really stayed with me.
OK, I get it now – but I’ve still got a question… Great. Ask away 🙂
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