Ghosts are both everywhere and nowhere, stories would have us believe. Their existence is constantly being investigated, but highly doubted, yet despite that healthy scepticism ghosts feature prominently in our culture. They are in television and film, from "Harry Potter" to "The Sixth Sense." Ghost stories are told around campfires and found on bookstore shelves, in both fiction and nonfiction sections. Around Halloween, pop-culture images of ghosts haunt nearly every store, and hang as decoration in homes. Ghosts even influence some of our everyday customs, in ways we may not recognize. People used to believe a sneeze caused someone to expel their soul out of their body, and so 'God bless you' or 'Bless you' was used as a protection against the devil snatching it.
Here are some of the most famous ghosts of all time.
Here are some of the most famous ghosts of all time.
The ghost of Hamlet's father
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet" the ghost of the king haunts his son and spurs him to action against his murderer.
Though ghosts appear in several of Shakespeare's plays, such as "Macbeth" and "Julius Caesar", King Hamlet, often referred to simply as 'Ghost', is among the better known of the Bard's ghosts and plays an integral part in "Hamlet." His son, Prince Hamlet may be the central character, but without his father's ghost, there would be no story.
King Hamlet appears three times in the play, each time during the night. The ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his treacherous brother Claudius, and asks Hamlet to avenge his death.
In Shakespeare's "Hamlet" the ghost of the king haunts his son and spurs him to action against his murderer.
Though ghosts appear in several of Shakespeare's plays, such as "Macbeth" and "Julius Caesar", King Hamlet, often referred to simply as 'Ghost', is among the better known of the Bard's ghosts and plays an integral part in "Hamlet." His son, Prince Hamlet may be the central character, but without his father's ghost, there would be no story.
King Hamlet appears three times in the play, each time during the night. The ghost tells Hamlet that he was murdered by his treacherous brother Claudius, and asks Hamlet to avenge his death.
The Flying Dutchman
Immortalised in opera by Wagner, the Flying Dutchman is a seventeenth-century merchant ship said to haunt the high seas. According to sea lore, the ship, which often appears as a hazy image or a strange light, is said to be a portent of bad luck and doom.
The story has been adapted many times, but one of the more common versions tells of a Dutch captain, named van der Decken, refusing to take safe harbor during a storm while traversing the Cape of Good Hope despite pleas from the crew and passengers. Instead the impudent captain challenged God to take them down. The ship was promptly cursed and in its ghost form is damned to never find port again. The "ghost ship" has been reported on the ocean from time to time, including appearing off the coast of South Africa in 1923. The Flying Dutchman most recently appeared in movie theatres in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, captained by Davy Jones.
Immortalised in opera by Wagner, the Flying Dutchman is a seventeenth-century merchant ship said to haunt the high seas. According to sea lore, the ship, which often appears as a hazy image or a strange light, is said to be a portent of bad luck and doom.
The story has been adapted many times, but one of the more common versions tells of a Dutch captain, named van der Decken, refusing to take safe harbor during a storm while traversing the Cape of Good Hope despite pleas from the crew and passengers. Instead the impudent captain challenged God to take them down. The ship was promptly cursed and in its ghost form is damned to never find port again. The "ghost ship" has been reported on the ocean from time to time, including appearing off the coast of South Africa in 1923. The Flying Dutchman most recently appeared in movie theatres in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, captained by Davy Jones.
The Bell Witch
The events that allegedly happened at John Bell's Tennessee farm between 1817 and 1821 are one of the classic American ghost tales. Bell shot at a strange animal on his farm, but the creature disappeared before it could be harmed. Several weeks later, the Bell family was tormented by a ghost that made terrifying sounds, shook the house, and physically attacked Bell's daughter Betsy. The spectral assaults continued for several years, and at one point, yet to be elected President, Andrew Jackson, is said to have dabbled in ghost hunting and did his own investigation.
Though some authors recount the Bell Witch tale as a true account, there is little evidence that it is anything other than a ghost story. Jackson, for example, never mentioned the Bell Witch case at all; it seems that the future president's role was created from thin air, possibly to lend the appearance of reality to the fictional tale.
The events that allegedly happened at John Bell's Tennessee farm between 1817 and 1821 are one of the classic American ghost tales. Bell shot at a strange animal on his farm, but the creature disappeared before it could be harmed. Several weeks later, the Bell family was tormented by a ghost that made terrifying sounds, shook the house, and physically attacked Bell's daughter Betsy. The spectral assaults continued for several years, and at one point, yet to be elected President, Andrew Jackson, is said to have dabbled in ghost hunting and did his own investigation.
Though some authors recount the Bell Witch tale as a true account, there is little evidence that it is anything other than a ghost story. Jackson, for example, never mentioned the Bell Witch case at all; it seems that the future president's role was created from thin air, possibly to lend the appearance of reality to the fictional tale.
Casper the Friendly Ghost
Casper has seen a number of reboots over the decades, finding new audiences with each generation. While Bloody Mary spends her time in the ghostly realms waiting to be summoned to dark bathrooms so she can scare kids, Casper, who is best known as "The Friendly Ghost", is the white, outlined, smiling ghost who tries not to scare people.
Casper was created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo in the 1930s, later gaining fame in the Harvey comic book series. Casper was often joined by friends such as Wendy the Good Little Witch and Hot Stuff the Little Devil.
While the characters were made benign and kid-friendly with the addition of "good," "friendly," and "little" to their name the topic of death in a property aimed at children has been questioned, even when Casper enjoyed a revival with a self-titled 1995 film, starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci.
Casper has seen a number of reboots over the decades, finding new audiences with each generation. While Bloody Mary spends her time in the ghostly realms waiting to be summoned to dark bathrooms so she can scare kids, Casper, who is best known as "The Friendly Ghost", is the white, outlined, smiling ghost who tries not to scare people.
Casper was created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo in the 1930s, later gaining fame in the Harvey comic book series. Casper was often joined by friends such as Wendy the Good Little Witch and Hot Stuff the Little Devil.
While the characters were made benign and kid-friendly with the addition of "good," "friendly," and "little" to their name the topic of death in a property aimed at children has been questioned, even when Casper enjoyed a revival with a self-titled 1995 film, starring Bill Pullman and Christina Ricci.
Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary has been passed down through the generations as a popular ghost tale and test of nerve for children to challenge the unknown. "Bloody Mary...Bloody Mary...Bloody Mary..." With those words, many schoolchildren had their first experience with a ghost. According to folklore, Bloody Mary is a ghost of a woman who murdered her children long ago. If you want to see her, go into a bathroom (usually at school), turn the lights off, stand in front of a mirror, and repeat her name three times.
The 'game' of summoning Bloody Mary is particularly associated with teenagers. Many either stare at their scared reflection in the dark mirror or lose their nerve after saying the second "Bloody Mary" and run from the bathroom. "Numerous students related their experiences, both positive and negative, with great glee while others hid their heads in terror at the very thought of calling her."
Bloody Mary has been passed down through the generations as a popular ghost tale and test of nerve for children to challenge the unknown. "Bloody Mary...Bloody Mary...Bloody Mary..." With those words, many schoolchildren had their first experience with a ghost. According to folklore, Bloody Mary is a ghost of a woman who murdered her children long ago. If you want to see her, go into a bathroom (usually at school), turn the lights off, stand in front of a mirror, and repeat her name three times.
The 'game' of summoning Bloody Mary is particularly associated with teenagers. Many either stare at their scared reflection in the dark mirror or lose their nerve after saying the second "Bloody Mary" and run from the bathroom. "Numerous students related their experiences, both positive and negative, with great glee while others hid their heads in terror at the very thought of calling her."
Drury Lane Ghost
The story of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane begins in 1663, when the first theatre was built. Since then, a total of four buildings have been erected on the site, with the most recent being constructed in 1812. With all of that history, it's no surprise that several ghosts haunt the premises.
One of the oldest ghosts is Joseph Grimaldi, who performed as a clown at the theatre's second incarnation. Grimaldi's disembodied head has allegedly been spotted floating around the theatre, and some actors even claim he's kicked them.
The ghost of Dan Leno, another clown who performed at the theatre years after Grimaldi, is also said to appear and leave behind the scent of lavender.
Another performer who haunts the theatre is Charles Macklin, who accidentally killed a fellow actor during an argument. Although that actor's ghost has never been reported, Macklin's spirit has been seen near the site of the murder.
The most famous apparition of Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the Man in Grey. Visitors often see his spirit on the balcony, wearing a powdered wig and long cloak. Multiple sightings of the Man in Grey were reported in 1939, though the veracity of these reports has been questioned over time. Regardless, actors consider it good luck to see the Man in Grey watching a performance or rehearsal.
The story of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane begins in 1663, when the first theatre was built. Since then, a total of four buildings have been erected on the site, with the most recent being constructed in 1812. With all of that history, it's no surprise that several ghosts haunt the premises.
One of the oldest ghosts is Joseph Grimaldi, who performed as a clown at the theatre's second incarnation. Grimaldi's disembodied head has allegedly been spotted floating around the theatre, and some actors even claim he's kicked them.
The ghost of Dan Leno, another clown who performed at the theatre years after Grimaldi, is also said to appear and leave behind the scent of lavender.
Another performer who haunts the theatre is Charles Macklin, who accidentally killed a fellow actor during an argument. Although that actor's ghost has never been reported, Macklin's spirit has been seen near the site of the murder.
The most famous apparition of Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the Man in Grey. Visitors often see his spirit on the balcony, wearing a powdered wig and long cloak. Multiple sightings of the Man in Grey were reported in 1939, though the veracity of these reports has been questioned over time. Regardless, actors consider it good luck to see the Man in Grey watching a performance or rehearsal.
The Vanishing Hitchhiker
The origins of the hitchhiker ghost story may actually predate the automobile, having been adapted over time to new methods of transport.
A classic example of modern folklore, often associated with the United States, but with parallel tales elsewhere in the world, the Vanishing Hitchhiker is often depicted standing by the roadside and disappearing without a trace not long after being picked up.
One classic version points to the hitchhiker being the ghost of a local resident, killed not far from their home, but it has likely changed over the decades.
The origins of the hitchhiker ghost story may actually predate the automobile, having been adapted over time to new methods of transport.
A classic example of modern folklore, often associated with the United States, but with parallel tales elsewhere in the world, the Vanishing Hitchhiker is often depicted standing by the roadside and disappearing without a trace not long after being picked up.
One classic version points to the hitchhiker being the ghost of a local resident, killed not far from their home, but it has likely changed over the decades.
The Ghost of Christmas Past
The ghost in Dickens' story is said to morph from old to young at different times. In Charles Dickens' famous novel "A Christmas Carol," cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge has a change of heart after being visited by several ghosts representing different eras of his life's Christmases (Past, Present, and Yet to Come).
Ghosts are often associated with life lessons and morality tales, and these spooks are no exception. The Ghost of Christmas Past sets Scrooge out on the road to rehabilitation by showing him visions of his past Christmases. Dickens is credited with helping to establish the concept of a Christmas spirit and may have been drawing on his own past and feelings about children and Christmas for this character.
The ghost in Dickens' story is said to morph from old to young at different times. In Charles Dickens' famous novel "A Christmas Carol," cold-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge has a change of heart after being visited by several ghosts representing different eras of his life's Christmases (Past, Present, and Yet to Come).
Ghosts are often associated with life lessons and morality tales, and these spooks are no exception. The Ghost of Christmas Past sets Scrooge out on the road to rehabilitation by showing him visions of his past Christmases. Dickens is credited with helping to establish the concept of a Christmas spirit and may have been drawing on his own past and feelings about children and Christmas for this character.
The Murdered Pedlar
The Fox Sisters popularised this tale by claiming to speak to the murdered ghost, kickstarting the Spiritualism movement.
One day, in the early 1840s in Hydesville, New York, a young peddler arrived at the home of a Mr. and Mrs. Bell to sell his housewares. He was invited into the home by the Bells' housekeeper and in fact stayed for some days. The maid was shortly dismissed from service but abruptly rehired a week later. The peddler was gone, but many of his items were now in use in the Bells' kitchen. The maid thought little of it until she began experiencing strange, ghostly phenomenon, only to find out from the peddler's ghost that he had in fact been murdered in her absence.
At least that was the story told by two sisters named Maggie and Katie Fox, who claimed to communicate with the ghost. Years later, the sisters admitted it had all been a hoax; there was no murdered peddler, and the spirit communications had been faked. Still, the sisters had inadvertently founded a religion called Spiritualism, which is still practiced today. The Murdered Peddler is the only fake ghost whose presence started a real religion.
The Fox Sisters popularised this tale by claiming to speak to the murdered ghost, kickstarting the Spiritualism movement.
One day, in the early 1840s in Hydesville, New York, a young peddler arrived at the home of a Mr. and Mrs. Bell to sell his housewares. He was invited into the home by the Bells' housekeeper and in fact stayed for some days. The maid was shortly dismissed from service but abruptly rehired a week later. The peddler was gone, but many of his items were now in use in the Bells' kitchen. The maid thought little of it until she began experiencing strange, ghostly phenomenon, only to find out from the peddler's ghost that he had in fact been murdered in her absence.
At least that was the story told by two sisters named Maggie and Katie Fox, who claimed to communicate with the ghost. Years later, the sisters admitted it had all been a hoax; there was no murdered peddler, and the spirit communications had been faked. Still, the sisters had inadvertently founded a religion called Spiritualism, which is still practiced today. The Murdered Peddler is the only fake ghost whose presence started a real religion.
Slimer
Slimer has continued to be a major character in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, and recently featured in the Hollywood Museum "Ghostbusters" exhibit. Slimer is the grotesque green ghost featured in the "Ghostbuster" films and cartoons.
He's characterised by his bright green appearance, obnoxious and slovenly behaviour, and his ability to spew slime. Slimer proved to be so popular with kids that he got a starring role in the spin-off cartoon series "The Real Ghostbusters."
A reformed evil ghost that joined the Ghostbusters team, Slimer's voracious appetite and guttural burps make him among the most memorable cartoon ghosts.
Slimer has continued to be a major character in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, and recently featured in the Hollywood Museum "Ghostbusters" exhibit. Slimer is the grotesque green ghost featured in the "Ghostbuster" films and cartoons.
He's characterised by his bright green appearance, obnoxious and slovenly behaviour, and his ability to spew slime. Slimer proved to be so popular with kids that he got a starring role in the spin-off cartoon series "The Real Ghostbusters."
A reformed evil ghost that joined the Ghostbusters team, Slimer's voracious appetite and guttural burps make him among the most memorable cartoon ghosts.
The Drummer Of Tedworth
The Drummer of Tedworth is the first recorded poltergeist activity in England. The story begins in 1661, when a magistrate named John Mompesson came upon a busker named William Drury.
Mompesson apparently didn't care for Drury's drumming and had his drum confiscated and sent to his home. Soon after the drum arrived, the Mompesson family began hearing drumming and banging both inside and outside of the home each night. The Mompesson children then began levitating above their beds, underneath which the family could also hear scratching.
Mompesson later reported of the poltergeist: "It would make chairs, tables, trunks and all moveables walk up and down the Rooms. And often come tumble down the stairs, some times making a noise like a bowl & other times as if it drew a chain after it."
Despite bringing a priest to the home, the poltergeist continued terrorizing the family. Apparently, numerous people witnessed the paranormal activity, including Joseph Glanville, who's today considered the first paranormal investigator.
William Drury eventually confessed to causing the activity at the Mompesson home and was deported to the American colonies. Modern scholars believe that the Mompessons' children caused the activity, but it's likely that the true cause of the poltergeist will never be known.
The Drummer of Tedworth is the first recorded poltergeist activity in England. The story begins in 1661, when a magistrate named John Mompesson came upon a busker named William Drury.
Mompesson apparently didn't care for Drury's drumming and had his drum confiscated and sent to his home. Soon after the drum arrived, the Mompesson family began hearing drumming and banging both inside and outside of the home each night. The Mompesson children then began levitating above their beds, underneath which the family could also hear scratching.
Mompesson later reported of the poltergeist: "It would make chairs, tables, trunks and all moveables walk up and down the Rooms. And often come tumble down the stairs, some times making a noise like a bowl & other times as if it drew a chain after it."
Despite bringing a priest to the home, the poltergeist continued terrorizing the family. Apparently, numerous people witnessed the paranormal activity, including Joseph Glanville, who's today considered the first paranormal investigator.
William Drury eventually confessed to causing the activity at the Mompesson home and was deported to the American colonies. Modern scholars believe that the Mompessons' children caused the activity, but it's likely that the true cause of the poltergeist will never be known.
The Bingen Poltergeist
One of the oldest tales of poltergeist activity came from Germany in the town of Bingen during the 9th century - about 858 CE, to be exact. The story first appeared in a historical book called the Annales Fuldenses, which claimed that a farmer thought his children (or children in the village) were pulling pranks on him, until the activity in his house and on the farm took a sinister turn.
The farmer reported that the supposed pranks started out as knocking in the walls at all hours of the day and night. Before long, rocks began raining down on his house, crops burned, and animals died for seemingly no reason.
The farmer sought out a group of Carolingian monks for aid, and although they performed an exorcism, it didn't seem to vanquish the poltergeist, which the farmer believed was a demon sent to torment him.
The public later learned the farmer had been molesting his children, along with other children in the village. Some speculate that someone could have put the evil eye on the farmer, or that one of his children was going through puberty, which is sometimes said to trigger poltergeist activity.
In other versions of the story, the man merely becomes an outcast because of the bad luck that follows him.
One of the oldest tales of poltergeist activity came from Germany in the town of Bingen during the 9th century - about 858 CE, to be exact. The story first appeared in a historical book called the Annales Fuldenses, which claimed that a farmer thought his children (or children in the village) were pulling pranks on him, until the activity in his house and on the farm took a sinister turn.
The farmer reported that the supposed pranks started out as knocking in the walls at all hours of the day and night. Before long, rocks began raining down on his house, crops burned, and animals died for seemingly no reason.
The farmer sought out a group of Carolingian monks for aid, and although they performed an exorcism, it didn't seem to vanquish the poltergeist, which the farmer believed was a demon sent to torment him.
The public later learned the farmer had been molesting his children, along with other children in the village. Some speculate that someone could have put the evil eye on the farmer, or that one of his children was going through puberty, which is sometimes said to trigger poltergeist activity.
In other versions of the story, the man merely becomes an outcast because of the bad luck that follows him.
The Enfield Poltergeist
One evening in August 1977, Peggy Hodgson heard a loud banging coming from her daughters' room. Upon entering, she found Margaret (12) and Janet (11) in bed claiming they had seen their dresser moving on its own.
Peggy didn't believe the girls until she also saw the dresser move, prompting the family to leave their home and contact the police.
An officer arrived to investigate but said there was nothing he could do after seeing a chair move across the living room. Moving objects, knocking, voices, and levitation all took place in the Hodgson home over the following two years and were witnessed by multiple paranormal investigators, including Ed and Lorraine Warren.
As the poltergeist activity escalated, the entity began speaking through Janet, who said the spirit was a man named Bill Wilkerson who had died in the house. Bill would speak through Janet for hours, and some of the conversations were even caught on tape.
In adulthood, Janet admitted that she made up some of the paranormal activity but remained adamant that the majority of her claims were true. The story of the Enfield Poltergeist would become the premise for the film The Conjuring 2.
One evening in August 1977, Peggy Hodgson heard a loud banging coming from her daughters' room. Upon entering, she found Margaret (12) and Janet (11) in bed claiming they had seen their dresser moving on its own.
Peggy didn't believe the girls until she also saw the dresser move, prompting the family to leave their home and contact the police.
An officer arrived to investigate but said there was nothing he could do after seeing a chair move across the living room. Moving objects, knocking, voices, and levitation all took place in the Hodgson home over the following two years and were witnessed by multiple paranormal investigators, including Ed and Lorraine Warren.
As the poltergeist activity escalated, the entity began speaking through Janet, who said the spirit was a man named Bill Wilkerson who had died in the house. Bill would speak through Janet for hours, and some of the conversations were even caught on tape.
In adulthood, Janet admitted that she made up some of the paranormal activity but remained adamant that the majority of her claims were true. The story of the Enfield Poltergeist would become the premise for the film The Conjuring 2.
The White Woman Of Belchen Tunnel
Built in the 1960s, Belchen Tunnel is a 10,430-foot-long tunnel in Switzerland that connects Eptingen in Basel-Country and Hägendorf in Solothurn. The haunting there is one of the more modern ones on this list, being first reported in a newspaper in January 1981.
The newspaper article claimed that an elderly woman wearing white would appear on the shoulder of the highway and flag down drivers for a ride. Drivers would pick up the woman, only for her to vanish from their car as they drove through the tunnel.
Sightings of the White Woman of Belchen Tunnel continued through the '80s, including one story of two female law students who reportedly picked her up in 1983. The White Woman apparently said something terrible was going to happen before disappearing from the backseat of the car about halfway through the tunnel.
These stories have led to the Belchen Tunnel being known as one of the most haunted roads in the world.
Built in the 1960s, Belchen Tunnel is a 10,430-foot-long tunnel in Switzerland that connects Eptingen in Basel-Country and Hägendorf in Solothurn. The haunting there is one of the more modern ones on this list, being first reported in a newspaper in January 1981.
The newspaper article claimed that an elderly woman wearing white would appear on the shoulder of the highway and flag down drivers for a ride. Drivers would pick up the woman, only for her to vanish from their car as they drove through the tunnel.
Sightings of the White Woman of Belchen Tunnel continued through the '80s, including one story of two female law students who reportedly picked her up in 1983. The White Woman apparently said something terrible was going to happen before disappearing from the backseat of the car about halfway through the tunnel.
These stories have led to the Belchen Tunnel being known as one of the most haunted roads in the world.
The Ghost Of Ballygally
Ballygally Castle Hotel sits on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland. Constructed in 1625 by John Shaw of Greenock, the castle survived multiple sieges during the 1641 uprising thanks to its five-foot-thick walls. The castle stayed in the Shaw family for centuries before changing hands several times and eventually becoming a hotel.
Locals believe the Ballygally's resident ghost is nearly as old as the castle itself. According to lore, Lady Isobel Shaw gave birth to a daughter, much to the dismay of her husband, Lord James Shaw, who wanted a son. Lord James allegedly had Lady Isobel locked in a tower, where she was driven mad by the sounds of her crying daughter.
Lady Isobel either jumped from the tower to her death or was pushed through the tower window by Lord James himself. Since then, residents and guests have reported seeing Lady Isobel's restless spirit. One family even reported that upon entering the tower, their baby began crying and screaming uncontrollably, as if terrified by an unseen entity.
In addition to Lady Isobel's ghost, the rustling skirts of a 19th-century woman named Madame Nixon can be heard in the stairwells of the castle. Others have reported a green mist that seems to hang over Ballygally Castle for no apparent reason.
Ballygally Castle Hotel sits on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland. Constructed in 1625 by John Shaw of Greenock, the castle survived multiple sieges during the 1641 uprising thanks to its five-foot-thick walls. The castle stayed in the Shaw family for centuries before changing hands several times and eventually becoming a hotel.
Locals believe the Ballygally's resident ghost is nearly as old as the castle itself. According to lore, Lady Isobel Shaw gave birth to a daughter, much to the dismay of her husband, Lord James Shaw, who wanted a son. Lord James allegedly had Lady Isobel locked in a tower, where she was driven mad by the sounds of her crying daughter.
Lady Isobel either jumped from the tower to her death or was pushed through the tower window by Lord James himself. Since then, residents and guests have reported seeing Lady Isobel's restless spirit. One family even reported that upon entering the tower, their baby began crying and screaming uncontrollably, as if terrified by an unseen entity.
In addition to Lady Isobel's ghost, the rustling skirts of a 19th-century woman named Madame Nixon can be heard in the stairwells of the castle. Others have reported a green mist that seems to hang over Ballygally Castle for no apparent reason.
The Brown Lady Of Raynham Hall
In Norfolk, England, sits an 18th-century manor house where some say a ghost was caught on film. The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall has haunted the manor since at least 1835 when she was first sighted.
Many believe she is Dorothy Walpole, wife of Charles Townshend, whose family owned Raynham Hall. Dorothy and Charles married in 1713, but in 1725, Charles allegedly locked Dorothy in the hall and claimed she died following rumors she was having an affair. Dorothy Walpole walked the corridors until she died from smallpox a year later.
Then, during a Christmas party in 1835, two guests first spotted the Brown Lady. The guests said she was fully formed, but her eye sockets were empty. A year later, another guest shot at the Brown Lady, but the bullet went straight through her and lodged in a door. In 1926, a member of the Townshend family finally identified the Brown Lady as Dorothy Walpole based on his experience seeing the ghost, as well as a portrait of Dorothy that hung in Raynham Hall.
The famous photograph of the Brown Lady was taken in September 1936 during a photo shoot for the magazine Country Life. The photographer's assistant actually saw the apparition, and the photographer managed to capture the image.
Paranormal investigators such as Harry Price examined the negative and didn't believe it had been tampered with, but skeptics claim the photo is merely a double exposure.
In Norfolk, England, sits an 18th-century manor house where some say a ghost was caught on film. The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall has haunted the manor since at least 1835 when she was first sighted.
Many believe she is Dorothy Walpole, wife of Charles Townshend, whose family owned Raynham Hall. Dorothy and Charles married in 1713, but in 1725, Charles allegedly locked Dorothy in the hall and claimed she died following rumors she was having an affair. Dorothy Walpole walked the corridors until she died from smallpox a year later.
Then, during a Christmas party in 1835, two guests first spotted the Brown Lady. The guests said she was fully formed, but her eye sockets were empty. A year later, another guest shot at the Brown Lady, but the bullet went straight through her and lodged in a door. In 1926, a member of the Townshend family finally identified the Brown Lady as Dorothy Walpole based on his experience seeing the ghost, as well as a portrait of Dorothy that hung in Raynham Hall.
The famous photograph of the Brown Lady was taken in September 1936 during a photo shoot for the magazine Country Life. The photographer's assistant actually saw the apparition, and the photographer managed to capture the image.
Paranormal investigators such as Harry Price examined the negative and didn't believe it had been tampered with, but skeptics claim the photo is merely a double exposure.
The Black Monk Of Pontefract
In August 1966, Jean and Joe Pritchard moved into 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, with their two children, Phillip (15) and Diane (12).
Upon moving into the home, the family began experiencing poltergeist-like activity that seemed to focus its energy on Phillip. The poltergeist activity included objects flying through the air, green foam coming from the faucets, and pictures on the wall being cut with a knife.
The entity eventually became violent with Diane, throwing her to the floor, leaving marks on her neck, and even dragging her up the stairs in front of her entire family.
The activity at 30 East Drive eventually caught the attention of the newspapers, which referred to the spirit as “Mr. Nobody,” although the Pritchards usually called the poltergeist “Fred.” Attempts at an exorcism were unsuccessful, and Fred would slap those trying to pray.
Research indicates that the site of 30 East Drive was where a monk was hanged in the 16th century, which is thought to explain the poltergeist activity, and what led to the entity becoming known as the Black Monk of Pontefract.
A photo taken by a ghost hunter in 2016 showed a face shrouded by a black hood in a mirror facing the staircase where Diane Pritchard had been dragged nearly 50 years earlier.
The story was covered in the 1981 book Poltergeist: A Study in Destructive Haunting by Colin Wilson and in the 2012 horror film When The Lights Went Out. The film's producer subsequently purchased the Pritchards' old home and now rents it out to amateur ghost hunters, although Ouija boards are not allowed inside.
In August 1966, Jean and Joe Pritchard moved into 30 East Drive in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, with their two children, Phillip (15) and Diane (12).
Upon moving into the home, the family began experiencing poltergeist-like activity that seemed to focus its energy on Phillip. The poltergeist activity included objects flying through the air, green foam coming from the faucets, and pictures on the wall being cut with a knife.
The entity eventually became violent with Diane, throwing her to the floor, leaving marks on her neck, and even dragging her up the stairs in front of her entire family.
The activity at 30 East Drive eventually caught the attention of the newspapers, which referred to the spirit as “Mr. Nobody,” although the Pritchards usually called the poltergeist “Fred.” Attempts at an exorcism were unsuccessful, and Fred would slap those trying to pray.
Research indicates that the site of 30 East Drive was where a monk was hanged in the 16th century, which is thought to explain the poltergeist activity, and what led to the entity becoming known as the Black Monk of Pontefract.
A photo taken by a ghost hunter in 2016 showed a face shrouded by a black hood in a mirror facing the staircase where Diane Pritchard had been dragged nearly 50 years earlier.
The story was covered in the 1981 book Poltergeist: A Study in Destructive Haunting by Colin Wilson and in the 2012 horror film When The Lights Went Out. The film's producer subsequently purchased the Pritchards' old home and now rents it out to amateur ghost hunters, although Ouija boards are not allowed inside.
Kuchisake-onna In Japan
The legend of Kuchisake-onna dates back to anywhere from the 17th to 19th centuries during Japan's Edo period. Kuchisake-onna is thought to have been a beautiful woman who was mutilated by having her face sliced open from ear to ear.
Some versions of the story say a jealous lover disfigured her, while others claim the culprit was another woman envious of Kuchisake-onna's beauty.
Considered an onryo or vengeful spirit, Kuchisake-onna will appear to people hiding her disfigured face behind a fan or, in modern times, a surgical mask.
She will ask the individual if she is beautiful. If they say yes, she will uncover her face and ask if the individual still thinks she's pretty. If the person says no or tries to run away, Kuchisake-onna will kill them. If they say yes, she will use scissors or a knife to cut up their face to match hers. The legend alternatively claims Kuchisake-onna will follow the person home and murder them.
The story of Kuchisake-onna gripped Japan again in 1979 when sightings of her were reported in the newspaper. The public took the story so seriously, adults would walk children home from school in large groups to prevent Kuchisake-onna from taking them.
If confronted by Kuchisake-onna, it's advised that an individual can escape by telling her she looks average or throwing either money or hard candy at her to confuse her.
The legend of Kuchisake-onna dates back to anywhere from the 17th to 19th centuries during Japan's Edo period. Kuchisake-onna is thought to have been a beautiful woman who was mutilated by having her face sliced open from ear to ear.
Some versions of the story say a jealous lover disfigured her, while others claim the culprit was another woman envious of Kuchisake-onna's beauty.
Considered an onryo or vengeful spirit, Kuchisake-onna will appear to people hiding her disfigured face behind a fan or, in modern times, a surgical mask.
She will ask the individual if she is beautiful. If they say yes, she will uncover her face and ask if the individual still thinks she's pretty. If the person says no or tries to run away, Kuchisake-onna will kill them. If they say yes, she will use scissors or a knife to cut up their face to match hers. The legend alternatively claims Kuchisake-onna will follow the person home and murder them.
The story of Kuchisake-onna gripped Japan again in 1979 when sightings of her were reported in the newspaper. The public took the story so seriously, adults would walk children home from school in large groups to prevent Kuchisake-onna from taking them.
If confronted by Kuchisake-onna, it's advised that an individual can escape by telling her she looks average or throwing either money or hard candy at her to confuse her.
