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The Top Hat Ghost

New Court, Cambridge, Cambridge Apparition Early 20th Century

New Court in Cambridge is home to a rather peculiar ghost. Back in 1922, author T C Lethbridge claimed to have spotted a phantom figure while he was a university student. At first, he thought the chap was a porter, but on closer inspection, he realised the man was sporting a top hat - a rather unusual piece of headgear for a porter, especially since it wasn't a Sunday. What's interesting is that Lethbridge's friend was in the same room at the time, but remarkably, they didn't see the ghost at all.

Digging deeper into the history of New Court, it's clear that the building has been part of Trinity College for centuries. It's no surprise that with such a rich history, some rather unusual sightings have been reported. Lethbridge's account of the top hat ghost is one of the most well-documented cases, and it's fascinating to consider what might have led to this apparition. Was it a former resident of the college, or perhaps a passerby who met an untimely demise? Whatever the explanation, the top hat ghost remains a captivating enigma.

Historical Context

Part of Trinity College since the 18th century

Location

Location Details

Location Type
University Building
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Restricted Access
Date / Era
1922
Postcode Area
CB2

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