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Cromwell's Ghostly Head

Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, Cambridge Apparition Stuart

Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge is home to a rather unusual ghostly apparition - a pale yellow head without ears, reportedly that of Oliver Cromwell. This bizarre sighting was apparently spotted floating around Chapel Court in 1967 by a student named John Emslie. What's fascinating about this haunting is that it may be connected to the fact that Cromwell's skull was finally laid to rest under the college's antechapel in 1960, although its exact location remains a secret. The head seems to have been a one-off encounter, but other students experienced strange occurrences around the same time, including cold spots and the smell of rotting meat.

Historically, Oliver Cromwell was a significant figure in British politics, serving as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1658. His legacy remains complex, and it's intriguing that his ghostly presence is still felt at Sidney Sussex College. Interestingly, another ghost is said to haunt the site - that of an elderly University Don dressed in grey, who moves from this campus towards Christ's College. While this ghost may not be as striking as Cromwell's head, it adds to the college's rich history of paranormal activity. The fact that these sightings occurred in the 1960s suggests that Cromwell's restless spirit may have been stirred by the changing times.

Historical Context

Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1658

Location

Location Details

Location Type
College
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1960s
Postcode Area
CB2

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