The Howling Market House Ghosts
In the quaint town of St Ives, Cornwall, lies the site of the Old Market House, a place notorious for its restless spirits. Before its demolition in the 1830s, this building served not only as a marketplace but also as a prison. It was during the evening hours, as the sun dipped below the horizon, that the ghosts of former prisoners would let out blood-curdling howls. These unsettling cries became a familiar, albeit eerie, occurrence for the locals. The haunting was eventually brought to an end by a local ghost layer, who, armed with the traditional tools of his trade - a bell, book, and candle - performed an exorcism through a window, effectively banishing the spirits.
Dating back to a time when St Ives was a bustling hub of activity, the Old Market House played a significant role in the town's daily life. Its dual purpose as both a market and a place of detention made it a focal point for the community. However, it was the prison aspect that seemed to have left a lasting impact on the site, manifesting as ghostly apparitions that would howl at dusk. The fact that the building was demolished in the 1830s and rebuilt on the same spot suggests that the site itself may have been a hub of paranormal activity. The intervention of a ghost layer, using traditional methods to cleanse the site of its unwanted inhabitants, adds a fascinating layer to the narrative of the haunting.
The Old Market House served as a marketplace and prison in St Ives before its demolition in the 1830s.
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Nearby Haunted Places
St Ives Woolworths Ghost
Woolworths, St Ives
The old Woolworths building in St Ives, Cornwall, is said to be haunted by a former resident. This store, which unfortunately no longer exists, was once a popular destination for shoppers in the town. Its closure has left behind a legacy of paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences. The identity of the former resident remains a mystery, but their presence is still felt by those who have visited the site.
Mysterious Jack Harry's Lights
Off coast, St Ives
Off the rugged coast of St Ives in Cornwall, a peculiar phenomenon has been observed for years, known as Jack Harry's Lights. These enigmatic lights appear under specific weather conditions, typically before a storm, and are said to mimic the appearance of a ship at sea. The story goes that they were named after the first person to mistake them for a real vessel, highlighting the potential danger they pose to mariners. It's thought that these lights could be a form of maritime deception, luring unsuspecting ships out to sea where they would be caught off guard by impending bad weather.
The Pilchard Pressing Stone Omen
Pressing stones, St Ives
In the quaint town of St Ives, Cornwall, stands a historic pressing stone, once a common feature around the town, used to extract oil from pilchards. This large stone, now situated outside the local museum, is said to possess a unique paranormal trait. If seen or heard to move unaided while being stored, it was considered an omen that good fishing was ahead. The townspeople would take note of this unusual occurrence, interpreting it as a favourable sign for the local fishing industry.
The Carn Glaze Ghost
Carn Glaze, St Ives
Carn Glaze, a rugged coastal area near St Ives in Cornwall, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Reginald Bottrell, a local pirate and rogue. Bottrell's spirit was reportedly seen by a twelve year old child in around 1832, shortly after his death. The young witness described the ghost as short, plump and bald, wearing a long velvet coat and shoes tied with a bow. The apparition was observed for about a minute before it vanished into thin air.
The Well Dressed Lady of St Ives
John Knill's House, St Ives
John Knill's House in St Ives has a long history of paranormal activity, with reports of a ghostly presence dating back to the nineteenth century. This charming house on Fore Street is said to be haunted by the spirit of a well dressed lady, who is believed to have once lived there. According to local legend, a room in the house was sealed off to prevent the inhabitants from disturbing the ghost, suggesting that the lady's presence was considered to be a benign one.
The White Girl of Smeaton's Nook
Smeaton's Nook Cottage, St Ives
Smeaton's Nook Cottage in St Ives, Cornwall, is home to a rather intriguing ghostly presence. This phantom girl, dressed in a Victorian smock, has been seen emerging from a wall and drifting down the staircase. Her ethereal appearance is said to be that of a young white girl, and her gentle nature has led to her being described as harmless. The exact circumstances of her presence are unclear, but her ghostly apparition has been witnessed by multiple people over the years.
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Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Market House
