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Reverend Radford's Vengeful Spirit

St Thomas's Church and neighbourhood, Lapford, Devon Apparition Victorian

St Thomas's Church in Lapford, Devon, is home to a malevolent presence that's said to be the ghost of Reverend John Arundel-Radford. This 19th-century clergyman was known for his psychotic behaviour, which culminated in the murder of his curate - although he was later acquitted. After his death, Radford demanded to be buried inside his beloved church, but his wishes were refused. It's said that this rejection sparked a vengeful spirit that now stalks the church and surrounding neighbourhood.

The events that led to Radford's notorious haunting date back to 1867. The Reverend's violent outbursts and erratic behaviour were well-documented during his lifetime. His murder of his curate was a shocking crime that sent shockwaves through the community. Although Radford was acquitted, his actions were widely condemned. The fact that he was denied burial in his church has been cited as the reason for his ghostly revenge. Locals claim that Radford's ghost is still active in the area, with reports of sightings and unexplained occurrences.

Historical Context

The haunting is set in the Victorian era, a time of great social change and spiritual exploration.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Church and neighbourhood
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1867 onwards
Postcode Area
EX16

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