The Teenage Tearaway Ghost
In the quaint town of Durham, near the Old Rectory, a spine-tingling encounter took place in the late nineteenth century. A postman, going about his daily rounds, caught sight of a ghostly shrouded child as he walked past the graveyard. Panicked, he took off in a sprint, the phantom hot on his heels. He dashed into his home, barricading himself and his wife in their bedroom. The sounds of the ghost smashing up the room next door must have been terrifying, and the couple seized the opportunity to make a run for it. They were lucky to have had a local wise woman on hand, who managed to calm the spirit and convince it to return to its grave.
This haunting is a fascinating example of a reported paranormal incident from the Victorian era. The postman's account, though brief, paints a vivid picture of a restless spirit. The involvement of a local wise woman adds an interesting layer to the story, suggesting that the community was actively engaged in trying to understand and resolve the haunting. The fact that the ghost was reportedly calmed and returned to its grave implies that it may have been a case of a spirit trapped between worlds, seeking peace or resolution.
The Old Rectory, located in the heart of Durham, has a rich history dating back to the Victorian era. The town of Durham is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and reported paranormal activity.
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Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Illuminated Couple of Shotton Colliery
Road which now runs through Bracken Hill Business Park, Shotton Colliery
In the sleepy town of Shotton Colliery, nestled in County Durham, there's a stretch of road that runs through Bracken Hill Business Park, where a rather bizarre and intriguing haunting has been reported. Back in the early 1970s, two witnesses were driving along this minor road when they spotted a man and a woman walking towards them, bathed in a white glow, as if illuminated by an oncoming car's headlights. The road being narrow, the driver slowed down to a safe speed, but as the car drew level to the couple, they suddenly vanished into thin air. The man's attire was notably vintage, sporting a 1930s-style trench coat, while the woman wore a more ordinary winter coat.
Peterlee Poltergeist Haunting
Three bedroom council house, Peterlee
On Basingstoke Road in Peterlee, a seemingly ordinary council house became the centre of paranormal attention in December 2007. The owners, convinced their home was haunted, sought help from a medium who claimed to have made contact with a poltergeist named Peter. According to the medium, Peter had a sinister intention - he wanted to take over the family's young daughter. The case drew significant attention, not just from local residents but also from the council, who faced criticism for agreeing to cover 50% of the exorcism costs.
Glowing Eyed Shadow Figure
Unidentified cottage, Shotton Colliery
In the small village of Shotton Colliery, County Durham, a miner named Lamb and his family moved into a cottage, only to be faced with a series of strange occurrences. Every night, something would rattle and shake the front door, leading them to initially suspect a practical joker. However, after a night of snow, when the door was opened, no footsteps could be seen, leaving the family puzzled. It was Lamb's son who spotted a shadowy figure outside the cottage one night, which reportedly had glowing red eyes.
Poltergeist of Eden Street
4 Eden Street, Horden
In the small town of Horden, County Durham, there's a house on Eden Street that's said to be haunted by a mischievous poltergeist. The property has a history of unexplained occurrences that have left families fleeing in fear. Back in 1967, a family moved out after a failed exorcism, but they were reluctant to share what exactly had driven them away. Years later, another family experienced cold spots and an overwhelming feeling of depression that eventually forced them to leave too.
Cromwell's Fury Ghost Haunting
Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, Hartlepool
Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, situated in the quaint village of Hesleden, Hartlepool, is said to be haunted by the vengeful spirit of an elderly housekeeper. According to local legend, during the English Civil War, the housekeeper was left behind by the fleeing family to manage the hall. Unfortunately, she fell victim to the brutal forces of Oliver Cromwell, who tortured and killed her in a fit of rage upon finding the hall empty. Her ghostly presence is believed to roam the grounds between the hall and Monk Hesleden Church. Additionally, a 'Grey Lady' has been spotted by workmen floating down the staircase, leaving behind footprints in the varnish.
The Broken Apron Legend
Castle Eden, Dene
Castle Eden, a small village in County Durham, is home to a fascinating piece of paranormal history. The story goes that back in 1133, the Devil himself tried to sabotage the construction of Durham Cathedral. He flew over to Castle Eden, spotted a subpar piece of limestone, and thought it would be the perfect addition to the cathedral's foundations. He popped the stone into his apron pocket and took to the skies, but his plan was soon foiled when his apron snapped, sending the stone plummeting to the ground. The rock, now known as the Broken Apron, still bears the Devil's scratch marks, a testament to his failed attempt to catch it.