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Phantom of Michael Morey

Burnt House Lane area, Downend, Islewight Apparition Georgian

In the sleepy town of Downend, nestled in the rolling hills of Islewight, a gruesome legend has been etched into the local folklore. They say that on certain evenings, a ghostly figure emerges from the shadows of Burnt House Lane, its presence marked by an unsettling sense of foreboding. This is the phantom of Michael Morey, a man who met a grisly end in 1735, when he was hanged in a public gibbet opposite the Hare and Hounds inn for the heinous crime of murdering his own grandson.

Historical records confirm that Michael Morey's execution was a public spectacle, designed to serve as a deterrent to others. It's said that his ghostly form still roams the roads in the area, driven by some restless energy. According to local lore, Morey's phantom is a terrifying sight to behold - his face a grinning skull, and in his hand, a large axe, the very instrument of his brutal crime. While there are no documented witness accounts to verify the sightings, the persistence of this legend over the centuries suggests that there may be some truth to the claims of paranormal activity in Burnt House Lane.

Historical Context

18th-century crime and punishment

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Road
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Twentieth century
Postcode Area
BS8

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