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The Axe-Wielding Woodcutter

Hare and Hounds Inn Inn, Arreton, Islewight Apparition Georgian

The Hare and Hounds Inn in Arreton is home to a rather gruesome ghost story. This old inn has seen its fair share of visitors over the years, but one particular spirit seems to stick around - that of Michael Morey, a local woodcutter with a deadly axe. His ghostly form has been spotted lurking outside the inn, clad in ragged leather leggings and a jerkin, still clutching that massive axe that sealed his fate. It's said that Morey was executed for a heinous crime - killing his own grandson - and left to hang in a nearby gibbet as a grim warning to others.

Digging deeper into the history books reveals that Michael Morey's crime was indeed a shocking one. In a fit of rage, he killed his own grandson, an act that was punishable by death in those days. The locals were outraged, and Morey's punishment was a particularly cruel one - he was gibbeted, or left hanging in a metal cage, as a warning to others. It's little wonder that his spirit is still seen in these parts, perhaps searching for redemption or reliving the moments leading up to his demise. While there aren't many recorded witness accounts, the fact that Morey's ghostly form has been spotted by multiple people suggests that this is more than just a simple legend.

Historical Context

18th-century crime and punishment

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Inn
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
PO30

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