The Sun Inn Ghost
The Sun Inn in Saxilby, Lincolnshire, is home to a rather unsettling ghost story. It's said that Thomas Otter, a man who met a grisly end, continues to make his presence known. He was hanged for murdering his wife, a crime that shocked the local community. The evidence against him was strong, thanks in part to a witness named John Dunkerly. But what's really interesting is what happened after Thomas's death. The murder weapon, which was displayed in the Sun Inn, kept disappearing - and it did so on the anniversary of the murder. It's a strange coincidence that has led many to believe that Thomas's spirit was at work.
Historical records show that Thomas Otter's crime was committed between 1806 and 1811. John Dunkerly, the key witness, later claimed that he had taken the murder weapon, but only because Thomas's ghost had forced him to do so. This admission adds a layer of complexity to the story, suggesting that Thomas's spirit was not only active but also capable of influencing the living. The fact that the murder weapon disappeared not once but twice, on the exact anniversary of the crime, is a detail that has contributed to the Sun Inn's reputation as a haunted location. It's a story that has been passed down through the years, making the Sun Inn a place of interest for those drawn to the paranormal.
The story of Thomas Otter dates back to the early 19th century, a time of great change and social upheaval in England.
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