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Oliver Goldsmith's Ghostly Visage

Ye Olde Cock Tavern, EC4, London Apparition Georgian

Ye Olde Cock Tavern on Fleet Street has been a London landmark for centuries, and it's here that a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place in 1984. A young woman working at the tavern was standing at the back of the building, near the door, when she was startled by the appearance of a disembodied head - none other than Oliver Goldsmith, the famous Irish author and poet. The head was smiling, and the woman's scream was audible to everyone in the bar. It's not hard to imagine the shock and surprise of such an unexpected apparition.

Oliver Goldsmith, born in 1728, was a prominent figure in 18th-century English literature, known for his works such as 'The Vicar of Wakefield' and 'She Stoops to Conquer'. He was a frequent visitor to London, and it's possible that he may have stopped by Ye Olde Cock Tavern during his lifetime. The tavern itself has a long history dating back to the 16th century, and it's not surprising that a place with such a rich history might attract a few ghostly visitors. The witness's account of Goldsmith's smiling head is a fascinating one, and it's a testament to the enduring power of this famous author's legacy.

Historical Context

18th-century literary figure Oliver Goldsmith was known for his wit and literary works

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Inn
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1984
Postcode Area
EC4A

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