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Mary Blandy's Ghostly Apparition

Westgate, Oxford, Oxfordshire Apparition Georgian

In the heart of Oxford, where Westgate meets the city's ancient walls, a notorious haunting has been reported for centuries. Mary Blandy, a young woman, met her demise here on 6 April 1752, when she was hanged for the heinous crime of poisoning her own father. Locals claim that her restless spirit still roams this very spot, forever trapped in a cycle of sorrow and regret. Some believe her execution took place at Castle Yard, but the popular consensus points to Westgate as the site of her tragic end.

Historically, Mary Blandy's case was a sensationalised affair, drawing widespread attention due to the brutal nature of her crime. On that fateful day in 1752, a strange occurrence was said to have taken place: a blackbird perched on a beam of the scaffold during her execution. Since then, it's been reported that no blackbird has sung in the area, fuelling local legend and speculation about the supernatural. While details of her haunting are scarce, with no recorded sightings in recent times, the enduring tale of Mary Blandy continues to fascinate those interested in Oxford's paranormal history.

Historical Context

18th-century execution and crime

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Execution Site
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Executed 06 April 1752, last sighting unknown
Postcode Area
OX1

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