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 CONTENTS
04 CHILL OUT: What are ‘Cold Spots’?
Sarah Streamer puts her thermals
on and investigates why certain places in a
21 IT’S ABOUT THYME: Kate Ray offers
sage advice and countdowns her top
20 herbs in the garden of the paranormal;
location could be colder thistle go down well

07 SUPERNATURAL SHOPPING: Did the

foundations of a new retail outlet
disturb a poltergeist?
26 THE DAMNED DEMAND FOR ON-
DEMAND: Danny Robins dissects,
debates, dismembers and discusses if we
EDITORIAL
The Pockets of the Paranormal 09 CASHING IN ON THE PARANORMAL:
Can haunted buildings and
paranormal investigators work together for the
are living in the golden age of entertaining
Paranormal Drama

The beauty of the paranormal is that you greater good?

29 THE STEP BY E-STEP GUIDE: Richard
Estep investigates the historic Beattie
can pick-pocket various parts of spooky
history and rifle through the paranormal
handbag for something of interest and
10 NOBODY LYING AROUND: Were the
Death Masks of the Old Melbourne Gaol Mansion in Missouri known by many as the
used for science or scaremongering? House on the Hill

13 33
worth. You don’t have to look too hard for “TAKING THE MICKEY, NICKY”: Nicky THE “ALEXANDRA” HOLZER FILES:
a story as the stories are already there, they Alan writes about the time an angry Alexandra investigates three marine
just need to be shared and heard. entity gate-crashed a private event, but who themed mysteries; a ghost ship, a haunted
For every haunted story we know of, I reckon was at fault? ship & a harbour, maybe harbouring Canada’s
that there’s probably another unknown
haunted story hidden, hiding, just waiting 14 THE CHURCH OF THE POISONED MIND: very own Roswell
Has the paranormal past blemished
to be discovered. For every haunted house,
there’s one yet to be mentioned and for
the search for truth or fuelled the flames for
wanting and needing to know more?
36 THE TALE OF JANE & A GHOST (OR
TWO): A holiday adventure turns into
a haunting one when medium Jane Rowley

16
every poltergeist we love to read and hear A QUANTUM OF SPOOKYNESS: Morgan
about there’s probably another noisy ghost visits the old home of Beatrix Potter
Knudsen takes a quantum leap of

39
that we are yet to hear about. I always say faith and delves into the science behind THE DIARIES OF A GHOST WRITER:
we are just scratching the surface of the precognition, psychokinesis and ESP Danny Robins, writer of 2:22, reflects
iceberg with the paranormal stories, legends,
19 BRASSED OFF: Kate Cherrell and her on his haunted journey, from belief to doubt
and cases. blow-by-blow account of the spirit and back again, from Battersea to the West
A location creates “new” fragments of his- trumpet, was this Early Voice Phenomena? End and many more stops in between
tory every time it is investigated, the irony is
that there is more of the paranormal past to THE PARAPOD: A VERY BRITISH GHOST HUNT An exclusive interview with the
be found in our paranormal future. The more stars & the producer of the new ghost movie including an in-depth review
we dig and research the more we find. There Extra content from 2:22 featuring Ciaran O’Keeffe’s spoiler free review and an
is no Groundhog Day in the paranormal. EXCLUSIVE interview with Jake Wood.
Everyone at #teamHaunted brings their own Extra content from Help! My House is Haunted featuring Barri Ghai & Jayne
paranormal ideas & writings to Haunted Harris giving their advice on gadgets, gizmos and top research tips for budding
paranormal historians
Magazine, it is a real pleasure to be part
of people’s supernatural journey. Andy & I
love putting the magazine together, yes it
involves lots of late nights, but it is always 43 HELP! THESE INTERVIEWS ARE
HAUNTED: Exclusive interviews with
the cast and producer of the UK paranormal TV
66 NOT SO ‘ORRIBLE ‘ISTORIES: Historian
Penny Griffiths-Morgan was itching to
go back to school, so much so she wrote a book
a real pleasure to bring to you Haunted
show, Help! My House is Haunted about a very British school goes back to school
Magazine. It is something we love
doing.
As editor of Haunted Magazine and a
51 JAILHOUSE SHOCK: Do the spirits of
dead prisoners’ still haunt Derby Gaol?
69 SUPERNATURAL SHROPSHIRE: Amy
Boucher takes us on a terrifying tour of
spooky Salop that you won’t get to read about in
Lorien Jones takes a look
ghost hunter, you’d have thought that I the “normal” guidebooks
would be used to late nights. To be honest,
I am normally, but for the last few nights I 55 HOORAY FOR HOLYROOD: Evelyn Hollow
recounts the tale of 17 miniature coffins
found near an extinct volcano, a prehistoric fort
72 ALL ABOUT MONSTERS: Curiosity may
have killed the cat, but it has brought the
have woke up, looked at the clock, and it is monsters back to life in Usborne’s World of the
the same time, 2:22am. I even tried some- and a site that, some say, is the true location of Unknown trilogy; mega fan Robin Ince tells us all
thing different yesterday when I woke up, Camelot about it
I stopped myself from looking at the clock
straight away, I must have faced the other 58 THINGS THAT GO TRUMP IN THE NIGHT:
Imagine if 2:22 was a card game with
a spooky twist, you get dealt one card only, but
75 THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE: We ask a
paranormal related question; you tell us
your answers. Are we prepared for your no holds
way for at least four-five minutes (it’s hard to
who gets to call out first? barred uncensored comments?
tell when you don’t look at a clock), anyway
I turned around after some time and there
it was in bright red digital numbering 2:22 59 DEAD FUNNY: BBC’s Ghosts is back;
we take a look at the myriad of ghosts
76 HUBBLE, COVELL, TOIL & TROUBLE:
Yorkshire historian Mike Covell steps out
of his countywide comfort zone to investigate
AGAIN. and find out what’s going down at Button Hall
some strangeness in deepest, darkest
I must have something on my mind, can’t
63 THE WASHINGTON STATE Lincolnshire.

80
think what….#PARANORMAL!! POLTERGEIST: Keith Linder tells us why THE PARANORMAL WANDERER:
this poltergeist case has been acknowledged as The wanderings, wonderings and
Paul one of America’s most controversial paranormal ponderings of our very own paranormal rambler,
cases H A U N T E D M A G A Z I N E Hubert Hobux. 3
 BABY, IT'S
COLD INSIDE !
An Essay on Cold Spots by Sarah Streamer

he world of the paranormal is career as a paranormal investigator. I

T strange. The very word means

beyond or apart from normal. As
a paranormal investigator and
researcher, I have spent many hours in
dark hallways by myself contemplating
was investigating in a location that I have
lovingly come to call ‘home.’ Malvern
Manor, located in Iowa, began its life in the
late 1800s as a hotel for the small railroad
town of Malvern. Over the years, the
the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of different building transitioned into a nursing home
phenomena. This curiosity has driven and finally, into a group home. The Manor
me to research the science behind why housed residents that were afflicted with
these phenomena happen. In some range of conditions, from alcoholism to
cases, the science doesn’t do a very good severe dissociative identity disorder (DID)
job of explaining why things happen, but or multiple personalities. The residents of
it helps to have a basic understanding of Malvern Manor even included a convicted
what is happening during these events to murderer. This location, it seems, has
become a better investigator. become the place that many of the former

“I have encountered Cold spots are something almost every

investigator has experienced. They
residents still roam.

I was investigating Malvern Manor with a

cold spots show up unexpectedly and sometimes
are unexplainable. I have encountered
small group of friends on a very cold night
in March. With temperatures dropping
frequently over cold spots frequently over my time
as an investigator, but only a couple
into the low thirties and the Manor having
heat to only part of the building, we were

my time as an of experiences were completely

unexplainable. If you talk to investigators
all bundled up for the investigation. We
had decided to investigate the nursing
from around the globe, they hypothesize home wing of the Manor and I had
investigator, but that cold spots are an unexplained,
localized drop in temperature. The
volunteered to be bait for the infamous
Shadow Man that was known to chase
only a couple thought is that spirits are able to use the
energy from the heat in the surrounding
people down the hallway. I sat on the
floor outside of Door 2 as five other
of experiences atmosphere to potentially communicate
with us or manifest themselves, creating
investigators stood about 50 feet away,
at the end of the hallway and watched me.

were completely a cold spot. The session started out very quiet, but
as we sat in the dark and listened to the
The most profound cold spot I have building, we began to hear knocks and
unexplainable.” experienced happened fairly early in my noises.

4 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
After what seemed like ages, and
many noises from other rooms, I heard
something move from the other side of
door 2. At first, it sounded like some of
the contents of the room may have been
settling. That particular room is locked to
investigators as it has been rented out as
storage… for the local funeral home. Then,
another sound. A footstep? Then a loud
knock on the door that was just inches
from where I was sitting. Suddenly, I felt
my stomach drop to the floor and could
feel a cold mass at my back, which is
interesting as the air temperature was
in the 30’s. How cold did the mass have
to be for me to feel colder than I already
was? It felt as if someone was standing
directly behind me, waiting for me to run.
I knew my fellow investigators had a FLIR
thermal camera with them, so I had one
of them come down to capture what I was
feeling. It turns out, there were footprints Heat, or the lack thereof (cold), is created
on the floor directly behind me that were by movement. The kinetic energy of atoms transformed from one type to another,
picked up on the FLIR thermal camera vibrating and rubbing up against each other but it can’t be created or destroyed. All
is what creates heat. It’s like that time you the energy we encounter, heat, electricity,
forgot your gloves when you had to clean light, has come from somewhere else. All
“Something had the snow off your car. After scraping ice and
flinging a large chunk down your shirt, you
that energy can become another type of
energy, but it can never be totally destroyed.

been standing there sit in the driver’s seat shivering and rubbing
your hands together like mad to prevent
The second and third law have to do with
entropy, which is the degree of chaos in a
your fingers from falling off due to frostbite. system. They basically say that a system
and I could feel Eventually, the friction from rubbing your
hands will begin to warm your hands up.
wants to normalize and reach a constant
state. With heat, this means that if you have
the cold, relative Because of the excessive movement and
friction of atoms, heat is very difficult
a hot and cold area, they will eventually
become warm as things normalize. So, you
to my own ambient to control or direct. It is also very easily
dispersed. In fact, heat is the least efficient
can’t create energy from nothing, it won’t
disappear and hot and cold want to become
form of energy that is available for use. a weird warm mass.
temperature.” Logically, if I were a spirit, I would go after a
more reliable form of energy, like a battery, With the understanding of how energy is
This experience has stayed with me and because heat is sketchy as an energy source transformed and behaves, it’s time to dig
has made me question why cold spots at best. into the different causes of an explainable,
happen. The best part of being science natural cold spot. Air movement is the main
Another thing to consider are the Laws culprit, and this can happen in many ways.
minded is coming up with questions
of Thermodynamics. The first, and most The most obvious way is a draft coming from
about something. Are spirits able to
famous fundamental law states that the an external source.
use heat energy to communicate? Do
total energy of a system must remain
they just exist at a certain temperature,
constant. This means that energy can be
and we identify it as cold relative to our
surroundings? If this is the case, is there
a certain temperature at which best
to detect them? Are they composed of
something that absorbs heat without their
effort, effectively making them a walking
(or floating) cold spot? While science as
we know it will not answer the questions I
have, it can tell us about the laws of heat,
how it is transformed and explainable,
natural ways that a cold spot could
form. These explainable phenomena
surrounding heat energy do not discount
the idea that unexplainable paranormal
cold spots happen, but they can help us
understand the nature of heat energy,
giving us a tool to help debunk a cold
spot if it is naturally occurring and not
paranormal in nature.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 5
It is easy to overlook a crack in a window or a cold surface, your body heat wants to nor- happen, it helps us understand our world
air moving under a door when you’re in the malize with the cold surface making you feel a to become better investigators. Having a
throes of a paranormal investigation, but it is cold area. The next time it’s cold out, put your healthy sense of scepticism as an investi-
worth the time to identify drafts. Air move- hand close to a window. You can feel the cold gator is a good thing. Learning to debunk
ment from convection and humidity differ- because it wants to suck your body heat away and not assume everything that happens is
ences can also happen. Warm air rises will from you to perform a fundamental Law of paranormal is an important part of conduct-
cool and fall back down. A simple temperature Thermodynamics. The world around us is so ing sound, scientific research. I am always of
difference of a few degrees in a room can cool! Literally. the mindset that science is ever evolving and
cause enough air movement for you to feel a just around the corner could be the next big
The last, and I think the most often over-
cool area. Humidity differences can cause discovery to help us explain the unexplain-
looked cause for a cold spot, is psychological
the same effect with humid air being lighter able. While we’re waiting for that to happen,
suggestion. As soon as you tell someone you
(less dense) than dry air, rising and falling to don’t forget to wear your gloves to clean the
create air movement that can be felt. Any sort feel a cold spot, they tend to feel it as well.
snow off your car so you don’t have to rely on
of air movement can be easily detected with In the world of the paranormal, this is not
friction to prevent frostbitten phalanges. Oh,
the finger test. If you lick your finger (with specific to cold spots. When you see or hear
and keep researching and investigating the
clean hands, of course), you can easily feel if something, the people around you will begin
unexplained, the world needs more weirdos
the air is moving in a directional flow. too as well. When you hear a specific word in
committed to advancing the field of the para-
an EVP and announce it or label it, it is hard
Other causes of detecting a cold spot have normal.
for others to hear anything different. Operate
to do with your relative heat as a human. We carefully in this regard if you are trying to
are all giving off heat and our bodies have a
way to cope with overheating and heat loss.
collect valid evidence. It’s always a good idea Sarah x
to not announce what you’re feeling, seeing,
One of those biological functions is sweating. or hearing in order to validate your experience
Even the slightest bit of moisture on your skin Sarah Streamer has been active in the
with others. I tend to ask other investigators paranormal community since 2016. She has
can evaporate, causing you to feel a relative
to stand next to me and tell me what they are been researching and photographing haunted
cold area. Unlike drafts, convection, and
experiencing in that area, so I don’t give them locations to help bring awareness to the
humidity, these are the types of cold spots
any hint of my own observations. I don’t say paranormal and the historical preservation
that bear no evidence on the thermometer.
things like ‘What do you feel?’ or ‘Can you of the locations. She is co-founder of the
They are simply relative to your body heat. paranormal investigative team, Paranormania.
hear that?’ Just the use of these sense verbs
Similar to this, you can experience radiative Her passion is to be able to conduct valid
when investigating can trigger another per-
heat loss. This has to do with the Second research and data analysis in the paranormal
son to unconsciously feel or hear something.
and Third Law of Thermodynamics that we field to help advance the science surrounding
discussed above. Systems want to become While the science surrounding cold spots the currently unexplainable phenomena that we
a constant temperature so if you are close to doesn’t give us a good idea of why they encounter.
 FLYING OFF
THE SHELVES
THE EAGLE CENTRE POLTERGEIST BY ELI LYCETT

t’s early December 1983 and in the There are

I basement of a building in Derby city

centre, an extraordinary meeting is
taking place. Huddled together in the
dimly lit room around stacked boxes of stock,
packing materials and cleaning equipment,
stories found of such phenomena through-
out history, the most curious to me being
those cases which took place in an environ-
ment where the notion of a-typical polter-
geist activity was an unknown quantity to
stand a group of local business owners, those witnessing the events; and local folk-
council representatives and a collection of lore and legend is a great place to spot them.
Church clergymen that include the Bishop
of Derby himself. None of them can quite One such case comes records of a haunting
believe it has come to this, gathered as they which took place in the Staffordshire
are beneath the city’s new shopping centre, Moorlands during the late 1800’s. Published
debating a resolution to a problem that is in October 1880 by local newspaper The
Sentinel as part of an article entitled  Up
proving so increasingly disturbing that any
and Down the County,  William Hambleton,
sense of ridicule or fantasy has long since
stated to be a member of Butterton Village
left the conversation. They need a solution;
Parish Council, recounts an event at a farm
a solution to the Eagle Centre poltergeist.
on Douse Lane in the nearby village of
Amongst the complex range of shapes Onecote.
and sizes that spectral hauntings can
For several weeks, strange knockings and
take, the poltergeist is the one form of
noises had been heard in the farmhouse,
paranormal phenomena that has the power before events seemed to reach a peak with
to unite viewpoints and beliefs no matter the farmers cart seen to be veering around
no less than seven how diverse. The noisy ghost is present in
virtually every culture the world over, and
the farmyard, night after night, by means
of “unseen propulsion.” In the end, a local
clergymen were called whilst attributable names and theories may
differ, the unique nature of the poltergeist
Reverend and no less than seven clergymen
were called in to exercise this “spirit of the
at large means that it’s power of persuasion
in to exercise this “spirit is constant. No matter what a person may
Moors.”

believe, it’s hard to ignore the one form of It would seem the situation in Derby’s Eagle
of the Moors.” haunting that can be objectively viewed
and measured.
Centre around 100 years later evolved along
eerily similar lines.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 7
 “Builders were said
to have heard all
manner of noises
and screams on the
site when they were
alone and often found
tools going missing
before reappearing in
impossible locations.”

t started during the shopping mall’s Now, it is easy to imagine how such stories The Eagle Centre may no longer be with us,

I construction in 1975, when the east-

end slums of the city centre had been
cleared to make space for the new
building. Builders were said to have heard
all manner of noises and screams on the
build locally, taking on a life of their own and
giving us cause to question their provenance.
At the Eagle Centre however, far from
becoming a hub of outlandish claims and
fantasy, things took a decidedly practical
but the Eagle Market is still very much alive
and well on its former site, now part of Intu
Shopping Derby, where market traders do
business with shoppers every day of the
week.
site when they were alone and often found turn following a spate of flying shoes in a
As to what may have caused the activity at
tools going missing before reappearing in branch of Freeman, Hardy and Willis that had
the Eagle Centre during the late 70’s and
impossible locations. Once completed, the been witnessed by half a dozen people at the
early 80’s, there are a couple of competing
activity would only increase, with dozens same time including a local council leader.
theories. One, and perhaps the most plausible
of business owners reporting strange as such theories go, is that the poltergeist
Guarding against the rumours that many
occurrences during their first few months activity itself came as part and parcel of a
businesses in the new £7 Million shopping
of trade. For the local papers, the spooky much wider explosion of hauntings which
centre were considering leaving, they took
stories coming out of the new shopping emerged following the clearance of the old
the extraordinary step of issuing an advice
centre were a goldmine, and such was the neighbourhood before the centre was built.
pamphlet concerning the phenomena. It was
concern of the Eagle Centre’s management Another suggestion lies in the fact that the
entitled (I jest not) Your Poltergeist and How
that a court injunction was taken out to stop building was erected in an area of the city
to Deal with It.
the press from printing the tales they were said to have born witness to a violent battle
told for fear of the poltergeist seriously way back in the year 917 between the forces
In the document, a brief history of
impacting trade. of Anglo-Saxon warrior queen Aethelflead
the phenomena was shared in a bid to
and the Vikings of the Dane Law; the idea
show how “natural” it was, alongside
Besides the usual bangs, crashes, and being that the slaughter had somehow had
advice on how to placate it; once the
object teleportations, there were other, far a metaphysical impact on the land that was
pressures that produce the poltergeist
more visual phenomena on display across later released into the atmosphere when the
are understood, it stated, the activity
the site. Shadowy figures were spotted ground was broken to lay foundations.
will begin to fade. It would appear
in storerooms by at least 6 separate shop however that the activity continued Whatever the origin of the phenomena, it’s
managers, and shawled, crouched spectres for at least 8 years; and come that clear that the area of the city in which the
walking through walls is said to have been night in the basement, the Bishop and Eagle Centre was erected had played host
a regular occurrence. In one particularly his helpers took a drastic decision. to a long history of human occupation. That
illuminating encounter, site security guards They would perform an exorcism. the memories of the land may have somehow
spent over an hour searching the premises become switched on and replayed during
after one of their number had spotted a It didn’t work at first, and reports of activity the building work would dovetail neatly with
young girl, long after closing, wandering continued before a second session took many popular theories regarding hauntings
through a clothes store clutching a cuddly place in early 1984. This time, it seemed to do but the origin of the poltergeist itself is
toy. They had feared the child had somehow the trick, and reports became rarer and rarer even more complex; it’s range of activity
become locked in. Alas, upon investigation, until the shopping centre eventually closed suggests an intelligent control, inherent in
no child was to be found. in 1990. the location.

8 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 SCARE IN THE COMMUNITY

P
aranormal events companies are often provided the services. And in that type of work, you
criticised for bulk booking haunted have to survive off a grant income from a national
As with many such cases,
venues at inflated prices, which prices-out charity, which supports the type of work you’re
investigation leads to more
smaller independent teams who would doing. Later, we were getting contracts from the
questions than answers, but
nonetheless, whatever was
like the chance to investigate the property. While council to deliver services for young people from
happening back then in Derby city this might be true in some cases, especially at the building.”
centre was very real to those who some of the more opportunistic properties, there
is another side to this debate. In 2013, the council chose not to renew their
witnessed it. Yet it is precisely contract, opting to fund another organisation
this lack of definitive answers
Michael Packer is the chair of a voluntary that was better placed to provide services for the
that means such stories pass
association which looks after a 250-year-old former community, but again the Clocktower adapted.
from person to person in a form
brass works on the outskirts of Bristol. He says that
that is open to interpretation,
the income from hosting paranormal events has
embellishment, and subtle change.
become vital to their funding raising efforts, which
This is no bad thing. Rather, it is the
support local community projects and the upkeep
evolutionary mechanism by which
events such as the Eagle Centre and restoration of the building.
poltergeist pass into folklore, Warmley Clocktower was built in 1743 and despite
enabling them to survive across
its name is as much an old factory building as an
the years, changing shape into
actual clocktower. Michael says, “the brass industry
legend along the way and ensuring
was a big business in the early stage of the Industrial
that such incredible examples of
Revolution.” The three-storey clocktower building
the supernatural, so unlikely to be
was once part of a much larger early industrial
committed to official records, are
estate built by William Champion, but after a Michael says, “consequently, we effectively
not lost to us. Their unfathomable
long and successful period of operation, the site became a space basically, for community use. And
truths persevered in oral tradition,
eventually closed down, and the building was put we offer the building up on the ethos of making it
just like the legends of old, courtesy
to a new use. an affordable rate that voluntary groups and others
of the stories they inspire.
can afford.”
“The Clocktower Association was Realising that in order to serve the community,
El i Ly c e t t formed in 1968, and ever since we have they needed to bring in some additional income,
been providing services specifically the historic venue offered itself up to paranormal
teams for the first time. It is the perfect solution as
CHECK OUT for the tenants of the council estate, paranormal events take place at times of the day
ELI’S “LOCAL when the building is not earning in other ways.
MYTHSTORIAN”
the young people in particular.”
PAGE: https:// As Michael explains, this is often a weekend, “they
thelocalmythstorian. Over the years the association adapted to reflect come along at something like nine o’clock and
com/ changes in society. Michael explained, “we’ve they’re there until three in the morning. And that’s
always reacted to what the current issues were and their evening, basically.”

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 9
He adds, “they come from miles away these event afford it, we’re only a group of four’, well, why not?
organisers, they pick up local people too, people from The priority isn’t to make as much money as possible.
South Wales and roundabout Bristol.” All we want to do is to make money to secure the
building and to generate extra income, which we will
“There are a number of different locations be investing in the community.”
across the UK that rely heavily on income
But what’s it like having paranormal teams investigating
generated from hosting paranormal your property after dark?
events. Some of these places are run by
charities or trusts and benefit from group Although the building is used as an events space and
has resident organisations based there, the events
bookings to firstly raise their profile, but haven’t interfered with the day-to-day running of the
to bring in much needed funding that in building. Michael even went as far as to say, “the teams
many cases is vital to enable them to grow, that come along are very responsible people, but we
had to be very mindful that people that use the space
develop and in some cases remain open. I’m and we think they’ve all cooperated so far.”
all for supporting these locations which
provide us with local history and offer a With all the Clocktower Association working on a
voluntary basis, funds are tight and very much needed.
community spirit” Barri Ghai The association have used their money from ghost
hunts to improve the building and ensure its continued
The events have been more successful than the
availability for the community. “Obviously over the
Clocktower Association could have ever imagined.
Michael explained, “when we got to the end of the years, we have saved the building, we’ve protected
last financial year, the year before we were put into the building,” says Michael, “we also have done some
lockdown, what we found was that the amount of fundraising where we’ve done a certain amount of
money the paranormal contributed towards the work on the building.”
overhead costs was something like 42%.” Then the
pandemic hit and although much of 2020 and 2021 But he says the work never ends, “we do have a
so far has been a write-off for ghost hunting events, the planning application we put in too to present the site
Clocktower found that paranormal events provided a with landscaping and all the other things that go with
vital lifeline. it. What we need to do is to get the investment now to
do the building up and to look at the landscaping, to
“When they relaxed the rules, the paranormal came
back in again and quite honestly, that income was make sure the building is here for the future and we’re
quite a major contribution, because we were down.” safeguarding the community use of the building.”

One argument against venues hiring themselves out While some venues and haunted locations might
to paranormal events companies is that charging a seem greedy, others like the Clocktower are doing
premium to use the location means that smaller teams their best to make their spaces available for all and
and independent researchers don’t have a chance to opening their building to further a non-profit initiative
investigate the location, especially when companies
that will benefit the wider community. So rather than
book nights in bulk. This shouldn’t be seen as a negative
complaining that a haunted venue is cashing in, maybe
against the paranormal events company, as this really
comes down to how greedy a location is. next time be more selective about the type of locations
you book and ensure the money you spend is going to
Michael has a less exclusive approach, “there are a good cause rather than just lining someone’s pocket.
people out there, smaller groups, that I would welcome
down in Warmley. And if they say, ‘well, we can’t Higgypop

10 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
By Our Wizardess of Oz - Sarah Chumacero
and put it into a sarcophagus decorated with
Death Masks of the various jewels. The finishing touch was to
put a sculpted mask on the face of the de-

Old Melbourne Gaol ceased. This was was considered to be a very

important sacred element to the ritual. It was
believed that the mask would strengthen the
hen roaming the halls of what was once

W
spirit of the mummy and guard it against evil
a gaol, it is not uncommon for there to on its way to the after world.
be displays and stories of former in-
mates. What is particularly unnerving, In the late 1880s, the process of casting death
is when they have on display a death mask. masks was used as a way to help identify the
The Old Melbourne Gaol in Melbourne Vic- body of a missing person. If an unidentified
toria is full of them. Built in the mid 1800’s body presented, a mask was cast so that fam-
133 hangings took place within its walls. The ily members looking for missing loved ones
most infamous hanging was that of famous could identify the body. Remember this is long
bush-ranger Ned Kelly. The gaol closed in in before the technology we have today. There
1924 and was decommissioned in 1929. It is, in particular, one mask which is known as
sits today as a museum displaying one of the L’Inconnue de la Seine. It was the face of an
largest collections of death masks in all of unidentified young woman who was found
Australia. So, what is a death mask and why drowned at the Seine River in Paris sometime
would you cast a mask of someone who was in the 1880s. She was believed to be around
executed? 16 years old. The morgue worker who cast the
mask was bewitched by her beauty. The mask
In some ancient cultures, they used what were became quite popular and considered almost
called funeral masks as a part of the rituals of a work of art. If the face looks familiar, that
they would perform when burying a body. In is because the world’s first CPR mannequin
Ancient Egypt, they would mummify the body was modelled after this very mask.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 11
 In the 19th Century and early 20th Century, the to use at lectures and even displayed as a
process of death masks was used widely on deterrent for people – if you do the crime, this
inmates in prisons after they were executed. is what could happen to you.
After they were hung, their head was shaved,
and a cast would be taken. The intention of this
was not solely to display the masks in a museum
(even though that is what they are doing today).
Old Melbourne
They were to be unknowing participants in a
study called Phrenology.
Gaol’s Death Masks
Phrenology amous Australian Bushranger Ned Kelly’s
Emma Williams Death Mask

hrenology is considered to be a pseudo- F death mask is one of the most famous

masks on display here, at the very place he

P
was executed. In November of 1880, Kelly
medicine that is no longer practiced as it was hung for 3 counts of wilful murder and is
has since been scientifically discredited. It said to have spoken his final famous words
was developed in 1796 by German physician “Such is life” moments before his death. His
Franz Joseph  Gall. In 1820, the Edinburgh is not however the original death mask, it is
Phrenological Society was established. The a copy. It was not uncommon for copies to be
process behind Phrenology involves feeling made as they are quite fragile. In addition to
and observing the measurements of a human Kelly, there is an extensive collection of original
skull. The belief was that certain behaviours death masks on display of executed inmates
and traits were confined to different sections throughout the gaol.
of the brain. It was believed there were
around 27 different sections to the brain. A Bushranger George ‘Frenchy’ Melville was
Fatta Chand Death Mask phrenologist would run their fingertips and executed in 1853 for the McIvor Gold Robbery.
palms over a person’s skull to see if they could Fatta Chand was also hung at the gaol in 1891
feel any enlargements or indentations or in for the murder of his Hindoo partner Juggo
simple terms - feel the bumps. They would Mull, even though he claimed his innocence.
also measure the head. From these findings, Emma Williams was the only woman in Victoria
a Phrenologist would assess the character who was executed for the murder of her own
and the temperament of the patient. There child in 1895. All others convicted of the same
were considered to be 5 fundamental points to crime were charged but not executed.
phrenology:
What is eerie about these masks is the
1. The brain is the organ of the mind. expression on the faces of the subjects.
Some seem at peace. Others have a look
2. The mind is composed of multiple,
of distress. One even seems to have a
distinct, innate faculties.
smirking smile. In some cases, you can
George Melville Death Mask 3. Because they are distinct, each faculty actually see the contortion in the neck from
must have a separate seat or “organ” in where they were hung. Strands of facial
the brain. hair are even sticking out from the plaster
on others. I have to wonder if the energy
4. The size of an organ, other things being
of the person and the trauma associated
equal, is a measure of its power.
with their death are embedded within the
5. The shape of the brain is determined by masks? While they are displayed behind
the development of the various organs. solid Perspex, the energy of the deceased
6. As the skull takes its shape from the remains in the very place they met their
brain, the surface of the skull can be read demise. Is this why so many people feel ill
as an accurate index of psychological and uneasy in their presence?
aptitudes and tendencies.
This is just another example of how our strange
Even though in 1840s, Phrenology had been past and intrigue with the macabre fascinates
discredited as Scientific Theory based on a us still to this day. I know I can’t be around a
large amount of evidence against it, the concept death mask for long. Whether I am feeling the
became popular again in the early 20th century. energy of the mask or if maybe I am
Ned Kelly Death Mask just a little bit creeped out, either
It was during this resurgence that it was
thought criminals could be rehabilitated. The way it doesn’t sit well with me.

Sarah
thinking was that a diagnosis could be made,
and a plan put in place to help to rehabilitate the
criminal. For example, a criminal with homicidal
tendencies would be rehabilitated to work Photo credits:
as a butcher in order to control his impulses.
Somewhere along the way in this study, prisons L’Inconnue de la Seine: Public Domain
Making Death Mask Circa 1908: Public Domain
would start to cast death masks of inmates who
had been executed. They were not only used Photos by Sarah LLIFS, George Melville, Fatta
for the study of phrenology but also appeared Chand, Emma Williams, Ned Kelly Phrenology
in museums and material for prison authorities Display

12 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
A NASTY
PIECE OF
WORK...
When the wine and
nibbles become
malign and niggles
By Nicky Alan

t was 2007 and I had decided to do I could see through the vast kitchen win- Fred came straight in. Now he is like my

I a mini tour of East Anglia. I was go-

ing to various halls and theatres
demonstrating mediumship and go-
ing to private events where I would give
readings to people in a group set-
dows on arrival that many people were min-
gling, holding glasses of wine and munch-
ing through the morsels on offer. I knocked
on the kitchen door and as I opened the
door I had an instant wave of nau-
doorman, if there is anything off, negative
or dodgy he is in there like a shot to help
me out.

ting. They were lovely eve- sea hit me. Rather than give a “They have used a Ouija
nings and exceptionally lively and polite hello, I un-
popular, where most der racing breath asked board Nick and they took the
people had wine and where the toilet was. In
nibbles as I brought the toilet I promptly mickey, no one kept it safe.”
them messages puked up and won-
from the Spir- dered why this lux- ‘F**k me,’ I thought, this is all I need, some
it World and my urious house stank drunken get together, Ouija board in tow.
friend Vicky of old drains. I was Don’t get me wrong I find communication
thinking perhaps boards an excellent tool IN THE RIGHT
would do one to
I was going down HANDS but played with during a p**s up is
one readings in
with something as really not a good idea.
another room.
I joined the expect-
To be honest I should ant group shaking I think however, ‘It might not be that bad,
inside and feeling that just carry on.’ But as soon as I open up my
have realised as we
anything remotely dodgy energy, the stench of the drains got so bad
were driving to this one
would send me running to that the lump on my throat threatened
house that there was going
the toilet again. I asked Vicky is
to be a disastrous evening that further puking sessions!
she could smell the drains to which she
would unfold. I was getting really snappy
looked at me as if I was mad. I was forced to say,
with my friend and feeling quite angry
for no reason whatsoever. The closer I gulped down loads of water and directed “Have you got a problem with your drains?”
we got to the house the more I became the crowd in to one of the drawing rooms I think the owner was a little confused as
agitated. where I would do my demonstration of to whether this was a psychic or normal
mediumship. As the group of about thirty observation!
We were in the middle of nowhere deep people all seated themselves a hum of
in the Norfolk countryside looking for a excitement reverberated across the room. “No not at all”, he replied perplexed, turns
farmhouse. We eventually found it. I had I normally pick up on this vibe which helps out no one can smell what I am smelling.
the right hump when we pulled on the drive me get the spirit people in but all this
and again should have looked at myself energy did was make me shake even more. I then blurt out, “You have used a Ouija
to see why I felt so miserable, angry and I started to do an introduction to who I was board here haven’t you, and you were all
volatile. and how it all worked when my granddad drunk?”

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 13
 Initially the owner and some of friends and bangs started up in the room. My
denied it. Eventually they admitted after granddad came to my side and my main
my granddad insisted he was right, that guide Julianus. After what seemed like
yes they had quite a few times after a an eternity I could see him in my mind’s
good old drink at the local country pub eye standing there holding a shotgun. I
had a play on the Ouija board. They had
ascertained after a while that he was a
started playing on it a few months ago.
farmer that lived in a neighbouring farm
I had the feeling that they had opened house. During his life he had had a huge
up some sort of doorway that had breakdown resulting in him shooting
inadvertently let someone not too his wife, kids then himself at their
pleasant in. farmhouse.

I asked to speak to the owners on their Bloody brilliant! This is all I needed
own. They said yes to all the following an angry spirit full of guilt roaming
standard questions: around this house when I was
supposed to be bringing nice cuddly
Have you had random bad smells? nanas and aunties through!
Have you had more arguments than
He had been attracted to their energy,
usual?
the Ouija board gang, and had attached
Have there been more electric/
himself to the house as it apparently
physical accidents more than usual?
beat roaming around grounded at his
Was there anyone suffering with
place due to what he had done to his
depression?
family. His guilt had stopped him going
Were they or the kids having over. It took an hour all in all to ask him to
restless/interrupted sleep every
leave the place. As the fragrant rush of
night or having nightmares?
fresh flowers hit my nostrils I knew that
Were there unexplained noises/
I had cleared the energy from the house.
bangs in the house?
Did the house feel dreary? I explained to the owners what I had
Did they feel exhausted more than experienced. As they sat mouths wide
usual? open, they confirmed that they knew
Had they felt unwelcome in their of the story of the neighbouring farm
own house? massacre from many years ago. I stated
Had they seen things that were quite clearly that if they wanted him
unexplainable? back all they had to do was get drunk
and play with the Ouija board, yes, I was
being exceptionally sarcastic! It is one
The questions go on, but you get the
picture, signs of a negative entity in the of my pet hates, people messing around
house. with something they have no idea how to
control or respect.
I really didn’t need this at all. I had
driven miles from our hotel to get here The evening from then on went
and now I had to find out who was in the swimmingly. The long awaited cuddly
bloody house as all my spirit messages nans, aunts and all manner of happy
were being blocked. As soon as I tried to spirit people came in with their
link up I felt sick and smelled the most messages of comfort and support. This
disgusting smell. Put it this way when is what should happen when I connect
I was a copper I smelled many dead
to the Spirit World, not having to evict
bodies. This was that smell with a bit of
haunted souls that can’t get over
ammonia chucked in for good measure.
murdering their family!
I told the owners to go and serve some
more drinks as I had to locate this Word to the wise, if you don’t know
spirit and do a clearing. I warned that enough about it, don’t play with it!

Nicky x
if I couldn’t clear the place, the evening
couldn’t go ahead.

I sat in one of the bedrooms where they Psychic Medium, Tutor & Magazine
said the children refused to sleep in. It
Columnist
took a while but then I could feel and
Author of M.E Myself & I: Diary of a
smell a rancid breath on my face. I could
make out the face of a very slim older Psychic
man with a grey short beard and fine Twitter @NickyAlan07
grey hair. My God was he angry. Crashes Instagram @nickyalan333

14 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
FRIEND
OR FAUX
Lying for the Good of
the Paranormal?
By A m a n d a R . Wo o m e r (S p o o k- E at s)

T
he history of the paranormal Could these experiences with the exists doesn’t end there. Just look at spirit
has been an arduous (ongoing) paranormal that leave us feeling isolated photography from the late 19th and early
journey. The “olden days” were (and sometimes questioning our sanity) 20th Centuries!
filled with superstitions, lore, lead to a habit of embellishing the truth and
and a deep connection to the spirit world possibly even fabricating experiences just The very first spirit photo was snapped by
that was nearly wiped out as the world in the hope of making someone believe us? W. Campbell [pictured centre left] who
became “enlightened.” Science explained A glance at the paranormal history over the was trying to take a picture of a chair in
mysteries like thunder and eclipses, and last 200 years would suggest a resounding his studio and ended up capturing the
the invention of the lightbulb chased yes. ghostly image of a boy. He was never able
away the monsters of the night. There to recreate this phenomenon, so many
was no room for ghosts and goblins in Take a look at the most polarizing ladies in believe the photo is authentic.
the modern world, no reason to believe the paranormal: the Fox Sisters. Some see
in childish stories of fairies and ghouls… them as gifted mediums who founded the And then there’s William Mumler [pictured
and yet, we have never stopped wanting modern-day Church of Spiritualism. Others bottom left]. Possibly the most (in)famous
to believe. see them as nothing more than charlatans, spirit photographer, Mumler made a career
making money off grieving families taking photos of ghosts and was eventually
Some are lucky enough to bridge the gap desperate to find ways to communicate charged with fraud.
between the modern and the ancient, with the other side.
what is known and what is unknown, and But was there any truth to what he did?
they come back touched by what they But is there more than meets the eye when
cannot understand, let alone explain. it comes to Kate, Maggie, and Leah Fox? Take Mumler’s most famous client, Mrs.
Tyndall.
Maybe you felt an unseen hand tug on your Maybe they really were sensitive to the
shirt. You know you were alone, but when spirits living in their childhood home (after Mrs. Tyndall showed up at Mumler’s studio
you tell someone else, they laugh it off and all, it was known throughout town to be unannounced, dressed in mourning attire,
say you imagined it. haunted). It could be possible that they were complete with a veil covering her face.
gifted mediums, but, like so many things in Mumler took the photo and, after the plate
the paranormal, unexplained phenomena developed, realized that the subject of
“Perhaps you heard did not just happen on command. And so, his shot was none other than Mary Todd
the voice of your they were forced to come up with a way Lincoln. In the photo, the spirit of her
to embellish on the reports that they could husband, Abraham Lincoln, is hovering
grandmother calling communicate with spirits. It was revealed behind her with his hands on her shoulders.
out your name in the by family members (and even one of the
night, even though Fox Sisters) that the girls had faked the By today’s standards, this photo looks
fake. In fact, most of them do. It’s hard
“rappings” they used to communicate with
she has been dead for the spirits. But was it 100% fake? to imagine anyone ever being fooled by
years.” Mumler’s work. But would Mumler track
It’s doubtful that there wouldn’t be some down pictures of his client’s dead relatives
Or maybe you caught a glimpse of your shred of truth—especially now that to sneak their images onto a bit of glass
mother, clear as day, standing in the kitchen the Church of Spiritualism has not only to imprint on the image? And what about
smiling at you even though she just passed survived over 100 years, but it is still Mary Todd Lincoln? Supposedly she
away a few months ago. You open yourself thriving today. Perhaps Kate and Maggie showed up without an appointment, so
up to the possibility that you somehow were gifted psychic mediums, but to Mumler wouldn’t have had time to prepare
connected to the “other side,” but when perform on command as their sister, Leah, the image.
you nervously share your encounter with demanded, they needed to get… creative.
your siblings, they just say, “Pics or it didn’t There may have been photographers who
happen.” Fabricating evidence to prove something did manage to capture spirits in photos…

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 15
 and there were definitely some who did not (and some that
didn’t even try to do a halfway decent job at making them
look legit).

Even though we laugh at these photos now, aren’t we still

DO YOU BELIEVE IN
doing the same thing? Aren’t we trying to catch that perfect
ghost photo to prove once and for all that the paranormal
is real? Some photos are less than impressive, like orbs (I
assure you: 99.99% of the time, its dust, moisture, or a bug),
PSYCHOKINESIS?
while others, like the Brown Lady of Raynham Hall, are a
bit more thought-provoking. We have not stopped trying
to photograph ghosts even 150 years since the first spirit
RAISE OUR HANDS IF YOU DO!!
photo was snapped. Precognition: A Quantum Breakthrough in Understanding the Paranormal
And it’s not just ghosts people try to photograph to prove By Morgan Knudsen, Entityseeker Research & Teachings
existence: Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monsters, and (my
personal favourite) the Cottingley Fairies.

The photos snapped by Elsie Wright and Frances Griffiths

Psychokinesis. Precognition. ESP.
hat do these three things have in common, if anything?

W
are yet another perfect example of someone fabricating
Why should we, as paranormal researchers, even begin to
something to try to shed some light on the truth.
care? Because the explanation for all of them has not only
Elsie and Frances would play in the Wright family’s garden. likely been discovered, but it also has one common and
important thread: Quantum particle physics and neuroscience.
When they told their parents that they were playing with
the fairies that lived along the stream, the adults laughed Now most people hear those words and immediately shut down. Rocket
at them and didn’t believe the girls—no doubt it was their science stuff, right? Well, sometimes. But I want to introduce you to
overactive imaginations. To prove that they were telling the man who figured this all out: Dr. William Roll (1926-2012). We, as
the truth, the girls snapped a photo of Frances with four students of the paranormal, must take a huge pause in what we’re doing
fairies, and it took the world by storm. in order to understand what he has published. And I mean a huge pause:
Drop everything you thought you knew, turn off the TV shows, and start
It didn’t matter how blatantly staged that first photo listening. Right now.
was—photographic evidence of fairies was all that Sir
In the final years of his life, William G Roll spent most of the last years of
Arthur Conan Doyle needed to hear. When four more his life making sense of psi phenomena, narrowing it down to two areas
photos came about, he was swept away in fairy mania, of interconnectedness which he felt was particularly relevant: Quantum
even while expert photographers and companies such as physics and neuroscience. Roll’s thinking had much to do with the late
Kodak questioned the authenticity. Michael Persinger who passed in 2018, so anyone familiar with his work
will recognize it. But I hope that within the next few paragraphs, I can
Not surprisingly, it was revealed that the two girls had explain this in a way that will change how you look at psi forever. And
faked the images (though they only admitted it in the yes, I am quite serious, and no, that is not an exaggeration.
1980s). But Elsie and Frances stuck to their story: there Let’s start here: In parapsychology there are two basic types of psi.
really were fairies by the stream, and they faked the The first is Receptive Psi, better known as Extrasensory Perception or
photos to prove that they weren’t lying. ESP. It comes in several forms: telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance,
psychometry, etc. The second is Expressive Psi, also known as PK or
While forgery has become a major problem in the psychokinesis, and can be described in terms of macroscopic and
paranormal world with photoshop and special effects, microscopic PK (affecting the world we see, and the world we see under
it certainly isn’t new. It is something that researchers, a microscope).
investigators, and sceptics have had to sift through over
Now Erwin Schrodinger (1887-1961)
the centuries. As we move forward (hopefully focusing on proposed in 1935 that, according
facts rather than hoaxes), let us not hold a grudge against to quantum theory, if a subatomic
our predecessors: particle is split in half, the two
resulting particles will be forever
Many were desperate to find a way to connect with friends connected or entangled. So, no
and family that had passed on—proof that a piece of their matter where one goes, no matter
love survived somewhere. Surely grief transcends time, the distance, those two halves will
and the thought of a loved one still being nearby (albeit always be responsive to the other.
Think of it like identical twins:
unseen) is just as comforting in 2021 as it was in 1861.
One always is tied to the other,
no matter where they are in the
Read more about the paranormal and its
world. He proposed this theory in
History of Hoaxes in The Feminine Macabre response to an article written by
Vol. II the great Albert Einstein, Boris

A manda
Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen which described a thought experiment,
X originally designed to refute the idea of quantum physics (now known
as the EPR Experiment).

16 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
The basic idea behind EPR was this: Those
twins we just discussed aren’t dependent
So what does this mean for the probability, making it a reality. Which event
and probability you get depends on a few
on what the other twin is doing. Instead, the
actions of the second twin are dependent
paranormal? Well, everything. things, but it all comes back to the observer.
So, your biases, expectations, wants, dislikes,
upon what your observation expects. hink of a hotel. See it in your head? Good. likes, everything... it will all fill in the gaps
Confused yet? Don’t worry, I’ll explain.
Think of each twin, each half of the particle,
as spinning coins. You have already observed
the first one, which has landed on heads. You
can only observe one at a time, so the other
T You walk into the lobby, and you can
only pick one room, right? Now, imagine
every single hotel room is a different
probability... and there are infinite numbers
of them. It’s a big hotel. They are all versions
to create your probability and therefore
your upcoming reality. As soon as you or
the psychic “sees” that reality, guess what?
Unless you shift your attention and create
something new by focusing on something
of the thing you are focusing on. They else, you might just get what’s predicted.
coin is still spinning. Only your focus will If this brings about the collapse of a wave
have different layouts, different furniture,
make it stop. This spinning is called being in function and the object of attention becomes
different pictures on the walls... but they are
superposition: It is neither on heads nor tails. a part of present reality as we’re suggesting,
all versions of the room you want. The more
The coin will spin until your attention to it precognition brings about the collapse of
you focus on one room (or one probability/
causes it to stop. Which SIDE it will land on a potential event in the future, which will
decision/prediction, etc), the other rooms
depends on something very specific: Your begin to collapse. Those other rooms turn a future event into an event in the
observation, not random chance. disappear until you are left standing in ONE present. In other words, it is the precognitive
The realization that mere observation can bring room. Your observation of that room makes experience that makes the event occur at all.
it real. Until you decide on it or observe it, To say that precognition makes something in
about the collapse of a superposed system
it remains like all the others: Spinning in the future happen, doesn’t necessarily mean
seems pretty weird. How can observation do
superposition, waiting for observation. anything in the future can happen. Nancy
that? The observer’s gaze shouldn’t affect the
Sondow (1988) introduced a brilliant analogy
object, right?
after having a series of precognitive dreams
Well, in EPR, it’s
the other way
So, what does this have to do herself, and it went like this:
around and it with psychokinesis and ESP? The trunk of the tree represents the
absolutely can. present and all the branches represent
o understand that we must take this

T
The physicist possible futures. When the tree bifurcates
Pascual Jordan one step further into something called
into a bunch of branches, one branch
(1902-1980) Josephson’s version of quantum theory,
represents the possible future, the others
described named from a concept developed by
a probability. Assuming the branches are
it as such: Josephson and Pallikari-Viras (1991), where
evenly divided, at each division there is a
“Observations they proposed that life itself has its own
50/50 split as to which one might occur. The
not only disturb way of acting and observing, known as ESP
farther up the tree the vision, the less likely
what has to be and psychokinesis. Can nature decide? The
it is to happen. However, on a rare occasion
measured, they parallels between quantum and biosystems
that one of those distant and tall branches
produce it... are there and understanding how this can
is indeed reached, the vision would or can
We compel the photon to assume a definite occur in nature comes down to understanding
be as detailed at the branch right next to
position... We, ourselves, produce the result of the Observer.
you and close to the trunk.
the measurement.” You, as the observer, can choose whether
you want to put your attention on one hotel This breakthrough in the understanding of
This is also known as the Observer Effect,
room or another. You are free to enter one and precognition and ESP is absolutely huge. It
and it is a persistent issue in these
leave another. When you choose one course also translates into the realm of paranormal
experiments. Oh, and one more thing about
of action over another, you thereby collapse investigation, as current notions of prediction
the EPR experiment before we go further:
the wave function of the physical things in and experimentation are now called into
It is a conscious human being that makes
the environment (it’s spinning again). Except question. We must begin to re-examine how
this work; a machine can’t do the EPR job
that in the case of physical objects, what is we are progressing as researchers and begin
by itself. Now, hackles tend to get raised
collapsed is “matter waves”. It is the same to shed many old notions about how we view
when we bring up the word consciousness,
with PK, the psi equivalent of action. paranormal activity. We are inexplicably
but a straightforward explanation of all this
connected to all we are experiencing, and we
is that it requires conscious observation in So, let’s jump back to EPR for a second
cannot remove ourselves from that equation.
order for this to work. Jordan later added and rope in precognition here. In EPR, the
As long as you are an observer, which you will
the following statement: observer looks at the other half of the particle
always be, you will influence your reality and
(the other twin) and thereby stops it spinning
results. So, the next time you step out into
in superposition. To put this in context with
“I close these expositions... concerning precognition, any event can be composed of
a haunted place or sit down with a psychic,
keep in mind: You get what you ask for, even
the interpretation of quantum theory these same two halves: The physical event,
when it’s unconscious.
and the perception of the event. These two
with the reproduction of a brief halves make up what we know as present time.
conversation I had with an important The event in the ‘future’ is, of course, still Morgan X
spinning in superposition until it is decided
theoretical physicist. He: ‘I am inclined on or ‘recognized’ by the observer (you).
References:
to believe in telepathy.’ I: ‘This has In other words, the percipient would not inspect
a pre-existing physical event, as it appears Roll, Alexander, Williams,
probably more to do with physics than psychics are doing. Instead, they would Persinger, (2021)
with psychology.’” observe one of the ‘hotel room probabilities’ “Parapsychology, Quantum
that are spinning in superposition. That Theory, and Neuroscience”,
It seems Einstein kept an open mind after all. recognition and observation, makes it real. Advances in Parapsychological
It stops the spinning and actualizes that Research 10

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 17
 EVP – Early Voice Phenomena
hen considering séance methods, Instead of playing, or even shouting into Harrison. These Middlesbrough seances

W the images conjured up from

years of Spiritualist development,
horror films and high-budget
shows like Penny Dreadful are of crystal
balls, ectoplasm, and ghostly apparitions
a trumpet, the object is either placed on
a surface or held by the medium. In some
instances, such as dark seances, the trumpet
is placed on a table, the lights extinguished,
then – aided by luminous
occurred weekly from 1946 to the mid-
1950s and focused heavily around trumpet
phenomena, particularly accompanied by
the presence of ectoplasm. Explained by her
son, a fellow spiritualist (who passed
from the ether. However, the realities of paint, or glowing away in 2010), the Middlesbrough
Victorian séance were very different. While attachments – the circle experienced rather more
planchettes, talking boards and good old- trumpet rises into dramatic demonstrations,
fashioned tambourines were hurled across the air and aided by their ‘spirit guide’.
darkened rooms at the hands of spirits, or spectral voices
opportunistic fraudulent mediums, several emanate from ‘During the trumpet
other popular tools have faded into obscurity. the end. In phenomena, an
One such long-forgotten method of spirit other seances, ectoplasmic rod is
contact, and a mediumistic tool, was that of one end of connected from the
the spirit trumpet. the trumpet is medium to the smaller
placed to the end of the trumpet.
Despite what the name might suggest, medium’s ear, This enables the
this was no ghostly ‘Brassed Off’ with and the other Spirit helpers to move
a spectral colliery band smashing its end close to the the trumpet around the
way through the séance room. Instead, sitters. Through room as well as being the
trumpets were primarily tapered metal the medium’s ‘telephone line’ along which
tubes, made from lightweight aluminium, spiritual powers, voices the Spirit voices are transmitted
and assembled from removable or once again emanate from inside the trumpet for everyone in the room to hear. In
collapsible segments. These trumpets, and can answer questions or impart effect the trumpet is an amplifying
despite the musical connotations, were information from the great beyond. megaphone.’
akin to old listening horns, the type of
which you often see in old films as elderly In more extravagant seances, ectoplasm Following further development of the circle,
men strain to hear news of their wayward could emanate from the end of the trumpet, their active spirits played a far greater part
daughter’s activities. spiralling its spectral fabric and gloop above in using the trumpet as a method of basic,
the séance table. Trumpets enjoyed great physical communication.
Spirit trumpets were one of the most widely popularity at the turn of the century and
used apparatuses in late modern spiritualism, were produced and employed in spiritualist ‘By our tenth sitting we had developed
but are rarely discussed or represented, groups well into the 20th century. The book sufficiently for our Spirit helpers to tell
primarily owing to their less-than-spooky ‘Visits by Our Friends from The Other us we could have luminous spots on
appearance. The basic method of employing Side’ (1989) collects stories of seances the bell-end so that we were then able
a trumpet isn’t an especially logical one. from the home circle of medium Minnie to clearly see its movement around the

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 19
 room. (…) When the trumpet phenomena At once the sitter plainly hears whispers in Kate Cherrell is a writer,
began…Spirit friends would indicate their the trumpet. These purport to be the voices public speaker, and creator of
presence with different movements of the of the spirits of his dead friends and relatives. BurialsAndBeyond.com, a site
trumpet. Then Sunrise [their spirit guide] They reply to any questions which he speaks exploring the stranger side of life,
would indicate his presence and control by out loud.’
rapidly moving the bell-end in circles.’ death, and the weird bits in between.
An enthusiast of cemeteries, death
Despite the visual absurdity of spirit trumpets,
And I make no apologies for the liberal and history and ‘miserable Victorians’,
they enjoyed far greater longevity at the séance
sincere use of the phrase ‘bell end.’ Many of us she is also a specialist in 19th century
table than most of the spirit apparatus of the
reached emotional maturity aged 12. Spiritualism. Her Patreon features new
19 th century heyday of Spiritualism. While they
appear to have finally fallen out of favour by light-hearted videos, podcasts, and
In 1908, writer and magician David Abbott
studied several mediums who used trumpets in the mid-1950s, they languish in obscurity today, articles every week, all relating to the
their seances and collected the experiences in with modern spirit circles eschewing them and paranormal, dodgy
a slim volume called ‘The History of a Strange contemporary media preferring the easy shorthand mediums, death history
Case.’ He recounts an experience with an elderly of a Ouija board or dramatic regurgitating of and the occasional
female medium in Ohio, explaining the exact ectoplasm. I for one, would love to see a return spectral mongoose.
nature of these strange trumpets: of a trumpet or two in modern spirituality, even if
www.burialsandbeyond.com
it’s just a matter of hurling a tin tube through the
‘She uses two tin horns or trumpets, each
darkness. Check out Kate’s
fourteen inches long, and two one-half
inches in diameter at the large ends, fantastic Patreon page
Works Referenced
tapering to one each at the smaller ends. for more amazing
The large end or bell of one horn is made as ‘Visits By Our Friends From the “Other Side”’: articles:
to slip tightly into the large end of the other. From the weekly diaries and recorded notes
On the smaller or outer ends of this double www.patreon.com/
of her son Tom Harrison. Saturday Night Press burialsandbeyond
trumpet are soldered saucer-shaped pieces
Publications. 2011 (1989)
large enough to cover a person’s ear.’
‘The History of a Strange
Later, he explains the basic method of the
trumpet’s use: Case’, David P. Abbott.
1908. Orig. The Open
‘The sitter takes one end of this trumpet and Court Publishing Company.
places it to his ear, while the lady does the Amazon reprint on
same with the other end, placing it to her ear. demand.

20 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 DO YOU BAY-LEAF In
the Paranormal?
Kate Ray offers some sage advice & wisdom on the connection between
herbs and hauntings, we hope you can spare the thyme to read it.

ur relationship with herbs for As a child, a now “snow How is it then

O culinary, medicinal, and magical

uses predate written history. Many
of their uses were passed down
through the generation through oral
traditions. With the opening of global
white-esque” memory I
hold is a gypsy encounter,
and this will demonstrate the
power of herbs on our psyche.
Back in the 1980s it wasn’t uncommon
that a common
plant such as a
sprig of heather
could keep evil from
entering the home? On a
trades here in the UK we have access to to get a knock on the door from a cold
psychological level, the power of the herb
herbs from around the world. caller, usually a pushy vacuum salesman,
partly lays in the lap of the believer. If
but on one summer evening a knock
The uses of such herbs far exceed the there is a strong enough acceptance in
on the door revealed a wizened gypsy
kitchen, many herbs in the UK are known lady. I watch from the hem of my mum’s something, it empowers that thing to do
and scientifically documented for the skirt as this old woman began sweet the job, whether it is to attract love, ward
medicinal properties and have been enough with foretelling of some glorious evil or bring money it, that thing becomes
develop by the pharmaceutical industries fortune to come, and after presenting a focus. There is the sceptical point of
to aid modern medicines. With the boom her real purpose she became agitated view that if someone is cursed then they
of modern science many of the everyday and aggressive, she was selling sprigs of will surely enough look at all the negative
healing properties of native and global heather. At first my mum politely refused things in their life as part of that curse.
herbs have been lost in the mists of time. but as the women became more animated
But there is much, much, more to the
Where once we would forage for wild and it became a battle of wills, my mum vs
potency of the magical side of herbs, and
lettuce for headaches we now reach for a the decrepit crone. I cannot clearly recall
if my mum bought the heather spring or this lays in the plant itself.
paracetamol.
not, but I remember the general gist of There are numerous great books and
Beyond the obvious uses, herbs the gypsy’s words. She said that great evil internet access to the complexities of the
would come to the family if her palm were magical properties of herbs, many cover
have been used in spiritual, not crossed with silver and the heather things such as the planetary attachments
religious, and magical practices, was the only thing that would save us to the structure of the plant as well as the
some for the altering effects on from that fate. It terrified me! I overheard
chemical components and it is well worth
my mum talking to a neighbour about
the human body and others for the encounter a day or two later and the
familiarising yourself with these. Dates,
days of the week, even the hours of the
their apparent use in changing notions of belief in the power of the old
day can all influence the optimal picking
the environment to the benefit of women and her heather were obvious.
time for herbs, its not just a case of see
the user. This is the power of herbs. the plant and harvest it.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 21
 Here, I want to give you a simple insight into
herbs that can be used in haunting situations,
an overview of identification and how they
can be used, with two caveats. The first is
extremely important, when identifying herbs,
you must be 100% sure that it is the herbs you
think it is, this can take years of study and even
then, mistakes are made. There are thousands
of plants that can look remarkably similar, but
their properties are wildly different and miss
identification can and does lead to problems.
Even when picking herbs for magical uses, and
20 Garlic
not for ingestion, you can run into problems.
19 Vervain
Different plants hold different properties and Yes, we all know this culinary
if you pick the wrong plant, it won’t have the bulb as a ward against vampires, This versatile herb has
same magical vibration as the correct one. but equally this supermarket made it in at number 19 as
Many plants have a toxic value and even picking availed plant is used in the gen- it is one of the herbs used in
them can cause physical issues, skin rashes eral protection of the home. It the rights of exorcism. Used
and burns are common. can be strung either in singles or in dried form and sprinkled
as a garland above doors to pre- around the home or outside
The second aspect to consider is having a vent evil of both living and spirit of the property is creates a
healthy respect for the plant. Understanding energy entering your home. protective barrier against
the legalities of picking wild is a must, you do evil spirits. It has other
not want to get a police record and a fine for It makes the top twenty due to helpful properties when it
digging up a dandelion root (and yes this can its easy identification and ease comes to haunting as it pro-
happen!) Picking and harvesting responsibly of access to all. Please note that motes peace and tranquil-
means that the plant is sustainable, and you there is wild garlic available in lity within the home. It is a
will be able to go back to it time and time again, spring in most woodlands it is common plant that grows
if you rip up a plant from the ground whole against the law to pick the bulbs. on wasteland and verges. It
However, the leaves and capers is recognised by its broad
it potentially won’t grow there again. A nice
are not only delicious they can leaves and spikes of pinkish
practice and one in which I often engage in is
be picked and used in the same flowers. It is best picked on
the collection and distribution of seeds (and
way as a bulb of garlic. midsummer when it is in full
fungi spores) If I take from a plant I will help to
flower.
spread or grow myself. I know through doing
this that I will have more than enough for
myself as well as leaving enough for the bees
to enjoy. It is also said that if you ask a plant
permission to take apart from it, it makes it
more potent in its use.

If you don’t wish to pick or grow your own,

then the is a world of choices to buy them
from humble supermarket and garden centre
“live plants” to dried and prepared plants be
bought inexpensively. It is as I have said worth
understanding that picking and processing of
herbs really does add to their potency though.

I have been working with herbs on a medicinal

17 Plantain
and magical level for many years, and I am
constantly learning about historic purposing These common weeds will spring up in
and modern insights. 18 Sandalwood most places and has a way of camouflag-
ing its growth until it shows the world its
In choosing herbs to make it into my top 20 Oh, the beautiful aroma of
lovely chunky flowering heads. It is a herb
I have taken into consideration personal sandalwood is enough to
that you may have passed by on many oc-
experience of use, historical research as well as bring this herb into the top
casions and is so much a part of boarders,
ease of access and sustainability of the plant. 20 of protectives. It has a
hedgerows, and wastelands you proba-
It has been hard to narrow down as every time great way of impregnating
bly wouldn’t have given it much thought.
I think of a prospective herb, I exclaim that its surroundings with its
I now transplant them into special areas
it is one of my favourites. The list of herbs is aromatic woody comfort-
as they have great medicinal properties
intended to be a starting point, and I am sure ing blanket of smoke.
as well as being magic. For the fact that
some will disagree with my choices, as we all plantain is so easy to collect, forage for
It is however in its unburnt
have our ways of working which makes for a and use it has made the list.
form that it is used as it
rich melting pot of knowledge. bests, it can be sprinkled
It can be worn on the body, in the pockets
around a home to cleanse
Here are my top twenty herbs that may help of clothes to protect the wearer, it doesn’t
it of negative energies.
in keeping at bay evil spirits, curses, and mind being transported around as its
malevolent energies, particularly focusing protective property is quite moveable, it
on haunted homes. doesn’t lose any charge.

22 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
16 Eucalyptus 14 Palo Santo 13 White Sage
15 Bay
A word of warning, if you want I hesitate to add Palo Santo to As with Palo Santo Californian
to grow your own eucalyptus Bay leaves have many the list at all simply because of White Sage is becoming
tree they grow at an alarming magical properties and the call to stop the use of it as increasingly depleted. It is
rate, you blink, and they are as uses and are available in the trees in which it is harvested difficult to germinate and
tall as a house. There is noth- the supermarkets in the are in massive depletion. It has grown in the UK (I know I
ing like fresh leaves from this dried herb section. Good become such a popular wood am nurturing two plants
tree, they have an already dry, quality, unbroken leaves used in the smoke cleansing of to maturity which can take
but packed with oils, quality are best to be used and the home in recent years that 3-4 years before they are
to the leaves and can easily this is a herb used in ex- has put a huge strain on the sus- harvestable) and use of it
be dried naturally within a orcism. It is hung around tainability of its future. Please should be kept to extreme
couple of weeks. the home, worn on the use this sparingly or find a suit- circumstances. I know it is a
body, burnt as a cleansing able alternative. I have an ex- favourite go to plant, and its
This isn’t the easiest herb smoke. Bay leaf infused ceedingly small stock that I only properties are some of the
to forage for, but if you find oils and waters can be fire up in extreme cases and be- best known for cleansing and it
someone who has a tree, they used to mark places that cause of its reputation as a great is a shame that the long-term
are happy for you to help in need extra protection. It ward against evil energies I felt I sustainability of such plants
pruning it and a branch har- is favoured by many over had to include it. isn’t better managed, but there
bours a pile of leaves to use. white sage in dealing with are many native, abundantly
troublesome ghosts, but It is traditional burnt as a growing alternatives that we
A branch in the bathroom for me it works the best “smudging stick”, but I would should give the white sage a
will help cleanse the bather when combined with oth- suggest using a small number little rest for a while
and warding off illness. The er herbs, so stays a little of shavings from the wood in
leaves can be added to sa- lower down my list. protective pouches with other As well as its use as a smoke
chets to increase the shield- herbs cleanser, it can be used in
ing properties. pouches, and hung around the
home.

12 Frankincense 10 Heather

Frankincense has been used 9 Mallow

Again, this is another abun-
for thousands of years in reli- 11 Hazel dant herb, when the environ-
Mallow is a beautiful blousy
gious practices and is favoured ment is right there is no stop-
cottage garden flower that is
by the catholic church to raise Hazel trees are fairly ping this squat shrub from
happy to make its home just
the chemical levels of the brain easy to identify as they becoming a sea of colour.
about anywhere and unfortu-
into a state of happiness and are often coppiced and Often found with white or pur-
nately because of its growing
euphoria. That state is part of have many shoots off the ple, pink flowers it has long
success it has been labelled a
the reason that the resin from main trunking body, they been associated with break-
weed. This spiring plant shows
the tree works so well in haunt- also give us the hazel nut. ing curses. Beware though,
off its pink trumpet flower in
ed properties. When the occu- I have a string of hazel used in the wrong way, it is
the summer months. An oint-
pants are in a strong and posi- nuts in the home for luck said that heather can attract
ment can be made from the
tive state of mind it is difficult and protection. I also use spirits. It is a herb that is
leaves of mallow and applied
for negative energies to exist in hazel rods to hang herbs complex in its ritual use and
to the body and is said to drive
that vibration. Again, this is an- from to dry in the belief research is defiantly need-
out the devil himself. The dried
other herb that is used in exor- that this protects them in ed to avoid conjuring. I would
leaves can be added to herb-
cise and denotes its power. The the process. recommend further research
al pouches and carried on the
resin is burnt on charcoal disks before using in any spiritual
person or hidden in the home.
to create a heavy smoke this practice.
drives the spirits away.
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 23
 7 Rosemary

A herb that can be bought already dried

from the supermarket, or if you have
herb loving green fingered friends it is
pretty much guaranteed that they have
a rosemary bush that you could obtain
a sprig or two.
8 Nettle
Rosemary is highly aromatic and can
Nettle makes it high in the list because be burnt, hung, or carried as a ward
this prolific plant grows anywhere, ev- against dark forces.
erywhere and is so easily identifiable,
just stick your hand out and you will
soon be able to recognise it. Nettle has
so many uses and is often overlooked
for its cuisine qualities, as a fibre for
clothing and for its diverse magical
assets. I have in recent years earned a
new love with this extraordinary ordi-
nary plant and I am continually finding
new uses for it.

As a protective herb hung or sprinkled

around the house will not only keep
spooks at bay but will also send exist-
ing ones packing their spotty hankies.
It can be used dried in protective sa-
chets and worn or sewn into clothing.

6 Mullein

Another overlooked weed, mullein is an

impressive plant, often growing half a
metre or so at its base spring up to a me-
tre and a half tipped with delicate yellow
trumpets. Its soft and fuzzy leaves are
its signature, and these have been used
as toilet paper in the past.

It is said that the leaves can be used

5. Sage (garden) fresh or dried to banish demons, and so
mullein makes it in at number 6.
Let us give the California white sage
a break and start using the magical
properties of easily grown sage.

Garden sages, in the UK, are so easy to 4 Mandrake

grow, they are admirably adapted to a
range of weather, and will happily grow Every witches favourite iconic can really add to
and spread without any problems. A little herb. The original the power of any herb and
dried preparation can be found in the European voodoo doll just one look at the man-
supermarket and on occasion I have (poppet) the root of this drake root can transport
seen living plants there too. It’s a herb squat broad leaf plant you into believing in its
that many people have in their garden has been used to repre- energy.
so I would suggest asking around to sent the human body.
From Cunningham’s “En-
see if you could harvest some from a Ok, I admit, its neither cyclopaedia of Magical
friend if you don’t grow your own easy to grow or obtain Herbs” (A highly recom-
mandrake, but I have mended read)
I use sage to make cleansing sticks snook it in partly to see if
as well as using the dried herb in teas “Where there is man-
you are still awake read-
and pouches. All round I have found it drake, demons cannot
ing this, but mostly be-
an adequate substitute to white sage, reside, and so the root is
cause I love it. It is iconic
not as potent, but good enough. By us- used in exorcism”
as a magical herb, and
ing sage to bulk out other protective one that really captures The whole root can be
plants to increase their assets, and as the imagination. Being used or as a powder.
a great herb in its own right, its higher
on the list than expected.

24 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 3 Lavender

Now we are getting to my old fa- tonic for a wide variety of uses.
vourites! Lavenders smell alone
In terms of its shielding aspects,
is so distinct that it is hard to
it can be hung in sprigs around
mistake this herb for any other.
the home, doing this alongside
It is a squat shrub with staves
rosemary increases the positive
of often purple but sometimes
vibration in the home and wards
blues, whites, and pinkish tiny
of evil. It has a long and varied
flowers.
history, and I would encourage
Lavender has a spectrum of further reading on lavender as it
uses, it can be cooked with, could not only conjure up spirits
bathed in, smoked, burnt, made but to also invite the fae into the
into teas, tinctures, creams, and home.

2 Mugwort

Magical master mugwort you introduce yourself to this

grows wherever it pleases and plant, by midsummer you will
grow it does. It seems that be seeing it everywhere. It
one day its not there and the likes to grow in troops of mul-
next day, hey presto, it has tiple plants and can cover a lot
appeared overnight. Mugwort of ground.
is a tall leafy plant, and one
identifying factor is that the In amongst its wide ranging
underside of each leaf has a uses it is most notable for
silver tinge. Its mature stalks psychic development. How-
have a reddish stripe that ever, garlands of mugwort can
makes it distinguished. be placed around the house
to confuse and rid it of evil
Easily harvested, even the spirits. It protects against the
most heavy-handed forager “evil eye” so a great herb when
cannot stop this beast from going out spook hunting and a
springing back to life after small amount in your pocket it
the hardest prune. It is easily powerful.
accessible, believe me once

The list for proactive herbs is vast and its worth

mentioning others such as hazel nuts, rowan
berries, pine needles, oak, ash, birch, acorns,
parsley, bergamot, cinnamon, St. john’s wort,
rose, onions, chilli peppers, holly, and thistle.

I understand I have been biased in my opinions

of these herbs, and unashamedly so! I have a
passion for the power of these giving plants
and as such I do have favourites that probably
1 Salt would not have made it so far up a top 20 list if
Not a herb, I know, By adding herbs to it had been written by anyone else.
but as a protective salt you can increase
ingredient, the ease its effects. You can sit (If you pardon the pun) take these
of identification and garlic in a jar of salt recommendations with a pinch of salt and
accessibility there is to really pack a punch have some fun immersing yourselves in the
nothing that beats this and use this around wonderful world of herbs and their magical
the home. properties. It is well worth looking into this
mineral. It for me can
and does replace white world, whether you believe in the power of
It is traditionally used herbs or not, it does no harm to have some to
sage and salo panto as sprinkled over door-
a remedy against dark hand if you work in the other realms.
ways and windowsills,

Kate Ray x
spirits and that allows or even circles around
it to take the number a bed to create and
one spot amongst the energic barrier to stop
herbs. foul spirits in their
track.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 25
 IS THIS THE
GOLDEN AGE OF
PARANORMAL
DRAMA? As his play 2:22 – A Ghost Story hits
London’s West End, Danny Robins
asks if we are living through a new
golden age for paranormal drama.

started writing 2:22 – A Ghost Story

I
It feels like an exciting time to be writing
several years ago, but now, as it hits the within this genre. There’s a definite
West End stage in 2021, it feels part appetite from programme commissioners
of a new wave of ghost-themed horror and audiences, and it seems our ghostly
that is captivating audiences across TV, fascination spreads into real-life too –
film, and audio. apparently there’s a boom in exorcisms in
A brief scan of Netflix will show you the both the Christian and Islamic communities.
resurgent popularity of the genre – shows Clearly, a belief in, and perhaps fear of, the
like The Haunting of Hill House and its paranormal is on the rise too. Those new
sequel, The Haunting of Bly Manor, and Exorcist movies are going to feel especially
the recent trilogy of Fear Street films. In timely…
late July, there was the news that Hollywood
producers Blumhouse had agreed an eye- What’s driving this buoyant demand for
watering $400 million deal with Universal spooks and scares? Well, looking back
for a new series of films based on The through history, it seems artists and
Exorcist. Blumhouse are also the people audiences turn to horror and the paranormal
who bought the TV rights for my BBC Radio for inspiration at times of upheaval,
4/BBC Sounds docu-drama podcast The uncertainty, and conflict. One of the
Battersea Poltergeist, which has been bloodiest, most ghost-filled eras of theatre
one of a new crop of audio series both in was Jacobean times, when, after the relative
Britain and the US that have embraced calm of the Elizabethan age, King James I’s
horror. Other notable examples are writer reign began with The Gunpowder Plot, witch
Julian Simpson’s thrilling The Lovecraft trials, plague, and an intensified religious
Investigations, based on the stories persecution, giving rise to dramas like
of HP Lovecraft, also on BBC Sounds; The Duchess of Malfi, The Revenger’s
Storyglass’s The Harrowing; and Archive Tragedy and, of course, Shakespeare’s
81, which is being turned into a Netflix Macbeth, with one of the most memorable
series, starring Julia Chan, one of our 2:22 theatrical ghosts. These were the horror
cast. movies of their day.

26 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 oth World War I and World War II

B understandably sparked huge booms

in supernatural belief as people tried to
process the chaos and mass death, and
writers and directors reacted to this.
The Cabinet of Dr Caligari,
Caligari, described by
film critic Roger Ebert as arguably “the first
true horror film”, was released in 1920, two
years after the end of the first world war,
written by Hans Janowitz and Carl Mayer, two
German pacifists scarred by their experiences
of the war. The 1920s was also the era of
horror great Lon Chaney, known as “the
“The
“The conflict
conflict in
in society,
society, played
played out
out
man with a thousand faces” for his range of
on TV
on TV news
news and
and the
the battleground
battleground of of
scary portrayals in silent horror movies that social media,
social media, finds
finds its
its scarier,
scarier, spookier
spookier
made audiences scream. The 1930s, and reflection in
reflection in the
the horror
horror that
that is
is being
being
the continued global uncertainty and threat produced for
produced for TV,
TV, film,
film, and
and audio.
audio.
of another world war, proved equally fertile
ground for horror. That decade saw the rise In
In short,
short, in
in troubled
troubled times,
times, we
we reach
reach
of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, two titans of for ghosts.”
for ghosts.”
black and white horror.

More recently, the 1960s and early 70s also Whilst the 60s and 70s felt full of contemporary Oddly, despite the recent scary renaissance
sparked a boom of interest in the paranormal, real-life horror to inspire artists, it’s also probably on screen and in audio, there hasn’t been that
particularly in the occult. It became cool relevant that many of the filmmakers and writers much horror on stage. Ok, there hasn’t actually
to dabble with black magic as The Rolling would have witnessed, either first-hand or been anything on stage for the best part of two
Stones recorded Sympathy for the Devil and through their parents, the trauma of the Second years, but even before then, paranormal stories
Anton La Vey set up his Church of Satan that World War. It certainly wasn’t too far a leap to find were few and far between. You could argue they
attracted trendy Californians and celebrities to stories of ghosts or evil forces. were actively avoided, being seen as risky or
worship the devil with an emphasis on free love. even cheesy, not ‘proper drama’. The Woman
But what about our current times? in Black, based on Susan Hill’s novel, has been
The films of the period reflect this fascination
with the demonic – 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby, Thankfully, we aren’t living through a world war, a reliable West End stalwart since 1989, one
1973s The Exorcist and 1976’s The Omen. but it’s easy to see parallels between now and the of the longest running shows in London, and
This was also the era of Hammer Horror films, periods I’ve mentioned. For the last few years, it returns to the stage later this year. In the late
with Christopher Lee and Vincent Price taking the whole world has been swept by political 90s, there was Conor McPherson’s excellently
up the mantle of Lugosi and Karloff. upheaval, an increasing polarisation between creepy, award-winning play The Weir, set over
Right and Left, the rise of dictators, the ticking one night in a rural pub in Ireland – well worth
It’s worth noting that not only was the timebomb of climate change and, most recently, reading if you didn’t get to see it. Ghost Stories
1960s a time of great turmoil and unrest as the new challenge of the pandemic, which by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman proved a big
the accepted repressive social order was suddenly makes us have to confront mortality hit, but that is over ten years ago now, though
challenged through civil rights marches and in a way we hadn’t expected. I think a lot more it’s returned for subsequent revivals and tours
student protests, but it was also a time of armed people are searching for existential answers in and, of course a film adaptation. Recently, Adam
conflict again as Americans faced the lengthy a way they weren’t in more comfortable, settled Z Robinson has been doing good work touring
Vietnam War and the seemingly pointless loss times. The conflict in society, played out on TV his collection of theatrical ghost stories, The
of life. It was also an age where the concept news and the battleground of social media, finds Book of Darkness and Light, but that’s still less
of the serial killer was first acknowledged, its scarier, spookier reflection in the horror that is than a handful of great ghost plays over the last
with the most high-profile example being the being produced for TV, film, and audio. In short, thirty years. Why is this? Is it because it feels
notorious Son of Sam killings in New York, the in troubled times, we reach for ghosts. Perhaps harder to ‘lose ourselves’ at the theatre, we are
subject of the new Netflix series Sons of Sam. that’s because, for all the fear factor of horror, more aware of our surroundings and our fellow
The horror of life and art intertwined horribly, as the paranormal also gives us some degree of audience members? It’s harder for us to suspend
Rosemary’s Baby director Roman Polanski’s our disbelief and be truly scared? Maybe... but,
security – the idea that there could be life beyond
wife, actress Sharon Tate was murdered by the there’s no doubt that theatre at its best can be
death; that this random, chaotic universe might
notorious Manson Family cult, just a year after truly magical and immersive. Anyone who’s sat
actually be capable of delivering us answers to
through The Woman in Black will know there’s a
the film’s release. the greatest mysteries of existence.
special thrill to jumping out of your seat.
ith all that in mind, it feels perhaps both

W brave and timely to be staging 2:22

right now. It’s undoubtedly the product
of my own obsession with the horror
genre and ghost stories over many years since
childhood.
Lots of the films, plays and series I have
mentioned above have fed in as both conscious
and unconscious inspirations. I really hope that
people will feel the play is a fitting addition
to the genre and, if you can get to London
to watch it, I hope it will leave you suitable
spooked!!!

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 27
 “When a place is said to be haunted, the wise
researcher pays careful attention to its history.
In the case of the Beattie Mansion, the jewel in
the haunted crown of St. Joseph, Missouri, that
history clearly shows why spirits might still walk
its abandoned halls and rooms.”
THE STEP BY ESTEP GUIDE TO THE PARANORMAL

WRITTEN BY RICHARD ESTEP

rmstrong Beattie was was a homeless shelter at one The so-called “House on the Hill”

A one of St. Joseph’s

most prominent and
successful citizens, not
to mention serving as its mayor
on no less than five occasions. He
point, and also a home for unwed
mothers and their children. As time
went on, the sprawling mansion
would become a rehabilitation
facility for those suffering drug
certainly deserves its nickname. It
sits at the top of a tall hill, with the
front yard sloping at a steep angle
toward the street below. Beyond
the fringes of the neighborhood
made his money in the banking and alcohol addiction; a home for is the Missouri River. Beattie
profession and used some of the mentally disadvantaged; and Mansion occupies a commanding
the fortune he accrued to build a a retirement facility for the aged. view of the area, which was almost
grand home for himself and his Both happy and sad energies certainly the intent when it was
wife, Eliza, in 1854, at 1120 Main would have been created within its
first built, reflecting the high
Street. Mr. Beattie would die some walls, and if some accounts are to
social standing of Mr. Beattie.
24 years later, in 1878, leaving the be believed, echoes of those days
mansion to her, but Eliza joined gone by manifest today in the form Walking the halls with my
him in death in 1880. (At least one of ghostly activity.
colleagues, Rob, and Sarah, it was
contemporary newspaper account
“The mansion’s owner kindly invited easy to picture the grandeur and
described Armstrong’s ghost
me to stay there for several nights, opulence of a bygone age. The
being seen walking the streets of
along with two fellow investigators, bones of it are still there, evident
the city, and some believed this
in order to carry out some research. in the tall double doors which open
was due to the poor state in which
his grave was maintained). I had heard some interesting stories onto some of the rooms, and the
about the alleged haunting, but I elegance of the decor. Yet this is
The Beatties had died childless, have to admit that my expectations also a house that has plainly seen
and so their former home passed weren’t all that high (they usually better days, although it has been
to a succession of private owners aren’t). Fortunately, they were kept clean and as well-maintained
over the following decades. It exceeded and then some.” as the owner can manage.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 29
 “When it
comes to
working
with psychic
mediums, I’ve
always held
the view that
their ability
to pick up on
things varies.”

30 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 Recently I’ve taken to working with likes to make his presence known by
MJ Dickson. Perhaps best known for tapping people on the shoulder, MJ
her work in front of and behind the TV went on, and most precise of all, she
camera, MJ is also a talented medium, as was picking up on the image of a red
she has proven to great effect on several ball sitting on a hardwood floor. *That*
of my investigations. made my eyes widen. We ended our
walkthrough where we had begun, in the
Still, I’m always concerned about front parlor, which was home to a piano,
whether any information presented a very comfortable sofa which would end
is genuinely paranormal in origin, or up being my bed…and a red ball, sitting
could have been gleaned by other, more right there on the hardwood floor.
mundane means. That’s why I made a
point of not posting my location on social
“I tried my best to FIgure out how she
media, or letting MJ know where I was
could have known this. The nature of the
going to be that week. If she was working
object, the color, and the wooden FLoor
on pure guesswork, then statistically,
were all very speciFIc hits. The likelihood
I could have been *anywhere* in the
of her simply having guessed all three
United States on the day she Skyped
things correctly seemed astronomical to
in via my iPad from her home in the
me, and when I enabled the camera and
United Kingdom. As things stood, she
pointed it at the ball, MJ was just as
was completely in the dark as to my
shocked as I was. This was a direct hit,
whereabouts — and that’s exactly the
and after I thanked her for her time and
way we both wanted it. This was going to
be a valid test of her remote mediumship
signed off, I was still turning it over
capabilities, and I was intrigued to see
and over in my mind, trying to figure out
how it would turn out.
a non-paranormal explanation.”

Our standard operating procedure when Settling in for an overnight investigation,

working together like this is for me to things were hindered by the fact that
keep the camera switched off and the several of our brand-new batteries
s we go from room to room, evidence
A of the former occupants can be
found everywhere — photographs of
microphone live, so that MJ can hear
me talking but has no visual cues that
turned out to be dead. As every
paranormal enthusiast knows, this is
might clue her in to the identity of the usually a reliable sign that strange things
family members, shoes that haven’t been location. I walked from room to room are afoot. More equipment failures
worn in years, and closets full of clothing with Rob and Sarah in tow, noting down happened that night than on any other
whose owners are long since gone. and recording her impressions. She investigation I can remember. This
Some rooms look as if the residents have picked up on a woman who was grieving included a cellular uplink transmitter,
simply popped out for a while. After dark, the death of a child, which fit with the three (count them, three!) Tascam
the place begins to seem a little more like mansion’s history as an orphanage and microphones, and even Rob’s camera
Disney’s Haunted Mansion. home for unwed mothers and said that drone. All of them flatly refused to work.
one female spirit was desperate to talk
When it comes to working with psychic with us. We were to try and make contact We set up a Rem-Pod in the doorway to
mediums, I’ve always held the view that later that evening. There was also, she the dining area, and as darkness fell,
their ability to pick up on things varies. said, “something that looks like a little it began to go berserk, squealing and
Many deliver only vague impressions, girl, but really isn’t,” and a “tall, Abraham flashing. Devices such as portable radios
sometimes through no fault of their own Lincoln-like man, who’s taking a lot of can trigger Rem-Pods, and we made sure
(it’s not as if the ability can be switched interest in what you’re doing.” Perhaps that nothing of ours was transmitting.
on and off at will) and sometimes this could have been Mr. Beattie? There’s also no wi-fi network to set it off.
because they’re well-meaning but not Every time the three of us walked away
as gifted as they like to think they are. So far, so good, but nothing specific from the Rem-Pod, heading toward a
Some, however, manage to pick up on enough to really impress us. There’s a different part of the mansion to explore
things that simply make the jaw drop. male spirit down in the basement that it, the device went off.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 31
 It seemed like a good idea to run an chance to step back and record everything
Estes Method spirit box session in that that was going on, of which there was
same doorway, to see if any voices plenty. Late the following morning, I ran a
would communicate with us. The Zoom hangout for my Patreon supporters,
voices came through thick and fast, giving them a guided tour of the mansion,
including that of what sounded like a ably assisted by Rob and Sarah. One of
young girl (thanks for the warning, MJ!) them reported seeing a tall, skinny man
and several adult males who seemed
standing just behind Rob. Yet again, my jaw
determined to intimidate, using words
dropped. Home run number three for MJ,
such as devil, death, dying, die, dead,
who had described just such an Abraham
and various other permutations. There
Lincoln-esque male following us around
seemed to be little that was warm and
friendly coming through. the mansion the night before.

Afterward, we made our way down to Our investigation was eventful and
the basement, in order to set up some fascinating by equal measure. Rob,
camera equipment. Rob was given Sarah, and I plan to return and continue
quite the start when an unseen hand our research. Missouri has more than
suddenly tapped him on the shoulder. its fair share of haunted locations, and I
Sarah pointed out MJ’s comment have no hesitation in recommending the
about a male entity down here who Beattie Mansion as being well worth a
liked to get people’s attention by visit to experience it for yourself. So many
doing exactly that — tapping them questions remain to be answered that I
on the shoulder. Score another very cannot wait to go back. Perhaps I’ll see you
specific hit for our remote medium there…
from across the pond!

It had been a long day and we decided

Richard
I know that this statement is biased, but it to call it a night before sunrise. Rob was
really did seem as if an invisible somebody rudely awakened by an invisible something
didn’t want us to go, and was trying to sitting down on the bed next to him. He Check out Richard’s
attract our attention, wanting to keep us in was getting all the attention, it seemed, Patreon page here
that part of the building. which suited me just fine. It gave me the
 Mysterious files, documents, and reports of all things spooky, alien, and supernatural, from the daughter of the renowned Hans Holzer
SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT,
THE LIGHT & THE FRIGHT…

Warship s, they have been around for centurie s, crossing oceans all over the world,
causing destruct ion and mayhem to other vessels, other machine s and people,
the clue really is in the name, (WAR), often resulting in horrible situation s, often
resulting in violent deaths for the crew.

There’s rumour of an ancient story of a schooner, the privateer In August 1942, a craft appeared on Navy radar. Two ships were
Dash, which was lost in a gale in 1815 off the coast of Maine. Since sent into the fog to investigate what they thought could be a
her disappearance, she has been sighted multiple times — plain German U-boat. Other witnesses on Pumpkin Knob saw the Navy
as day with her name visible on the hull. A 17-crew fishing vessel ships pass, pursuing a wooden schooner whose nameplate read
reported seeing her and the most recent sighting was during World DASH and it was seen again one August morning in the early
War II. We all know that ghosts aren’t on the “clock” restricted to 1970s by a woman on Bailey Island, but disappeared in the short
haunting the midnight shift, ghost warships are the same, sailing time it took the woman to call for her husband to come see.
freely in death as in life, with all those aboard still part of her.
A recurring element in stories of the Dash is that she is never able
Dash, a topsail schooner built in Freeport by the Porter family. to complete her journey, always disappearing or even sailing back
The Dash was one of the most successful privateers that out to sea before she can reach Freeport. She usually seems to be
operated out of Casco Bay during the War of 1812, capturing spotted on foggy summer days, usually in August.
15 British vessels and their cargoes while prowling the Atlantic.
The Dash is just
Ghost stories of the one of many
Dash started with the famous ghost
captain’s (John Porter)
ships and spooky
own wife, Lois, they
stories and I
were newlyweds,
would like to
married only for a
mention one
few months when he
that my father,
embarked on Dash in
Dr. Hans Holzer,
January of 1815. On
investigated long
the night of the gale
after Porter embarked before the paranormal investigators of today, The Queen Mary.
Lois heard a crashing He said that there were “psychic imprints from the past,” which
sound from the parlour. A porcelain mantelpiece tile, decorated were not personalities but had unfinished business on their
with scripture, had somehow fell and shattered on the floor. Lois,
‘minds.’ Two cases of authentic ghosts have never been laid to
seeing the broken pieces, exclaimed “The Dash is gone”.
rest. In 1966, a young crewman named, John Pedder, was
The first sighting of a ghost ship believed to be the Dash occurred accidentally crushed to death in doorway #13 during
several months after its disappearance in 1815. Simon Bibber was a routine watertight door drill. His ghost has
fishing off Pumpkin Knob when he saw a sailed ship approach, frequently been observed and described in
despite windless conditions. It came within 30ft, and he was able detail by security guards and visitors.
to read the ship’s nameplate: “Dash—Freeport”. He hurried to The sightings of the late Mr. Pedder
Freeport, but she was not there when he arrived. Another chap, are consistent with one another;
Roscoe Moulton said he saw the same thing off Crab Island, appearances are usually preceded
again the ship coming close enough for the nameplate could be by a loud sound, described by
read. The ship continued to be sighted throughout Casco Bay. It one night watchman as “metal
was sighted by the crew of seventeen aboard the schooner Betty rolling quickly toward me.”
Macomber and again in the 1880s by a guest at the Harpswell Inn.
Another ghost appears in
It was seen again at the end of August 1915 by Miriam Fenney Fox,
blue-grey overalls in Shaft
her brother Dudley, and their friends.
Alley, the hallway leading
Over the years, seeing the Dash became associated with to the propeller shafts of
impending death as sightings occurred just before the witness the great ship. He has been
received news of the passing of a loved one. Captain John sighted many times; always
Toothaker’s wife Polly saw the ship before her husband’s death; in overalls and sporting a
it is also said that Easter Toothaker saw the ghost ship before he long black beard.
jumped overboard to his death.
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 33
 The swimming pool has also been the subject of mysterious
accounts where many believe it is the ship’s most haunted area.
The sound of swimmers playing and splashing around has been
heard on many occasions when the pool was empty. Sometimes
wet footprints appear on the deck, where no-one has walked. The
most interesting phenomenon is in the dressing “boxes” adjacent
to the pool. One dressing room has been identified as a portal for
psychic phenomena.

Today, many investigators for the Paranormal hear many

disembodied voices in the pool, one of a little girl reminding us
how precious life is. Helm your ship and hope to have smooth
sailing into the afterlife.

So, remember, if you are ever on board a ship, or investigating a

ship or even watching a ship sail by – there’s more to them than
meets the eye, that’s for sure.

SHAG HARBOUR: CANADA’S ROSWELL?

“To this day, I do not know what we saw, but it is clear that it was under intelligent control and coincided, as to time and place, with
what was seen by 70 people on the ground, and neither of us knew that the other had seen this stuff for 50 odd years” says retired Pan
American World Airways Pilot, Captain Ralph Loewinger.

were on deck watching what became known as and referred to

as ‘The Lights’. Both pilots went onto the control yokes to avoid
collision. The lights hung at a 45-degree angle downslope left
to right.

The pilots did not file a UFO report when asked if they had
wanted to when talking with the Boston air traffic control
centre. Even-though it was confirmed by the control centre
that there was no traffic near the plane — the pilots decided
to let this go to avoid filling out paperwork.

Ralph says that they should have “been closing in on this

strange target if it was standing still, and Mike remembers the
lights getting closer.” He also recalls bringing the Navigator and
I interviewed Ralph a few years back and when I asked him
Third Pilot up from
if he believed in different levels and forms of the paranormal
the gallery to point
and the unknown he responded, “I am not sure at this point
in my life. I will NOT discount it however.” On October 3rd, this out. Over the
1967, Ralph was the co-pilot of PAA Flight 160, a Boeing past forty plus years,
707 cargo ship out of New York headed to London. details become
grained and blurred
This is a first-hand, eyewitness account from the pilot himself but one thing remains
who today feels that “no other pilots care, many strange a constant which
things have been reported across the bar”. is that night over
Nova Scotia, many
They were approaching Yarmouth, Nova Scotia at
people in flight and
approximately 33,000 feet when the strange occurrence had
on ground witnessed
hit. The night was described by Ralph as “clear, moonless
‘The Lights.’
and the lights of the south coast were plainly in view.” He
was the first to observe a formation of lights that sat at the Days later upon returning from his flight, Ralph was listening to
eleven o’clock position and a bit high. a Canadian radio station while driving and the news announcer
stated that “the RCMP had discontinued search operations
“It appeared to be another large transport, showing all lights,
for ‘strange light formations reported falling into the sea near
heading straight for us in a left bank which would take it
Yarmouth”. What was certain was that this crew saw the light
across our bow. I announced to Captain Curt Olsen and
formation similarly reported at the same time on the ground at
flight engineer Mike Littlepage to ‘watch this guy!’”. All eyes
Shag Harbour.
34 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
I asked Ralph what he was doing these days and he told me, “I am the Shag Harbour UFO Site, was revealed.
retired living in the world’s largest fly-in community near Dayto- This leaves us with somewhat of our own
na. I have a small airplane and ponder the heavens often — and ‘impressions’ that either we can believe,
yes, I still wonder about what I saw”. sit on that fence, or completely disbelieve.

Incidentally, the History Channel did a one hour show on this One thing, born from the incident was the
back in 2006, it might be available somewhere in the deep bow- creation of The Shag Harbour Museum or
els of the internet, it was called Deep Sea UFOs’ & it aired on to give it its full title ‘Shag Harbour Inci-
January 23rd. dent Society UFO Interpretative Centre’.
It is a proudly independent organization
Did ‘The Lights’ aka the UFO dive into the Harbour disappearing embodied of individuals who believe that
on that cold, confusing night back in October of 1967? Dives also the local history, chiefly the 1967 UFO
have occurred to check the ocean floor bedding to see if anything sighting, should be cherished and made
was out of sorts. Unusual ‘Depressions on the Seabed, as if some- available to the general public. It is sup-
one came in and swept up the floor neatly and smoothly at ported by a group of dedicated volunteer
workers and besides promoting the Shag Harbour Incident, the
Society aims to increase tourism in the area to help ally the prob-
lems with a declining fishery.

You can check out the museum & more about the ‘incident’ at
https://shagharbourincident.wordpress.com/museum/

So, remember, if you are ever on board an aero-

plane, even piloting one, or witness strange lights in
the sky before they drop into the sea – there’s more
to them than meets the eye, that’s for sure.

Alexandra XX
 The Tale
of Jane
& Beatrix

Jane Rowley “potters” around a

house, with a story or two (or 23)

I
n early April, whilst out managed to find a set of 4 second
walking with my 4-year hand books for £5 one of which
Grandson, we saw a squirrel was Squirrel Nutkin!
on a tree and that started a
huge conversation all about grey On his next visit, he was so excited
squirrels and red squirrels, their about the book and we read it,
history, their habits and what over and over again and it has
they do. Following his new love become his firm favourite. My
for this little creature he had just other Grandson (aged 6) took a
been introduced to, his fascination shine to the Tale of Peter Rabbit,
was inspiring and he talked about and along with the 2 other stories
nothing but squirrels the entire (The Tale of Johnny Town-Mouse
duration of his visit. After he had and the Tale of Miss Moppet), they
gone home, I remembered the have become very attached to the
story book I used to have as a child little books. How was I to know
called Squirrel Nutkin, written by this was going to be the start of a
Beatrix Potter. I took to the internet very special spiritual experience
to see if I could find it and maybe for myself……
purchase a copy of it for him, ready
for his next visit. I was in luck!! I After a long period of isolation
and lockdown I was very excited
when my daughter and her partner, n May 17th (2021) we set of
Sara invited me on a break to the
Lake District. It was going to be
O to the Lake District for a very
much anticipated 5-day break. She
a ‘Birthday Get-a-way’ and as it had booked us a lodge on the edge
was my daughters 30th she wanted of a small lake and the scenery was
to do something different. My amazing. She had insisted on doing
daughter’s birthday the is the day all the planning and arrangements
after mine. When going into labour and it was great to just be surprised
30 years ago, I really thought that everyday with the places and events
she would be sharing my birthday she had planned. The first couple of
with me, but I think she had other days, the sun was shining and being
ideas and wanting a day she could out on these adventures after such a
call her own, so she decided to long time in isolation truly lifted the
arrive a day later! spirits.
36 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
O n the Thursday I was very
excited to learn that our trip out
was to visit Hill Top Farm, which was
where Beatrix Potter wrote many of
her famous children’s stories. As a
child, I loved the Beatrix Potter books,
collecting quite a few and reading
them over and over again. Having
younger siblings, the books became
damaged and lost over the years but
the stories still remain part of my
childhood.

The weather was not kind to us on

this last full day of our break. It was
driving rain and we checked we had
everything we needed for the day –
pack-up, waterproofs and bottles of
water etc, but these seemed trivial her energy. Warm and welcoming.
things to me as I was running on There were two National Trust Guides
excitement and enthusiasm and was in that room and several other people
keen to get to the destination. walking about. I stood in the middle
of the room and just closed my eyes,
We arrived at the designated Car Park
stopped all thoughts coming in and
and went and purchased our tickets.
out and just breathed it all in. I turned
From the Ticket Office it was a short
walk up the road to the gate of the round and I could see Beatrix sitting
house and we were already quite wet. in one of the chairs. I said nothing at
It wasn’t cold, but the torrential rain this point but started to look around
made it more difficult than it would the house taking photos. I was totally
normally be. Walking up the path amazed by the environment I was in.
towards the house I could see people Nothing had been changed since the
standing outside waiting to go it. Due time she had lived there. I walked up
to the covid restrictions there were the staircase to the upper floor.
only allowed so many people in and
Walking around upstairs, I went in
of course, masks had to be worn. We
all the rooms and sat in her writing
had to wait several minutes to get to
room in the window looking out. I
the door, then had to go through he
spoke out gently, “Will spirit talk to
covid related processes before
me and show me some things about
being let in. By this time,
this house?” After a little while, Spirit
we were extremely
responded. I was walking back out of
wet but none of
the writing room and back along the
that mattered as
I walked in the corridor to the landing when Spirit
door…… began to talk. “There is a little girl on
the back stairs” I answered back “On
As a Medium, the back stairs?” (I am then talking to
I had ensured myself…) Where are the back stairs??
I was fully Being on the landing I can only see
switched on the main stairs I came up. I cannot see
and ready to any other stairs going down. This was
work. As soon very curious, and I did another round
as I walked of visiting every bedroom to see if I
in through the had missed something, but I could not
front door, I felt see another set of stairs.
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 37
 I went back down the main stairs
and stood looking in the main
kitchen area again. I looked over
to the window seat which was
vacant. Perfect. I went and sat in
the window seat and again closed
my eyes. At this point I was totally
oblivious to everyone around me
and was not even sure about how
long I had been in there, but it
didn’t matter, back to work…... I
needed to find some answers!
I felt the connection and opened
my eyes and could clearly see
Beatrix again sitting in the wooden
rocking chair in front of me.I smiled
at her and said ‘Hello’. She looked
at me and smiled. She said “You back stairs. Do you know the little gratitude in my energy. I got up and
can see me, can’t you?” I smiled girl?” She replied “The little girl went outside. I met up with the girls
and nodded. I said “Can I talk to has been here a long time; she was and we walked down the grass to
you?” She looked at me for a few here before me. I found it difficult to a tent serving refreshments. We all
moments. I felt she was scanning me sleep here as she makes noises on had a big hot chocolate with marsh
to see if my intentions were good the stairs” “Ah, ok”, I replied. mallows to warm up. I was truly
and if I deserved the interaction. blown away by what just happened
She then replied” Of course dear” I Again, I had to ask the Guide about
and I spent the next couple of days
said “You look very comfortable in the back stairs. “Excuse me” I said,
just trying to process my experience.
that chair; do you stay here most of “Are there a second set of stairs
in the cottage? Some back stairs?” n my return home I bought the
the time?” She replied “I adore this
chair and I like to watch the people
as they come into the house”
She said “Yes, there is, but you
cannot see them. They are in this
O full collection of Beatrix Potter
Books including the Fairy Caravan
cupboard. They are the old original which now have pride of place in
I broke off from our conversation wooden, narrow spiral stairs that my book shelf. They have such a
and got up and approached the
were original to the cottage in the sentimental value which not only
National Trust Guide. I had to ask
16th Century. When the cottage comes from my experience at Hill
about her chair. I asked the guide, Top but from the lovely memories
was renovated in the 17th Century,
“Is this rocking chair original to the made when reading them to my
they put the main stair case in that
house? Has it always been here?” Grandsons.
you see now. She opened the far
The Guide replied “Yes, it was her cupboard door and I could see the
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top farm
favourite chair. It was a present underneath of the wooden stairs.
in 1905 with royalties from her first
from America and she very much “Oh Wow” I said. A man who was children’s book – The Tale of Peter
cherished it” “Oh thank you” I observing this then asked me how Rabbit. It was written at her parent’s
replied. I went and sat back down I knew the stairs were there? I said home in London and inspired by
in the window seat to continue I didn’t! He looked a me rather her visits to the Lake District. Her
my conversation. I said to Beatrix strangely but I didn’t want to start books are illustrated with pictures
“My two little Grandsons have just open conversation with him and I based on the stone cottage and
started reading your books. They was in the middle of something… garden. When she died in 1943,
love them. Your books have made so I returned to the window seat and Beatrix Potter left her property to
many children happy over the years, as I sat down, I looked out of the the National Trust. This included
including myself” She replied with window and could see Rosie and over four thousand acres of land,
a warm, contented smile and said, Sara waiting for me outside in the cottages, and fifteen farms.
“I am so pleased”. I then said to pouring rain. I looked at Beatrix and
her, “When I was upstairs, a voice smiled. I thanked her very much
told me there was a little girl on the for talking with me and shared the Jane x
38 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 The Secret Diary of Danny Robins, Aged 44 and 3/4
2:22 - A Ghost Story Production Diary by the play’s writer
Danny Robins, creator of The Battersea Poltergeist
(and yes of course these were written at 2:22am or 2:22pm (or maybe somewhere in-between))

THURSDAY 1ST APRIL 2021

It’s before noon on April Fool’s Day and I’m being shown
around a West End theatre that my play is going to be
staged at. Perhaps understandably, I’m wondering if
this is all a big practical joke… It certainly feels pretty
surreal. For the last year, as the Covid-19 pandemic has
raged, theatre has felt like a memory – an old-fashioned
pursuit like hugging or seeing the lower half of people’s
faces… and I’ve been keeping busy making my BBC
podcast The Battersea Poltergeist, most of which has
been recorded in the shed at the bottom of my garden in
Walthamstow, on the outskirts of London, a world away
from the bright lights of the West End. Yet here I am at
the Noel Coward Theatre, an exquisitely beautiful Vic-
torian auditorium in the heart of Theatreland, talking
about putting on MY PLAY… and, here’s where it gets
interesting for you, Haunted readers, it’s a play about
GHOSTS.
FEBRUARY 2017
Yes, you heard it right, London’s theatre district is go-
ing PARANORMAL!!! If you’re reading this and you’ve To help with my research for the play, I start to ask on
heard The Battersea Poltergeist or my other podcast social media if anybody I know has seen a ghost. I’m
series Haunted (no relation to this magazine!), you’re not sure if I’ll get any responses, but the stories soon
probably imagining I was inspired to write a play about start to come in and, as word spreads in the way it does
ghosts as a result of making those, but actually it’s the on Twitter and Facebook, accounts of hauntings come
other way round... 2:22 inspired them! One day, a few not just from friends, but friends of friends and then,
years ago, a close friend of mine told me she’d seen a random strangers… I find myself collecting an amaz-
ghost… Her story was compelling, credible and sent ing dossier of real-life ghost stories, many of them from
a shiver down my spine, but the rational part of my people who’ve never told them before, because, like the
brain also told me it was seemingly impossible. I was character in my play, they’re worried about how they
intrigued by the possibilities that her story opened up, will be judged… I soon realise that whilst the stories
but I also knew that there’d be people in our social cir- are useful for my research, they’re also
cle who wouldn’t be as sympathetic – sceptics who’d be too good to be confined to the hard drive
angered by the very idea ghosts existed, or who’d laugh of my computer, so, I have the idea of
at her or even tell her she was attention-seeking or de- making a podcast, interviewing some of
luded. I imagined what it would be like if you had that the people who’ve sent me their stories,
situation within a couple – if one person believed they and that’s how Haunted comes about!
had seen a ghost and the person they loved did not be- You can hear Haunted here:
lieve them – what effect would that have on their rela-
tionship? The idea for the play was born… https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/haunted

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 39
 Janua ry 2021
Haunted indirectly leads to The Battersea Poltergeist,
as one of the experts I’d met, veteran ghost expert and
leading SPR member Alan Murdie, tells me about a case
he knows of that took place in Battersea in 1956, fea-
turing a woman named Shirley Hitchings and the rest,
as they say, is history!!

You can hear The Battersea Poltergeist here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0940193

As I unleash The Battersea Poltergeist on the world, I

have no idea just what a global phenomenon it’s going
to become. It blows me away when millions of people get
obsessed with the case and become armchair supernat-
ural sleuths, but it also occurs to me that I actually have
2:22 to thank for all this. I’ve been continuing to work
on the play script over the last few years alongside my
podcasts, and now it’s at a stage where I feel ready to
share it with the world. Somebody once told me it takes
on average three years from having an idea for a play
to seeing it on stage. Add in a global pandemic and it
takes even longer, so it’s more than five years from that
first inspiration of my friend’s ghost story to standing
in the theatre with the producers Runaway Entertain-
ment, director Matthew Dunster and set designer Anna
Fleischle, and deciding, yep, we are going to make this
happen!!

Monday 28th June 2021

Friday 14th May 2021
We’re in a trendy studio in Hoxton, East London, sur-
rounded by expensive hair salons and coffee shops
The producers are taking a major risk
that offer 15 different types of milk. It’s our first day
leading the charge back into theatres – no
of rehearsals and the first time we have our whole cast
one quite knows what the post-Covid West
End will be like, so I’m hugely grateful to
together in one place. There’s a lovely group photo of
them for believing in the play! One thing
them adorning all the publicity materials for the show,
but it was actually taken with them in three different
is sure though, you can’t mount a West
End production without a star, so casting
countries and then photoshopped together.
is all important, and around the start of
May, I get a very exciting phone call from Playing Lily’s character Jenny’s husband Sam –, a
producer Isobel David. Lily Allen has read scientist and arch-sceptic – we have Hadley Fraser,
the script and loves it and is interested in one of the big stars of West End musicals, but also a
playing the character of Jenny, the wom- damn fine dramatic actor who starred opposite Tom
an who believes she has seen a ghost. Hiddleston in Coriolanus. Playing their friend Lau-
ren – a psychotherapist and sceptic who nevertheless
My instincts are simultaneously, “wow,
has her own ghostly secrets – we have the brilliant Ju-
that’s exciting, I think Lily Allen’s great”
lia Chan who has flown in from New York, hot off the
and “hold on, she’s a pop star” but over
the next two weeks there are a lot of con- heels of filming Archive 81, a new series for Netflix
versations and we learn Lily is really keen based on a popular horror podcast (sound familiar at
to open up a new aspect of her career and all?). Playing Lauren’s boyfriend Ben, a builder who’s
make her stage debut and she wants my a definite paranormal believer with a ghost-hunting
play to be the one. It’s thrilling and, having past, we have Jake Wood, a legend in his own right af-
chatted with her, I’m convinced she can be ter 15 years of playing bad boy Max Branning on BBC
great. Not only is she a natural performer, TV soap opera EastEnders and competing in Strict-
but the role of Jenny suits Lily perfectly ly Come Dancing. Not many people know that Jake
– she’s defiant, no pushover, someone who was also a very accomplished stage actor before that!
will fight for what they believe in and tell And, of course, we have Lily, who has also flown over
the truth even if it makes others uncom- from New York, something that’s required no little
fortable. When Jenny’s husband refuses
Lily Allen looking upheaval to her life. I am honoured and flattered to
pensive during
to believe she is being haunted, audiences have this talented team on board and it’s time to read
rehearsals
will be rooting for her all the way! Now, fi- the script together for the first time! Eek!!! Will it still
nally, today, we have signed the contract, Photo credit: seem spooky in this brightly-lit room with its trendy
Lily is on board, Thunderbirds are go! Helen Murray white-washed walls?

40 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
Friday 2nd July
arsing and,
The end of our first week rehe
feel s spoo ky. Lily is doing
phew, it still
natu ral – and
great – as I thought, she’s a
chin g each acto r beco me
it’s exciting wat
ract er. We hav e four wee ks left
their cha
hankfully,
before our first performance…T
Awa rd-n omi nate d director
we have Olivier
thew Dun ster in cha rge – one of the best
Mat
the busi ness – and we
West End directors in
t crea tive team arou nd him, in-
have a grea
d desi gne r Ian
cluding award-winning soun
is goin g to be cruc ial to
Dickinson. Sound
, as it has been to all my spooky
this play
Battersea
work such as Haunted and The
thin k that ’s true of all horror
Poltergeist. I
e scar y mov-
really – think of your favourit
out mus ic and sound
ie and imagine it with
with icul ar, sound
effects! But 2:22 in part
er on stag e…
is almost like another charact
ing to life,
It’s exciting to see the play com Left to Right Director Matthew Dunster, Danny Robins and Hadley Fraser (Sam)
it in my hea d so long , but we all
having had Photo credit: Helen Murray
Swo rd of Damocles
know there’s a major
hea ds – if any of the cast
hanging over our Wednesday 7th July
posi tive for Cov id that coul d shut the
test of wild
whole production down due to
the current The following week, I’m in the middle of nowhere – the wildest
e are other series, the sequel to The
governm ent regu latio ns – ther countryside – recording for my new BBC podcast
e been cancelled when Matthe w our directo r calls me. “Bad news”
West End shows that hav Battersea Poltergeist,
use of that , so, we adhere he says, “it’s not going to be able to rain.”
or postponed beca
pulo us regi me of late ral flow tests,
to a scru not pouring
bub ble and keep ing This is bad news? I look up at the sky, I’m kind of glad it’s
working and living in a is effectively squattin g on
cros sed (and hea vily coat ed in down. But Matthe w means rain on stage. 2:22
our fingers – our designe r Anna
the set design for the musical Dear Evan Hansen
antibacterial gel!) they aren’t
Fleischle is very cleverly building our set on top of theirs, as
restart their run, which was curtaile d by Covid, until late Octo-
due to
in 2:22 has been given
ber. But now, our plan to have it rain onstage
Evan Hansen ’s stage manage r. Boo!!! Any horror
the thumbs down by
r to set the
fan worth their salt will know that a bit of inclement weathe
to change take and investig ate fog!
spooky scene is a must, so we decide
You’ve got to love a bit of creepy fog…

Friday 30th July

Fast forward a few weeks and I am back
at the Noel Coward Theatre. It’s our first
technical rehearsal – that’s the point
where you’ve rehearsed all the acting
bits and then you chuck lights and sounds
and props and costumes at it and doors
that actually open and real wine glasses
and (in our case) some rather exciting
special effects, and you hope for the best
– by which I mean some very talented and
clever people like Lighting Designer Lucy
Carter programme things into comput-
ers to make sure everything happens at
the right time whilst the actors say the
same line again and again until everyone
is sure that the fog machine is coming in
on cue! (Yes, we sorted the fog, and it is
creepy!)

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 41
 Tuesday 3rd August
This is it… our first preview performance. It’s been an
incredible journey. I loved theatre as a kid, spending
every spare hour of my teen years at my local amateur
theatre group in Newcastle upon Tyne, acting, direct-
ing, painting sets, stage managing, you name it… If
you’d told me back then I’d have a play by me appear-
ing in the West End, I’m not sure I’d have believed you.
In fact, if you’d told me that just a year ago when we
were in the grip of lockdown, I wouldn’t have believed
you. So, as I look up at the whopping great glittering
sign advertising the show outside the theatre, I feel a
little emotional. Now it’s time to throw open the doors
and let the first punters in!

After all the hard work that’s been done, this is crunch
time. The test of any play is the audience reaction,
and when you’ve set out to make a show in the horror
genre, you’re even more aware of that, because people
have certain expectations. I want this play to make you
jump, but I also want it to make you think – it’s a play
about the very nature of ghosts, what they might be,
why we see them, why we believe in them and whether
or not they really exist. It’s therefore about the biggest
things imaginable, life and death, and it’s told through
the story of a very ordinary couple – people like you Photo credits: Helen Murray
and me. I hope that you’ll watch it and be gripped and
then after the show you’ll go and have your own de-
bates over a drink or two in a nearby pub… If you do, I’d
Tickets for 2:22 – A Ghost Story are available to buy
love to know what you think.
from www.222aghoststory.com. The show runs until
October 16th.
Do you believe?
The script of 2:22 – A Ghost Story is also available to
Email me on danny@dannyrobins.com buy. You can order it online:
www.nickhernbooks.co.uk/222-a-ghost-story

42 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
THE PARAPOD: A VERY BRITISH
GHOST HUNT INTERVIEW

ith armies of devoted lis- HM: From podcast to full feature film seems like an enor-

W teners and over 3.5 mil-

lion downloads, the wildly
successful paranormal
comedy podcast has taken the leap into
the world of feature films. After years in
mous leap. How did The ParaPod: A Very British Ghost
Hunt come about?
BARRY: We’d recorded the third series of the podcast
and we were making a speculative pilot at East Drive. We
had a small crew, and we were just going to make a half
the making, The ParaPod is primed to hour pilot and basically do the ParaPod on screen. About
ride again in the form of a side-splitting, halfway through it, Ian said, “this should be a movie” and
spooky theatrical release, The ParaPod – he was right. If this would be a TV show, you’d have 6 epi-
A Very British Ghost Hunt. But what was sodes of me finding nothing. I’d hope that would never be
it like when two comedians, one a sceptic the case, but you’d never want to rely on the paranormal.
(Ian), the other a believer (Barry), travelled IAN: Barry initially laughed about making a film, and I
the UK in a souped-up hearse, looking for said “Why can’t we? People make movies on iPhones
proof of the paranormal and the great be- and stuff, so why can’t we make our own?” I got kinda
yond? pregnant with the idea at that point; I just couldn’t stop
thinking about it and I was determined. So, I think we an-
What ensues is a laugh-out-loud nounced it on the podcast the following week. We start-
and genuinely gripping journey of ed immediately, and I didn’t know the journey I’d started
personal discovery and challenging on, but I didn’t stop at any point.
beliefs. Haunted Magazine sat down HM: Ian, you were one of the UK’s first podcast creators
with stars Ian Boldsworth and Barry and have had great success with several different audio
Dodds to chat about terrifying vi- projects. How was it working so closely on one project
sions, ghostly wish-lists, existential for years, instead of the familiar self-contained podcast
dread and… bribing fishermen? format?

2 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

IAN: Well, I would have knocked this on the head by now under
normal circumstances! (laughs). It’s been okay. It does make me
slightly frustrated as my natural M.O. is to move onto the next thing
as soon as I feel any sense of not enjoying something. So, it’s not a
case of I wasn’t enjoying the ParaPod, but I think I was very ready to
go “right, what am I doing next?” And I haven’t been able to do that
as I’ve been held hostage by a movie, or the undertaking of it.
The more this has gone on, the more it feels like a completely sepa-
rate project to the podcast itself. It’s certainly been a long-haul flight
and has felt draining from time to time, but I think the conclusion of
it all has come into view.
HM: While you approach the ParaPod from different viewpoints,
you both know your spooky stuff! Where did this interest in ghosts
and the paranormal originate from?
BARRY: When I was young, I used to go and stay at my Nanna’s
house in Amble in Northumberland. My cousin Sarah used to tell me
ghost stories and they really used to scare the life out of me. There
was something about that fear and adrenaline rush that’s quite ad-
dictive. That’s why people go on rollercoasters and things like that,
and I used to get a rush from these ghost stories. Most people grow
out of it…I didn’t.
IAN: I was all in on this as a kid and believed it. But as I got older, and
got to an age of cognitive maturity, I started to look at it differently
and be open-minded to the idea that things might not be as clear-
cut as they were being portrayed to me. I’ve not just settled on one
belief; I’ve been in both camps at different stages of my life, and my
overview of it has been one of rejecting the paranormal as an actual IAN: We had full access to East Drive as the producer owns it, so that was
thing,, but the interest has remained. I find it really fascinating when
thing ticked off, and that was a big one. The Ancient Ram were exceptionally help-
you come across someone who didn’t believe in it and then does. If ful. Pluckley, we didn’t pay…well, there’s no one to pay. Haunted Happenings
they grab that as an adult, I find it utterly fascinating as to how that were tremendously accommodating. When locations wanted to charge stu-
comes about. So really, my role in the movie is as much about what’s pid money, there was no haggle there at all, it was just “ok fine, bye.” I think
going on with Barry as it is about what’s going on in the afterlife or they expected a counteroffer, and I wasn’t having that. After all, you’re not
spirit world. going to run out of haunted places in the UK, are you?
HM: Paranormal road trip isn’t really an established genre, so what
films or media did you look to for inspiration, or did you approach the
film with a clean slate?
IAN: Exactly. Trailblazer. (laughs) From a director’s point of view, I
just shot and trusted. So, I had a faith in myself that if we just point
the camera and just do it, we’ll find a narrative. I knew it was going to
be difficult, but we did find a story. There’s at least another 2 movies
worth of footage that’s not been used as we just filmed everything.
In terms of inspiration, I got quite involved in making the open-
ing titles like the Hammer films. So, the font is Hammer style with
MCMX etc. at the bottom. The film doesn’t bear any resemblance
to a Hammer film. So that was put in there because I thought “Ah,
I’m making a film…I can do titles like those films I liked in the 70s!”
But I didn’t need to do certain shots or pull focus, it’s a documen-
tary and I needed to put the story on the screen in as clear a way
as possible. But there’s things like the Raiders of the Lost Ark-style
maps, so when we’re travelling, there’s the map in the background
and the dotted line of where we’re going. There’s drone footage too
– it breathes. It’s sometimes a very claustrophobic film, so it was “When locations wanted to charge stupid
important to let the film breathe and open it up before we went back
to these caverns, cellars, and houses. money, there was no haggle there at all, it
HM: With so many places advertising themselves as haunted, how was just “ok fine, bye.” I think they ex-
pected a counteroffer, and I wasn’t having
did you land on your final list for the film?

that. After all, you’re not going to run out

BARRY: It was mainly left up to me to pick the places. Obviously,
there were restrictions, and some places just came back and said

of haunted places in the UK, are you?”

“yeah, that’s great, that’ll be £10,000!” (laughs) and we thought
“we really can’t afford that.” Other places were really welcoming,
very supportive and we’re still in touch, and have formed great rela-
tionships through them. So, it was a combination of who would have
us, luck, and my wish-list.

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 3

 HM: Barry mentioned his paranormal wish- BARRY: The Ancient Ram Inn was the great. It was funny, interesting, it was going
list. What would have been a dream location strangest thing; it was the time when somewhere different. I gave some guid-
that simply couldn’t make it into the movie? the crew were all really scared and ance to Barry as it was a conversation we’d
me and Ian weren’t; we didn’t get the already been having in real life, and I said
BARRY: Poveglia island. That’s – without
fear factor at all! It was bizarre thing “You want to talk to me about faith? Let’s
a doubt – my number one place to go and
where the Inn wasn’t underwhelm- have that discussion on film.” So, it was
probably Bobby Mackey’s. It would involve
ing because it wasn’t haunted, it was semi-guided, but the conversation itself
flights to Italy and America and also, you’re
just underwhelming as we didn’t feel just happened.
not allowed on the island, you’ve got to
it like everybody else did, and I think
bribe fishermen to get there. I think it’d be
there’s a reason for that, because we BARRY: I loved the chance to go into places
too much of a gamble for us to go there and
were aware of what’d happened that I’d always wanted to visit. When you go on
film. I think I’ll go and do it myself.
morning. organised ghost hunts, you’ve always got
IAN: I think he’s misunderstood the British somebody watching over you. Not having
bit… My dream location is my bedroom with IAN: He says that, but he was too scared to that was brilliant in places such as the Edin-
the front door locked and a sign saying, ‘I’m go the toilet on his own there… burgh vaults. Normally, you only get to go in
not in, Barry.’ for an hour or so and you walk around with a
BARRY: Which was right, because he tour guide, but this was a case of them giv-
HM: With so many places to visit, did every- jumped out at me when I came out.
thing go to plan with your schedule, or were ing us the keys and us realising “oh wow, we
there hiccups? HM: With so many locations and so many can actually do what we want”, all without
stages of production, what aspects of film- supervision. Not that we were doing any-
IAN: I’m reluctant to express anything about ing did you enjoy the most? thing bad! But to have access to places that
feeling, as I don’t want to spoil anything. I wouldn’t normally have? That was proba-
But what I can say is that no location IAN: I liked filming the most when it was tru- bly the thing I enjoyed the most.
disappointed me in how accommodating ly in freefall. Ditto recording in a podcast. I
they were. We were at The Ancient Ram Inn like it when it goes somewhere you weren’t HM: Ian, being on the sceptical side of
the day that John Humphries (the owner) anticipating and you just keep going and things, but also a star of the film and the
died; he died that morning. We spoke to shooting, you don’t shy away from that. director, how hard was it to maintain that
his daughter saying, “of course we’re not There’s a scene in the church that wasn’t impartiality when filming?
going to come” and she said “No, you even booked as a location. We got snowed
must come. John would want you to have off from another location which we didn’t go IAN: It wasn’t hard at all. First and foremost,
a great night there.” So, by my standards, to; a pub in Wales. So, I found a church and regardless of my personal beliefs, I’m look-
that night was quite tame as I didn’t feel knocked on the door of the vicarage, saying ing to create the right finished product. The
like I could be running about, being stupid to the lady there “I’m meant to be filming, right finished product wouldn’t be The Ian
or a loudmouth. As the night went on, I did and I haven’t got a location. The church Boldsworth Show. It’s the ParaPod, so it has
get more mischievous, but it was difficult is beautiful, would we be able to shoot in to balance – therefore we brought in peo-
that evening. But every last one went out of there?” She was really accommodating, ple from outside, because if it was just left
their way and were super welcoming to us. and the scene turned out brilliantly, which to Dodds, I’ve got no choice in the matter!
I don’t consider these people as enemies! was just a discussion between me and Bar- (laughs). This is the issue I have with some
Talking to Haunted Magazine isn’t me ry, like on the podcast. We just spoke and paranormal tv shows, I know they’re essen-
behind enemy lines! I’m a pretty accepting had a bit of a row, a bit of backward and tially entertainment programmes, and they
lad really. forward about the nature of faith and it felt might allude to scepticism from time to time

4 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

but it’s actual M.O. is to present ghosts can make decent points, I’ll happily counter away as being a good experience and it felt
as real, which is fine, that’s what the pro- with that footage! If anything, this film has like “if you play with fires, you get burned.”
gramme is. But there’s no actual balance been edited to make him look smarter, be- I got burned to the point of thinking “should
there, not in reality. The producer, to his cause I don’t think people would believe it! you even be doing this?” It’s really made
credit, said that at no point did he want me me scared and wary. Even when you’re on
to fake anything. I had considered that at HM: After finishing the film, did you find a ghost hunt, you’re aware of certain things
some point; something unexplained that yourself with a renewed interest in the that make you scared, like the dark, the lo-
had just been set up, but he said that he paranormal? cation, the history and all the stuff that gets
didn’t want me to do that, that everything into your subconscious. But you still always
IAN: I think my interest will remain, the only have a doubt, like “well, it might all be rub-
had to be true. He said, if we get nothing,
thing that might waiver from time to time
we get nothing, but we’re presenting this bish, coincidence, money making things.”
is my engagement and my engagement
honestly. So, I was appreciative of that. But when something happens and you can’t
within discussions. I do feel slightly ghost-
Considering that this film has been made explain it, it asks more questions than it an-
ed out at the moment. But on a base level,
in such a divisive time, I have such over- swers.
you can’t really alter something that you’ve
arching pride. You only have to look at so-
found intriguing or worthy of scrutiny, ei- HM: So, come on Ian, are you any closer to
cial media and see how people are at each
ther as a believer or a sceptic. But I think it’s being a believer now?
other’s throats for their beliefs. I think this
important to come with an element of scru-
film shows that you can have two people
tiny. And as I’ve told him many times, that is IAN: (laughs) No, no I’m not, I’m afraid. But
with completely conflicting opinions, who
really missing in Barry. He doesn’t have any I’m not trying to be a believer. I had a psychic
will row about it, sometimes nearly come
interest in scrutinising what he’s told. As medium tell me in the film “If you don’t be-
to blows about it, but ultimately there’s a
a mate, I flag it up to him as he’s got to be lieve in any of this, why are you here now?”
friendship there and an underlying relation- careful. He’s so vulnerable. Can you imag-
ship that shows how you can coexist with And I said to her as I pointed to Barry, “Be-
ine Barry late at night on his computer and cause I find him hilarious.” I’m not searching
people who have opposing views to you – someone from ISIS starts talking to him?
when you’re not being violent with them. at all, I’m just along for the ride. I’m watching
He’d be on a plane in the morning (laughs). this daft lad go along to places where he
Which neither of us are…yet.
thinks there are ghosts and am being royally
HM: After the movie and all those intense
HM: Are there any moments in particular entertained, shaking my head 5 foot behind
experiences, are you still a believer in the
that you were saddened to cut down in the him. I’m not trying to get proof; he’s trying
paranormal?
final edit? to prove it to me. What I’ve learned from the
BARRY: Certainly, I’m still a believer, but ParaPod is that you can present any coun-
IAN: There’s a moment in the movie where I’m struggling on different levels in terms of terargument in the world, and it won’t make
Barry addresses a sceptics convention and faith and I’m aware that a lot of my beliefs a blind bit of difference to someone who just
its obviously chopped down, but one day contradict themselves now, so I’m having has faith.
I’ll release the full 20 minutes that he was an internal battle with that. I’d like to make
on stage. You’ve never heard more garbled, peace spiritually, because some things that
nonsensical idiocy in your entire life. From
The ParaPod – A Very British
happened in the film have certainly made Ghost Hunt is coming to cinemas
beginning to end, nothing made sense. The my beliefs more complicated.
editor once said to me “I don’t know how
this September and on VOD 27th
to edit this as I don’t know what he’s on There was one instance in the film that
September
about!” So, if he ever wants to say that he wasn’t pleasant. At all. I haven’t taken it Interview by Kate Cherrell

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 5

 A VERY BRITISH
FILM REVIEW ttttt
By Kate Cherrell - Burials and Beyond

basics of his ghost-hunting kit. While the Ovilus

The ParaPod – The ParaPod podcast has enjoyed over 3.5
million downloads and many sold-out live shows V is presented as a piece of detecting equipment
A Very British Ghost over the years, so no-one would have batted by which spirits may communicate, through
an eye if they had produced a short film as a Barry’s boyish naivety, it swiftly becomes a
Hunt is in cinemas half-hearted cash-in or piece of fan service; means of having your password reset by a ghost.
September and VOD something thrown onto video sharing websites Similarly, for all of Barry’s attempts to ‘seriously’
to promote a larger brand. Instead, in a fiercely investigate a location, Ian’s razor-sharp wit and
September 27, 2021 ambitious decision, they spent years making mischievousness is not far behind; we only
The ParaPod – A Very British Ghost Hunt, need tease readers with the appearance of the
Director: Ian Boldsworth
filming hours of footage while travelling the notorious ‘Arse Grabber’ of the Niddry Vaults.
Cast: Ian Boldsworth, Barry Dodds 
length and breadth of the UK. It’s no over-
Producer: Bil Bungay  statement to say that this dedication shows itself Ian is no overbearing sceptic but gives Barry just
Run Time: 108 mins in every frame of this feature-length release. enough comedic rope to hang himself. Prefacing
Rating: 15 What greets cinema-goers is a slick, heart- Barry’s speech at a sceptics’ conference in
warming, frightening and hilarious release that which he is visibly terrified, Ian’s introduction of
will have sceptics and ghost-hunters alike rolling ‘Barry Dodds who believes everything without
in the aisles from start to finish. question’ affords the scene the perfect diving
board for cringeworthy, unbridled laughter, the
Documentary-filmed over a three-year period,
likes of which scripted comedies could only
the release sees comedians Ian Boldsworth
dream. This familiarity of unshakable, blind
and Barry Dodds visit a series of supposedly
belief should be no surprise to those within the
haunted locations across the UK (in a souped-
paranormal community, as we so often need
up hearse, no less), as Barry attempts to argue
reminding of the flaws and hilarity that lie within
the existence of ghosts to his increasingly
such a mindset. Ian’s scepticism is never in
exasperated friend. Paranormally-minded
viewers will see a host of familiar locations, the form of a vicious attack, but a reasoned
such as Pluckley – reportedly the world’s most and friendly jab in the ribs of left-field beliefs.
haunted village, The Ancient Ram Inn and 30 Combined with his occasional exasperated Eric
East Drive, home of the infamous poltergeist, the Morecambe-style glances to camera, we find
Black Monk of Pontefract. ourselves cheering on Barry’s conviction, but
sitting back and laughing at Ian’s frustration,
Even the most seasoned ghost hunter would wholly invested in their journey and relationship.
see these places and the nature of paranormal For all of the insults levelled at the ‘gullible
investigation in a new way as Barry tries – and buffoon’, the dynamic between Boldsworth and
fails – to not only explain his own beliefs, but the Dodds is side-splittingly funny throughout.

6 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

 "It's a rare thing to identify a cult classic as it
emerges from the gates, but The ParaPod - A Very
British Ghost Hunt is just that. From the first few
minutes of the movie, it's clear that this release is
something very special indeed"

At its heart, The ParaPod – A Very British seats. The pair’s interactions, particularly journey of discovery and firsts for so many;
Ghost Hunt is a story of friendship, the pliability during Barry’s attempts at guiding Ian, will not simply for Boldsworth and Dodds in their
of belief and the unreliability of one’s own have you screaming laughing at the frustrated first film appearances, but as a directorial
perception. The ParaPod podcast was never as banter between them. Shot with a warts- first for Boldsworth and a first for film scorer
simple as two contrasting viewpoints, and the and all approach, seeing Ian and Barry’s Thomas van der Ree, but to name a few. It
film is no different, digging deeper into notions exhausted rows and their genuine moments is testament to all involved that the finished
of faith, friendship, and fear. of vulnerability afford The ParaPod – A Very product stands head and shoulders above
British Ghost Hunt an ingrained authenticity most theatrical releases, being so much larger
We may find ourselves wanting to be more and honesty that you can’t help but take to the than its component parts. For the first podcast
rationally minded like Ian, but all too often heart. to be made into a feature film, I wouldn’t envy
relate to Barry who wears his paranormal the next one that comes along, as these are
giddiness on his sleeve. Watching The Determined not to make a run-of-the-mill enormous shoes to fill.
ParaPod – A Very British Ghost Hunt isn’t documentary or road trip film, Boldsworth’s
as simple as following a contrived narrative, directorial debut sees the pair’s physical It is no overstatement to say that this will be the
but watching a genuine journey of self- and narrative journey disrupted by views best thing you’ll see all year. The ParaPod – A
development, personal change, and fierce from experts and moody shots of the pair Very British Ghost Hunt is a film we all need
friendship. When Ian sighs as Barry struggles debriefing in their studio. For a film so to see, to remind us of what really matters –
to explain the necessity of a teddy bear in deliberately claustrophobic in its dealings taking risks, reassessing our beliefs, grabbing
the woods, we laugh along with them, and with the paranormal, it knows exactly when to life by the horns, and laughing with your mates
when Barry’s experiences turn a little more open up and let the tension within the hearse till you cry. If there was ever a greater argument
towards the ghostly, we’re on the edge of our dissipate. The production of the film was a to support independent cinema, this is it.

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 7

INTERVIEW with
BIL BUNGAY
While The Parapod – A Very British Ghost house?” So, they did, and people started sending
Hunt prepares itself for launch, we grabbed in their videos, photos, and reports. I opened
five minutes with producer Bil Bungay. Not the house up so people could visit more often,
only is he the producer of the funniest film of then I started to experience things. Completely
the year, but the owner of 30 East Drive, one inexplicably. But there is absolutely no doubt that
of the UK’s most popular haunted locations. something is in that house. So, I am now definitely
Whilst Pontefract’s poltergeist house excites not a sceptic but a full on, passionate and vocal
and terrifies the steady stream of visiting believer in these things. You can’t not be once
paranormal enthusiasts, each expectantly you’ve experienced these things. Your entire
awaiting an appearance from the Black Monk, world view shifts. It flips on its head. BIL: You’ve nailed it on the head. I don’t see
it also features in The Parapod, with hilarious
East Drive as just a haunted house, but a
and terrifying results. So, what is it like being
HM: Have you ever spent the night at place with the potential for us to reassess our
the custodian of such a famous location,
and just how did Bil find himself involved
East Drive? whole existence; a study of it could rewrite our
with two comedians, a funky hearse, and the understanding of spirits and ghosts and so much
BIL: (laughs) No, I’m absolutely terrified more. I believe that religious groups should be all
dimension-jumping ghosts?
of what is in that house. I used to have over the house; if they could prove the existence
a recurring nightmare for years that of an afterlife using 30 East Drive as a study,
HM: So how did you get involved with Ian and
the same thing was in my house, and that would be massive. My suspicion is that
Barry of The ParaPod?
it terrified the bejeesus out of me. I whatever is in that house will lend itself to proving
BIL: Well, Barry Dodds has been obsessively think people who go and spend the many mind-boggling theories within quantum
visiting haunted locations for decades. Needless night there are completely bonkers; physics too. It could be that 30 East Drive offers
to say, 30 East Drive came up on his radar. we actively say that we don’t think a shortcut in supporting ideas and theories of
He took a few of his mates there, had some you should visit. It’s probably the only paranormal forces and alternate dimensions!
interesting things happen, and I think it was him attraction in the world where the owners One thought is that whatever is at East Drive
who coincidentally mentioned that he had this exists in a fourth dimension that occasionally
actively discourage people from visiting!
thing called The Parapod. Around the same time, slips into our own. So, a poltergeist that moves
I am profoundly serious with that house
another person said to me, “have you heard an object could be said to be removing it from
the ParaPod? It’s absolutely hilarious!” So, I put
about the respect it should govern, and
our three-dimensional state temporarily, via its
two and two together and started listening, and I don’t think anyone should treat it in a
fourth dimension, then returning it elsewhere.
I would like to think I am their biggest fan. I’m light-hearted way.
So, I am not sure whatever is at 30 East Drive is
a mega fan. If you haven’t listened to it, treat something dead but could be very much alive.
HM: Considering the film features two
yourself. The movie is a reflection of all that – it is
pant-wettingly funny. comedians setting up vigil in East Drive, how HM: We at Haunted Magazine adore the film.
does this idea of seriousness at all times within How does it feel to finally see the project come
HM: Did you have a pre-existing interest in the the house play out? to fruition?
paranormal before your involvement with 30 East
Drive and The ParaPod? BIL: It is the perfect relationship between my BIL: First and foremost, I think it’s the best
comparatively recent interest in the paranormal thing I’ve ever done. What Ian has done
BIL: Not really, I was most definitely a sceptic. and my role as a filmmaker. East Drive is the one especially, is amazing. The brief itself was quite
Maybe not quite as rabid a sceptic as Ian is, but I place that I know is active in a really interesting straightforward, which was “I don’t want a script.
was a sceptic. I ended up being introduced to 30 way. So, you have to throw open the doors and You’re going to go on the road and do your own
East Drive by Pat Holden (director of When the invite people in that will challenge you and thing.” But what you also appreciate is that for a
Lights Went Out). His mother was connected broadcast the debate. In my experience, there movie to work, you need a narrative, and to see
to the Pritchard family who owned 30 East can be no better voice for the debate than a that drop in as they travelled, especially with
Drive; she used to regularly support Jean and movie. Particularly because of the documentary Barry’s soul searching, was very special. I want to
witnessed lots of incredible things. I thought, style and the way Ian and Barry work, it is a stress that nothing in the film was engineered, so
“what a brilliant storyline – a poltergeist moves everything you see is very visceral and very real.
debate as much as it is pure entertainment. Call
into a council house! Not a castle or mansion like There really is nothing like it.
me a sucker for punishment though, because
you’d expect. We should turn that into a movie
Ian’s brutal in his opinion of what is occurring!
one day.” It was twenty years before I got it done The ParaPod – A Very
But the counterpoint of Barry’s utter conviction in
and it was off the back of that that I came into British Ghost Hunt is
these things really helps to extend the debate.
contact with the actual house. I was working
coming to cinemas this
in Pontefract, so I thought, ‘I’ll go and visit this HM: Do you feel that it’s a great responsibility to
September and on VOD
house I’m making a film about,’ and when I got be the custodian of East Drive and its history, and
what are your plans for the house in the future?
September 27, 2021.
there, it was for sale. We had the premiere there,
but then we were stuck with it. However, soon With talk of scientific tests, can you see East Bil was chatting with Kate
people started saying “can I come and visit your Drive having its own paranormal laboratory!? Cherrell

8 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

 “THERE’S SOMETHING IN OUR HOUSE.
I HEAR IT EVERY NIGHT, AT THE SAME TIME.”

A Ghost Story and a Spoiler-Free Review!

Parapsychologist and academic Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe is well known to

Haunted Magazine readers, but it’s less well-known that he is also one
of the behind-the-scenes inspirations for 2:22 – A Ghost Story. Danny
Robins consulted Ciaran during his research for the play and learnt that
certain details of arch-sceptic Ciaran’s relationship with his own believer
wife Anna chimed with the characters in Danny’s play. What would Ciaran,
who also appeared as one of the team of experts on Danny’s The Battersea
Poltergeist, make of seeing something so close-to home acted out on
stage?

We sent him to watch the opening night at the Noel Coward Theatre. Here’s
his spoiler-free review!

J
enny (Lily Allen) believes her new Readers of Haunted Magazine will be delivered by Jake Wood’s character. They
home is haunted, but her husband very familiar with the writer of this West End were as enthralled as I was throughout
Sam (Hadley Fraser) isn’t having any play. Danny Robins enthralled us all with and there were frequent moments where
of it. They argue with their first dinner his retelling and re-investigation of The you could sense the collective holding of
guests, old friend Lauren (Julia Chan) and Battersea Poltergeist for BBC Radio 4 breath in expectation of another scare. The
new partner Ben (Jake Wood). Can the dead and perfectly captured people’s ghostly strength in the play, however, was not in
really walk again? Belief and scepticism clash, encounters in the Haunted podcast. In scaring the audience, but in drawing them
but something feels strange and frightening, 2:22 A Ghost Story we see all of these into the arguments, the building tension as
and that something is getting closer, so elements, and more, as he brings together each character reveals their true belief and
they’re going to stay up… until 2:22… and then all his experiences and research with the perspective on the paranormal. The spectrum
they’ll know. paranormal and delightfully exposes them on of belief is represented by Jenny at one end
stage in this supernatural thriller. It centres and Sam (her husband) on the other. The two
around four main characters brought together dinner guests neatly fill the gap between the
for a dinner party in which Jenny’s repeated two earlier in the play but then Ben makes
haunting experiences quickly becomes some startling confessions and takes over the
the conversation focus for the evening and believer end of the spectrum. Ghosthunters
then the mission for the group waiting up ‘til and paranormal enthusiasts (in fact all readers
2:22am in the hope of witnessing the “ghost” of Haunted Magazine) will take great delight
or something natural which would explain in the frequent references to ghost hunting
it all. The acting is marvellous and Matthew and sceptical arguments. The first time the
Dunster’s direction has lifted the script and word “vigil” is heard, I found it comfortably
made it come alive on stage. It is a ghost story warming and delighted in the laughter around
in which Jenny (played by Lily Allen) recounts me. There are references to ghost hunting in
her experiences with confidence and then stately homes, to spiritualism approaches,
ever-increasing tension and frustration at the to staying up all night. You’ll hear sceptical
largely dismissive responses. points made, and the counter arguments and
I felt we were hearing Danny’s voice from
I sat in the Noel Coward Theatre for the official the characters as the arguments raged. The
opening night. The audience responded on-stage battles reflect his life journey and
to the scares, the tension between all the research attempting to understand what
characters and the comedic moments ghosts are.

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 9

 Danny Robins has stated in interviews that he The layers also are exploited by the sound (Ian with yourself and others around you. Whilst
has been fascinated by “the idea there might Dickinson) and lighting team (Lucy Carter) there is little harmony on stage, there is an
be some other layer of existence – life after – we have overt shrill noises from wild foxes overriding cooperation as the four characters
death.” This play is more than a simple ghost that stimulate the screams from the audience agree to stay up ‘til 2:22.
story. It provides the layers inherent in ghost to the subtle underlying, almost infrasonic-
stories we have all come to take for granted. hinting, undertones. The lighting is also used There is also the fantastic meaning to be
Jenny even references “layers” at a number to wonderful effect as the layers between light found in Thomas Huxley’s book The Doors of
of key moments. With each telling of a ghostly and dark play throughout and provide deep Perception where he coined the term ‘Twin
encounter there is psychology, persuasion, and hidden clues to what people are saying. flame.’ A term that refers to the meeting of two
conviction, belief, fear, disbelief, amazement. souls in love, “the transcendental other.” The
We see these factors played out from each The layers are also revealed in the central Twin Flame is a mythical phenomenon where
character on stage. But there are more layers. focus for the whole play – 2:22. This might two people that are meant to be with one
The set design, wonderfully created by Anna seem like a random time, but it may also be another, find each other. Throughout the play,
playing with layers. Accuse me of being guilty we witness Jenny and Sam argue. At times
Fleischle and her team, haunts with its layers
of delving into numerology lore, but during the it reaches shrill shouting levels and initially
that take the audience from the wallpaper
show I remember the words from the Bible, we are fighting for a particular side, secretly
and décor of the 1950s on stage right to the
Daniel 2:22 – “He reveals the deep and hidden hoping all will be revealed at 2:22 and one
contemporary renovated kitchen and skylight
things”. With 2:22 and the play as a whole, will be proven wrong. As the play progresses,
on stage left. There are pivotal moments when
Danny reveals the deep and hidden things of however, I couldn’t help yearning for them to
characters stand on particular sides and either
all the characters. He also reveals the multi- resolve their differences and find solace in
the scepticism or belief become the focus.
layered deep arguments that often pepper the each other’s arms, ultimately find each other.
A particularly enthralling sequence has Sam
recounting of personal ghost stories.
delivering a series of sceptical questions (e.g.,
If anything, my numerology delving above
Why aren’t ghosts naked?) as he stands in Bear with me, then, for now entertaining highlights the strength of the play. It keeps you
the modern kitchen and the rebuttals come the reader as I reveal a territory of layers of thinking for days afterwards. It sticks with you
from Jenny sitting on the opposite side of the meaning in 2:22. In numerology, the number 2 and that is a wonderful testament to Danny
stage where the damaged wallpaper provides is a number of yin and yang and balance. Given and the rest of the team involved in producing
a wonderful backdrop to spiritual-type points. yin yang highlights the balance between two this fabulous play. In Daniel 2:22, I stated the
I even saw elements of 63 Wycliffe Road opposites it couldn’t be more appropriate to words – “He reveals the deep and hidden
shining through the set design. There were have 2:22 as the focus. In yin yang there are things.” The next line is “He knows what lies in
even moments where I wondered if Cindy Lin also opposite elements in each section and as darkness.” Danny Robins knows and reveals it
(the Costume Designer) had been working the story develops, we see that in each of the layer upon scary layer…
with subtle layers to reveal something deeper characters, though Jenny remains steadfast
about the characters. Certainly, Chris Fisher pretty much most of the time. Ironically, Ciaran O’Keeffe
provides the most hidden layer with his behind however, 222 in numerology is frequently a
the scenes work on creating fantastic illusions. reference to cooperation and being in harmony August 2021, 2:22am (of course)…

10 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

 JAKE WOOD
TAKES GHOST
HUNTING TO
THE MAX

Photo credit: Simon Turtle Photo credits: Helen Murray Photo credits: Helen Murray

We had the pleasure of speaking to I found extremely exciting. Also, Hadley that evening which coincided with his old
Jake Wood from 2:22 A Ghost Story, Fraser, a West End superstar performer and university friend, played by Julia Chan and
days before the play opened. Zoom Julia Chan, a Netflix star. The casting feels her new boyfriend, played by me, being
has become the norm for interviews very fresh invited to dinner for the night. Later in the
these days, we recorded it too, but the evening, Lily Allen’s character reveals that
HM: Had you known Lily, Hadley & Julia
internet signal kept zoning out (that’s whilst her husband has been away, she has
before? Was the chemistry between the
ghosts for you), so we decided to been hearing footsteps on the baby monitor
four of you there from the start?
transcript the interview for your reading walking around the baby’s cot at the same
pleasure. JW: No, I had never met them and yes time each evening, 2:22am and then she
pretty much re: the chemistry. I mean it’s persuades her guests and her husband who
HM: So, how did 2:22 come about? not a pre-requisite in any environment, but doesn’t believe her to all stay up till 2:22am
everyone has been so lovely, and I think, because she wants them all to hear it. So
JW: I got a phone call from Matthew
again, it feels like we are all very privileged that’s the sort of premise.
Dunster, the director. I got sent the script
to be part of that first wave of actors and
and got asked if I wanted to do it. I think The characters all have different
plays to be back in the theatre. We are also
Matthew had seen some of my theatre belief systems and different individual
aware that this is Lily’s first time that she
work in the past, when I was younger experiences. The character I play has
has ever acted so there’s lots of experience
and remembered me from there. I think had some experiences, which people will
in the cast and I think it has been cast very
it also helped that Matthew had acted in find out exactly what, once the play is up
cleverly, in that respect. Lily has got lots
Coronation Street I in the past. There is and running. But all may not be as it first
of support there, to offer advice and help,
sometimes a stigma when you’ve come out appears. Danny (Robins) has done brilliantly
if needed. It has been a very productive
a TV show after a long time, that people are in the writing as the story sits, beautifully
rehearsal period and Matthew just sets a
reluctant to give you opportunities in other in that sort of area between things being
lovely tone in the rehearsal space. It has
areas but luckily Matthew had seen me in easily explained or us there some sort of
been a real breath of fresh air.
theatre previously, thought I’d be perfect supernatural element to it. It’s like a lot of
for it and once I read the show it was a no HM: And what is the premise behind the paranormal and the supernatural, it
brainer. I only said I would do it in theatre if 2:22? depends on where you are coming from,
it was a new play, if it was in the West End what your beliefs and experiences are.
JW: Essentially, it’s a ghost story. It’s a
and if I loved the play and it ticked all those
couple, played by Lily Allen and Hadley Through these characters, it is an
boxes.
Fraser who have moved into a suburban exploration of belief and dependent on
Also, the casting was particularly important. house in London. They are in the process of that belief you may interpret what you see
Lily Allen is making her professional acting doing it up, they have a new baby, Hadley completely different to the person sat in
debut, never acted before which, for me, has been away and had just returned front of you.

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 11

 I hope that it gets people talking, I hope that that way now. If you had a 15-page scene back to Victorian times, showing the children
people may change their minds before, during you would shoot it in one go which is exciting of the time that used to school there. I always
and after what they see. It will definitely open but completely different from doing a play, joke that apart from hearing the screams of
up conversations and I hope it’s a play that discovering those characters, and putting it on children at night, the house isn’t haunted! But
people want to come and see again, and it is its feet in rehearsals. in truth I’ve never experienced anything at
talked about all the way home discussing the HM: It has been an awful time for the arts home, LONG MAY THAT CONTINUE!!
play and obviously their own ghost stories. in the last 18 months or so, it must be good HM: I wanted to step away from 2:22 and
If you haven’t got a ghost story yourself, you to know you’ll be on stage and there’s an talk about the Boxing podcast that you do,
know someone who has. audience in the seats watching you? how did that come about?
HM: I think you’re right. In the audience on JW: Yes, it has been a really tough time in JW: I am just a massive boxing fan and I used
any given night there will be people from the theatre industry. Even filming too, it has to box when I was younger, but the acting
all different backgrounds, all different been a kind of stop, start, stop, start scenario
mindsets, and all different beliefs. took off. Before that I had boxed at primary
because of Covid and stuff. It is nice to be part school and had boxed at Kings Cross and St.
JW: I don’t want to give too much away but we of the first wave of plays opening in theatres Pancras gym. A few years ago, I did a white-
have had illusionists working with us and when and actors going back to the West End. I think collar event, as I wanted to put myself through
I read the play a second time, there was a lot it will be a shared experience with the actors the rigours and processes that a boxer goes
that I had missed and you can see that Danny on the stage and the people in the audience
through and that was absolutely terrifying.
has done a wonderful job on structuring the coming to see the show. I am aware that
It was one of the hardest things I have ever
play, it has been a long time in the making and some of the audience will be people who’ve
done.
it is really very, very clever. probably not seen a show for the best part
of two years, and I feel privileged to be in a So, I teamed up with my mate Spencer
HM: You mentioned Danny, were position to share it with them. Oliver, an ex-European Super Bantamweight
you aware of Danny’s The Battersea Champion who during a fight got felled
Poltergeist that was aired on BBC Radio HM: Our spook friends tell us that you
by a right hook and was counted out. He
earlier in the year? went on a ghost hunt (it was Danny
subsequently fell into a coma and woke up
actually). Tell us all about it please?
JW: Yeah, I think I had heard of it and once I three weeks later and that was the end of his
got offered the play, I did some research and JW: It’s one of those things that as an actor boxing career. Spencer now works at Sky TV
found out what Danny had done before, so I you like to research things. I am playing as a pundit and we used to chat about boxing
listened to the podcast. Yes, it’s wonderful, a character that has had supernatural a lot, so we decided to do our own boxing
isn’t it? It is really well produced and in it experiences so I wanted to see if I could find a podcast called Pound for Pound and using
there is some crossovers and it made me ghost basically. I have never had experiences our contacts we got some amazing guests
understand the play a little bit more. Danny personally; I am sceptical but open minded. to come on, Gary Lineker, Ray Winstone,
wrote the play before the podcast and now So, I found a company on the internet that do Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury to name but
the play is being performed for the first time. ghost hunts, they’re quite a serious outfit, no four. It started out as a passion project, we
I think for Danny it has been an interesting jump scares, just a serious investigation. So, I
love doing it and it has gone down
journey, especially with the play being found myself in Charlton House, in Greenwich,
really well.
written before the podcast I could hear lots of which apparently is the most haunted house
in the area. We were there from 10pm till 2am Check out the POUND FOR
similarities and themes running throughout. https://podcasts.apple.com/
and they gave us a talk before hand, about POUND podcast, (the one where
He is a great writer. gb/podcast/182-leigh-wood/
what to expect, they showed us all the various Jake is in his dressing room at
HM: Have you done much theatre before? ghost hunting gadgetry they’ve got, stuff I the Noel Coward id1331551486?i=1000530945396
theatre, during
JW: I last did theatre about 18 years ago. Most had never seen before with flashing lights. We rehearsals)
people will know that I played Max Branning talked out to the spirits, called out to the spirts,
HM: During our research we googled Jake
in EastEnders for 15 years, so it is great to asked them to join us. We went up to the loft
Wood and the “I’m a celebrity” jungle
be back on stage. I did a lot of theatre before which is the most haunted area in the building.
drums took up most of the first page. You
that and I’d actually forgot how enjoyable an A lot of people who worked in the house
can say no comment if you like but can you
actor’s job is, you know, the discovery and the wouldn’t go up there. It definitely had a feel
say anything about the rumours?
forensic studying of a script, talking it through. to it, but you don’t know if that was because
So, it’s great to be back and I had genuinely all the lights were out. You can’t deny that the JW: I have made no secret of the fact that
forgot how delightful that process is. I have location had a strange vibe to it. We didn’t see I love the show, my family love the show. I
loved it. anything although some of the gadgets did have had talks with them, I have put my hat in
light up but what that meant, I am not sure. the ring and now it’s very much up to them,
HM: Is there a difference between but I’ve made no secret of the fact that it is
rehearsing for TV as opposed to We went to the basement, where the
mummified body of a baby was discovered a show I would love to do. So, maybe it is an
rehearsing for a stage play?
and is believed to have been the child of a opportunity that will come round one day. It
JW: Obviously on EastEnders, you don’t servant. Again, there was a definite vibe to it. will be a great challenge and I love a challenge.
get any rehearsal. You get to set and then Nothing concrete happened but I am still open It was an absolute pleasure to speak to Jake,
you do a line run, due to the volume of work. minded. a genuinely nice guy. If the ‘I am a celebrity
They do about 30-35 pages of script a day.
HM: Our spook friends (yes, it was Danny rumours’ are true, we reckon that having
There is literally no time to stand around and
again) have asked us to ask you about the played Ben in 2:22 A Ghost Story, a man who
discuss anything. It’s literally “you stand
old house you live in. has had supernatural experiences, he would
there, you stand there, let’s shoot it.” It’s very
be perfect for a stint at “haunted” Gwyrch
exciting working that way, it’s very visceral JW: Ha-ha, Danny doesn’t miss a trick, does
Castle and maybe he can channel his “inner
and in some ways quite theatrical because he? The house we live in is the old village
Ben” now and then.
in a way it’s quite old fashioned as they’ve school dated from 1850. When we moved
got four cameras, not many dramas are shot in, we were given photos of the house going Jake was talking to Paul Stevenson

12 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

 Barri Ghai, Jayne Harris and
Ian Lawman tackle 12 new
haunted locations in the third
series of ‘Help! My House Is
Haunted’, which sees them
experience everything from a
house haunted by as many as
50 spirits, to a hotel where
the ghost of a little girl name
Gertie roams, plus plenty of
phantom monks in between.

Episode 1: ‘A Sinister Attachment’ Episode 5: ‘Murder at The Museum’ Episode 9: ‘Ashes to Ashes’
Joined by new investigator Ian, the team have Jayne’s research provides vital insights into the The team head to Little Dean, a small village in
been called to the historic town of Gorleston- terrifying hauntings at the True’s Yard Fisherfolk Gloucestershire that’s famous for its historic
on-Sea in Norfolk to investigate the mysterious Museum in King’s Lynn. As the team lockdown jail. In a nearby cottage located on the edge of
goings on at Pier House, a 19th century for the night inside the historic Norfolk the Forest of Dean, Barri, Jayne and Ian follow
property with links to the sea. A frosty welcome attraction, Ian uses his abilities to verify Jayne’s a series of supernatural clues that help them
from the homeowners convinces Ian that the findings, while Barri becomes the victim of a identify the entities that are causing a young
team are dealing with a persistent and negative mischievous spirit. girl living there to experience disturbed night’s
sleep.
attachment.
Episode 6: ‘Theatre of Slums’ Episode 10: ‘Playing with The Devil’
Episode 2: ‘The Grey Lady of Sinai’ Intelligent and responsive knocking sounds Barri feels the full force of a demonic infestation
A 14th century hunting lodge in Staffordshire started the team’s investigation at the while investigating a 17th century pub in
Groundlings Theatre in Portsmouth. Volunteers Lincolnshire. With a history of black magic
contains the team’s next mystery plus the
working at the 18th century building believe and necromancy, the team have their work cut
ghosts of monks and murdered maids. Soon
that multiple spirits are trapped there. With out for them at the Black Dog in Grantham,
after arriving at Sinai Park House in Burton especially on the abandoned upper floor, which
Upon Trent, which is reported to be home shadows moving across the stage caught
on camera, a disembodied voice in an audio no one has braved to live in for years because of
to 50 different spooks, Jayne uncovers a its sinister and oppressive atmosphere.
mind-blowing theory that potentially links the recording, and a strange series of photographs
property to a legendary lost treasure. captured by the investigators, the theatre Episode 11: ‘Never Dead & Buried’
proved to be an active location. After a ghostly apparition was photographed in
the auditorium, the team head to the Trinity Arts
Episode 3: ‘The Ghost of Gertie’ Episode 7: ‘Taking the Biscuit’ Centre in Gainsborough, a location that makes
The team check into the Bull Hotel in Ludlow Barri wasn’t prepared for what was lurking at for a challenging penultimate investigation of
where they hope to uncover evidence of a child Ryedale House, a vast 20-room property built the series. Staff working at the former church
spirit named Gertie. With lights turning on and by the sea in Hartlepool. The house was once in Lincolnshire refuse to go into certain rooms
off around them, unexplained cries coming home to a wealthy biscuit manufacturer, leading alone and the resident spooks have been
through their walkie talkies and a terrifying Jayne to investigate a possible link between the blamed for turning on and off lights and other
experience for Barri who braved a night in spooky goings on at the house and some of the electrical equipment.
the hotel alone, this is one of the most active former residents, members of the Foxton family. Episode 12: ‘Bargain to Burden’
investigations in the new series. In a former Welsh mining village in Pontypridd,
Episode 8: ‘Looking for Lisa’ the team try to identify and settle a menacing
Episode 4: ‘Possessive Petts Lane’ The team tackle strange noises and frightening spirit that haunts a seemingly ordinary terraced
The team discover that not every haunting is shadows at a former doctor’s surgery in house. The terrifying untapped location is
what it initially seems to be when they head to Rotherham that’s home to two paramedics. The a fitting end to the series, with the haunting
rural Lincolnshire to help Krissie, the owner of a team captured some strong and convincing backed up with news reports in the local press
19th century farmhouse. Ian’s psychic abilities audio responses using various methods going back as far as the 1890s.
are put to the test as the team investigate the throughout the episode, many of which Help! My House Is Haunted series three
claim that a possessive spirit is responsible for contributed to uncovering the forgotten story of is available to stream now exclusively on
the break-up of two of Krissie’s relationships. the house and the mystery of Lisa. discovery+

HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 13

 "There are so many different gadgets and gizmos
used in paranormal investigation. As a team we try
and experiment with as much as we can to help us
obtain better and clearer evidence. However, I do
have a regular kit and use some paranormal gadgets
more than others" - BARRI GHAI

Barri Ghai's Guide to

Gadgets & Gizmos
My digital voice recorder is my go-to standard model MEL-8704R simply measures this accordingly. It uses ultrasonic distance
paranormal device! I use the Olympus VP10 the ambient air temperature and EMF range, detection, thermal temperature sensing, audio
and VP20 digital voice recorders to capture but another model does this and has a REM ranges and light frequency levels to identify the
EVP’s or (Electronic Voice Phenomena). function which replaces the need for the differences or changes in the room. It will then
EVPs are anomalous sounds and/or voices REM-Pod. The MEL-8704R-REM-ATDD also display any unidentified anomalies as stick
recorded that are often not heard at the includes an Ambient Temperature Detection
figures on the screen.
time of the recording. They are in principle module which will alert the user to any sudden
examples of disembodied voices and can changes in air temperature that may be caused Another commonly used device is the Full
prove vital in any investigation to understand by a spirit. I also use the MEL-8704-TIR which Spectrum Camera. This digital camera is
what, who and why a spirit may be haunting uses a Thermal Infrared Recognition Sensor to modified to allow infrared and ultraviolet
a location. Some of my best and most detect EMF, Temperature and subtle Thermal light into the processor. It can see in total
compelling evidence has been through EVPs Infrared variations within the environment darkness using IR light which is invisible to
captured using this recorder. using a special Infrared matrix sensor. Thermal
us. My camera has a built in Infrared flash
anomaly position, location & gestures can also
Another gadget I commonly use during an and I use it to see within the spectrum of light
be monitored.
investigation is the REM-Pod or similar device. that we cannot. It is another fantastic gadget
These amazing instruments produce their own In addition to using the MEL Meters, I also used by many paranormal investigators and
Electromagnetic Field which if disturbed by like to use a Tri-Field Meter. The model I have
can potentially provide some amazing visual
an object, energy or presence will cause the is the TF2 which is the new digital version
results.
device to light up and sound off. The REM-Pod of the original 100Xe Trifield model. The Tf2
is visually an excellent tool during investigation encompasses an AC Magnetic EMF meter, The P-SB7 Spirit Box is one of the most
and helps to establish contact and corroborate AC Electric EFM meter, Radio Power Density amazing paranormal detection tools ever built.
results in real time. meter into one unit. The TF2 sounds an alert Gary Galka and Chris Fleming are credited with
and shows movement on the digital scale its design and application. There are several
EMF detectors come is all shapes and sizes. when EMFs are present in the environment,
EMF stands for Electromagnetic Field and versions of the P-SB7 Spirit Box, but I use the
indicating a possible spirit presence.  It also
these EMF devices measure changes in PSB7T which is the newest model. The device
has an adjustable backlight so that the unit can
the AC/DC field. They are used to identify a be seen in dark environments. is an instrument of Trans Communication
possible spiritual presence when there are and is used to listen and converse with
The XCAM SLS Camera is an amazing device.
notable spikes or changes in the baseline spirits through radio waves, part of the
Essentially this Structured Light Sensor
EMF of an area. I mainly use three different electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike the EVP
Camera uses a variety of sensors to provide
models of the of the MEL Meter which were all digital voice recorder where you have to ask
visual detection of a possible spirit. The
designed and built by electrical engineer and questions and play it back. The P-SB7T scans
SLS camera works by emitting an Infrared
inventor Gary Galka. through radio stations at high speed which
matrix grid of dots that are invisible to the
I use all three differently depending on the naked eye. This grid maps the environment, allows spirits use the device to speak back in
situation and purpose. For example, the and the sophisticated software translates real time. 

14 HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS

 Barri Ghai’s Ghostly Glossary
Afterlife: Life after death. Manifestation: The tactile, auditory, olfactory, and 
Anomaly: Something that cannot be scientifically  visual signs of a haunting.
explained. Medium: Someone who communicates with spirits
Apparition: Any ghost that seems to have a physical  and the other side using their senses.
substance, whether visual, auditory, tactile, or  Orbs: Spheres of translucent light (often whitish or 
olfactory. pastel coloured), usually appearing in photographs. 
Aura: A field of energy believed by some to surround  Many investigators believe they represent spirits or 
living creatures. Certain clairvoyants claim to be able  ghost, but in most cases these orbs are caused by 
to see the aura (generally as a luminous, coloured  dust or other small airborne particles. 
halo) Paranormal: Anything outside the realm and 
Baseline readings: The initial measurements  experiences we call normal. Often used to describe 
of energy taken at a haunted location, used for  ghosts, UFO’s and other phenomena that defy 
establishing an investigation’s direction. traditional scientific explanations.
Clearing: Getting rid of ghostly activity in a specific  PK (Psychokinesis): Also known as Telekinesis 
location. which is the ability to move objects or physical matter 
with just the power of the mind.
Jayne Harris’s Cold Spots: Areas of cooler air often found in 
haunted locations. Poltergeist:  Considered by some to be a noisy 
Handy Hints for DVP: Direct Voice Phenomena - Hearing a
spirit or entity responsible for manipulating inanimate 
objects or able to move, throw, or destroy items or 
disembodied voice or sound during an EVP 
Haunted Historians experiment that emanates from the ether. This may 
furniture etc. Poltergeists are however often more 
commonly thought to actually centre around specific 
be captured on a recording device and assumed an 
• Prepare to be patient. It can take a lot of living individuals (such as teenagers) in the form of 
EVP.
time to uncover the relevant information latent telekinetic ability rather than being caused by a 
relating to a specific location, so don’t be Ectoplasm: A viscous substance thought to be  spiritual entity.
disheartened if at first you feel like you’re emitted by spirits and from mediums communicating 
Portal: A doorway through which spirits or other 
getting nowhere. with the spirit world.
interdimensional beings enter and exit a location.
EMF (Electromagnetic Field or Electromagnetic
• Learn about the various official records Possession: When a person, or even inanimate 
Frequency):  A combination of electrical and 
available - most people have heard of object, is taken over by a spirit.
magnetic fields. EMF fields are commonly measured 
archives, but that’s a very general term. as part of the ghost hunting process to detect spirits. Psi: Another term for “psychic phenomena.”
In reality there are many different types Psychic: Can relate to the spirit or mind, depending 
Empath: Someone who shows considerable empathy 
of records, and all can potentially offer
and a psychic sensitivity. They are able to feel and  upon the context. Psychics are people who can see 
something. Land Registry for example can things outside physical laws and human perception.
give you maps and detailed information share the feelings or emotions of another.
Residual Energy or Haunting: When emotionally 
about former buildings on a site and land Entity: Any being, including people and ghosts.
ownership. The census can offer full names, charged events leave an imprint or energy residue 
Epicentre: Person or persons that a poltergeist or  on nearby objects and locations. Residual energy or 
ages and occupations of residents and haunting tends to focus on. Paranormal phenomena 
obviously ‘Births, Deaths and Marriages’ can hauntings will often repeat a specific event from the 
usually increases when the epicentre is present. past over and over again, as if on a loop, such as 
give you exactly that! Newspaper archives
can be really useful if you’re looking into an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena): The act of the same footsteps walking down a hallway or sound 
alleged crime or well-known location. Then capturing and recording disembodied voices and  heard in a room.
there’s the often-overlooked local parish sounds. Séance: A gathering of individuals to attempt to 
records. These can be incredible! If you’re Exorcism: Ridding a person or a location of evil  contact spirits (usually consisting of a medium and 
looking to research a particular person, head spirits or demonic entities by using religious rites. participants). Many séances were exposed as hoaxes 
for the local church or historical society and Ghost: A sentient entity or spirit that visits or lingers  in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries 
ask to see the parish records. You. might in our world after death. during the spiritual movement.
just find something that unlocks your entire
Ghost Hunters: People who investigate alleged  Spirit: From Latin meaning “that which breathes,” it 
investigation.
hauntings to find explanations for possible  describes the consciousness or soul of an individual. 
• Learn some social history! The UK is an paranormal phenomena involved. In the ghost hunting context, this refers to the soul of 
incredible place when it comes to folklore Ghost Lights: Mysterious lights, seen at a distance,  an individual who has passed on and continues to be 
and traditions. Getting a feel for a particular usually appearing as blue or yellow spheres, which  observed in an area.
area and their customs, beliefs and practises can appear to blink. Spiritualism: A belief in the spirit world and/or the 
can really help give you some insight into
Haunting/Haunted: Describes a location where there  ability to communicate with spirits of the dead.
why certain events may have taken place.
appears to be significant paranormal activity. Often  Telekinesis: The ability to control one’s physical 
includes a combination of cold spots, apparitions,  environment without using physical manipulation or 
• Talk to local people. This is really
missing objects, and other repeated phenomenon force (also known as psychokinesis, TK, or PK).
important. The internet and record offices
can offer a lot, but they can’t add the meat witnessed by several people which leads to the  Telepathy: The process by which a mind can 
to the bones like local knowledge can. Some location getting a reputation for this activity. communicate directly with another without using 
of my best leads have come from passers-by, ITC Instrumental Transcommunication: Use of normal, physical interaction or ordinary sensory 
curious about what we’re doing. You never electronic recording equipment to produce evidence  perception.
know what’s been passed down through oral interpreted as communication from spirits or other Vortex: A centre of focused or concentrated spiritual 
history from generation to generation so asks entities. energy.
question and listen well.
HAUNTED: THE DARK ARTS 15
This FREE Dark Arts pull-out is a very wide range
of paranormal creativity, spooky expression,
and ghostly storytelling. It is diverse as it is dark
containing features from the world of film, theatre,
and television.
Call it paranormal entertainment, if you need to,
but this platform can sometimes be a vehicle where
we can identify with what we are seeing, they can
transmit values, impressions, judgements, ideas,
visions, spiritual meanings, and life experiences.
Some say that the paranormal needs educators,
not entertainers. We firmly believe, at Haunted
Magazine, that educators can entertain, and
entertainers can educate.
This pull-out features the new paranormal movie,
The Parapod – A Very British Ghost hunt and extra
content from the spooky stage play 2:22 and the
paranormal TV series, Help! My House is Haunted.
We hope you are as entertained as you are educated.

Edited & designed by

Paul Stevenson & Andy Soar, Haunted Magazine
Thanks to
Barry Dodds, Ian Boldsworth, Bil Bungay, Kate
Cherrell, Ciaran O’Keeffe, Jake Wood, Higgypop,
Steve Higgins, Barri Ghai, Jayne Harris, Strike Media,
Danny Robins & back2back productions Ltd

Haunted: The Dark Art is a Haunted Magazine Publication

 *(Help! My Haunted Magazine is hijacked – by – Help! My House is Haunted)

Some call it series 3, others call it season 3, whichever HM: What’s it like to be back for a third series of HMHIH? And
way you call it no one can deny that Help! My House even weirder to be back with a new medium on board and during
is Haunted is back for a third slice of paranormal a pandemic, not many Paranormal TV series can say that?
pie. Debuting on Discovery+ in the Summer of 2021,
BG: It’s simply amazing to be back for season 3 of Help! My House is
BG:
it continues to be streamed and watched by many
Haunted. The show is now firmly embedded in British Paranormal TV
paranormal fans, eager to see the latest series (or
culture, and I’m thrilled to have been part of the journey since series 1.
season), eager to see how the dynamics have changed
with a new medium in situ and eager to see if they can The pandemic caused problems for everyone, and TV production was
really help people’s house that for some reason or badly hit across the world. However, we have been fortunate that this
another have stopped feeling like a home to them. show was still able to go ahead during a national lockdown, but it wasn’t
easy. So many changes had to be made and we had strict rules to follow
We caught up with our good friends, Barri Ghai (BG), on and off camera.
Jayne Harris (JH) and Ian Lawman (IL) and asked the
questions that matter (and some that didn’t matter, but Although many would consider it to be a risk working in these condi-
we asked them anyway.) tions, Back2Back productions and Discovery were brilliant at protect-
ing us all. We had PPE, rapid COVID tests and daily temperature checks.
The whole crew were responsible and mindful of the
risks, so together we worked sensibly to make anoth-
er cracking series.

JH: It’s great to be back! We knew filming during the

JH:
pandemic would bring new challenges but Back-
2Back Productions and discovery+ were amazing!
They literally covered every tiny detail to make sure
we were all safe. We all love making this series and
knew there were more people out there in need of
help, so everyone pulled out all the stops to make it
happen.

HM: When it became clear that Chris couldn’t do

the third series, was there panic, was postpone-
ment a consideration, was there a selection pro-
cess or was it simple as “we’ll get Ian Lawman,
he’s perfect for it?”

JH: When we knew Chris couldn’t travel, we were all

so disappointed and it was difficult to imagine how
the show could work without him. We had several
discussions and Barri and I were asked for our rec-
ommendations and a few names came up. It soon
became clear however there was only 1 person who
could take on the responsibility and that was Ian. Ob-
viously change always comes with the question “are
we doing the right thing?” but it didn’t take long to
see that Ian was a perfect fit for the show. His intuition and approach
“The pandemic caused problems add a different feel which works really well now we have the post wa-
for everyone, and TV production tershed timeslot…we knew this series could go a little darker! I’m a
was badly hit across the world. great believer in everything happening for a reason and Chris has been
incredibly busy in the U.S, but not too busy to keep in touch with us to
However, we have been fortunate offer support, especially to Ian…he even got in touch a few times while
that this show was still able to go we were filming to give us some of his insight remotely! He’s a great
ahead during a national lockdown, Psychic Medium and friend. I know it’s natural for viewers to compare
Psychics to each other, but Chris and Ian are both so unique, we knew
but it wasn’t easy.” it would work. 

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 43
BG: Chris and I spoke at length about the issues, and HM: How has filming been during all these new
it soon became apparent that the pandemic and re- rules and regulation, has it felt different to last
strictions on travel would be a massive barrier to him series? Has the show had to be adapted to ac-
returning to be part of season 3. I don’t think we pan- commodate the changes? Are there certain
icked but we were sad and very frustrated by it all. rules and guidelines that have to be observed?

So many considerations were thought about and BG: Filming was very different and yes there were so
Chris was determined to make it work. However, as many challenges that we all faced. Just before film-
rules tightened and time was running out, the ex- ing started, I was actually recovering from COVID,
ecutive decision was made to progress without him and it was touch and go whether I would be deemed
and look for a psychic medium based in the UK who low enough risk and well enough to start filming.
would be up for the huge challenge. Chris and I are So many changes were implemented to ensure our
great friends and talk regularly about everything. I safety and that of the crew and homeowners. We
was quite upset and confused by the decision, but were all tested before filming, cleaning teams were
they were out my hands, and we had to move for- contracted to enter properties before each lockdown
ward with production and potentially another new and afterwards. We all had to wear face masks, clean
cast member. our hands, sanitise continuously, and remained in
our hotel rooms when not on location. All production
Our series Producer Ben Cole was a real help and meetings had to be carried out over Zoom and the
consulted with Jayne and I about who would be a whole crew were put into mini production bubbles.
suitable replacement for Chris. After much discus- On screen we (Jayne, Ian, and I) could remove
sion and deliberation, eventually a pool of candidates our face coverings as we were considered in a
was whittled down to around 3 hopefuls and the final bubble together, but social distance measures
selection process began. I personally put forward still had to be carefully maintained on and off
screen. The three of us always remained at
two individuals who I thought would be a brilliant re-
least 2 meters apart from each other even
placement and Ian was one of them. It wasn’t long
though on camera it looks like a lot less.
before our series producer Ben also felt that he was That’s because our brilliant Director of Pho-
the right man for the job and the rest is history. tography Adrian Musto shot scenes in such
a way, he was able to minimise the illusion of
distance. Great camerawork, communication
“Ian is not Chris, and both have their and co-ordination were therefore used to pro-
unique abilities and many talents. Ian vide the audience with the same great level of en-
tertainment and keep us all safe and healthy.
is a dark arts specialist and as an
JH: LOADS! We were placed into bubbles so as
ordained minister is able to carry out the ‘Presenter Bubble’ we couldn’t socialise with
minor rites of exorcism and prayers of crew bubbles (so no meals/drinks all together this
time!). Once we’d finished a shoot, we all had to it was vital to keep
deliverance. I think he is a perfect fit head straight back to our hotel rooms. It was all room everything safe and moving forward.
and we all clicked instantly on camera. service as no hotel restaurants were open…all very
HM: Apart from hats and tattoos what
anti-social lol! We had to carry out rapid flow tests
does Ian Lawman bring to HMHIH, was
It helped that I have known Ian for every 3 days and send photos of our results to the
it easy to recreate the chemistry and
Production Manager; we all had our own individual
many years already, so it was just like hire cars so that we weren’t travelling together…there
the dynamics you had with Chris?
working with a good friend.” was a lot of additional expense for Back2Back, but BG: Ian is so cool. He has a very distinct
look and although he may look like a hard
man with all his tattoos, he’s actually a big
softy lol. We had chemistry from the start.
I was lucky enough to have already forged
a friendship with Ian before we went into
production. Ian and I had been in contact
for years before Help! even started.

Chris and Ian are two very different people

with different abilities and skills. Ian may
have had BIG boots to fill stepping into
Chris’s iconic role, but he did it and did it
so well. There were never any concerns
about chemistry. We all got on from day
one and our friendship developed as the
weeks went on.

Ian is funny, insightful, caring, and pro-

fessional. Honestly, he would send videos
and funny memes to Jayne and me each
day, and one occasion I laughed so hard I
actually fell off my bed.
I think Ian brings a very grounded and subdued to that we’ve had some of our most challenging, The level of paranormal activity obviously varies
approach to his psychic work. He doesn’t always heart wrenching and memorable cases to date so case by case, but what we experienced and cap-
show his emotions as much as Chris, keeps things for me, and I know many viewers agree, this is the tured will potentially send ripples across the para-
balanced and is very methodical. He is truly gift- best series yet. normal pond. I experienced being pushed over,
ed though and able to tackle the darker side of saw an apparition with my own eyes which was
investigation. His passion and experience shines BG: The 12 locations in this new series of Help! caught on film, and even photographed a ghost
through and Ian looked after us all. My House is Haunted are all incredible. We ex- using my full spectrum digital camera.
perienced everything from demonic oppression
JH: To be honest I don’t think we even thought One of the most interesting things we all experi-
to genuine poltergeist activity. In a few of the epi-
about it! As soon as the 3 of us were together we enced was the level of disturbance and interac-
just got on with it like we’d worked together for sodes we caught things moving or being interact- tion via our radios. In several of the episodes we
years. We all have a similar sense of humour which ed on their own, including a lamp turning on and seemed to all at sperate times experience voic-
always helps, but we’re also all equally passionate off on command, doors opening and more. es and static coming through radios, speakers,
about the help we offer. It has to be real, and we walky-talkies, and other audio devices. It’s al-
do whatever it takes to restore peace to people’s Jayne and I again recorded some brilliant grade A
most like the spirits were really trying hard to use
homes.  EVP’s which blew us all away. However, the most the electronic devices as a form of Instrumental
surprising thing for me was the evidence we cap- Trans-Communication (ITC). One of the episodes
HM: For those of us that have been fortunate tured using certain digital applications. Some of was so dramatic it has left a lasting memory for us
to binge watch it on Discovery+ what can you this evidence was absolutely astonishing, and I’m all.
tell us about this series and the cases, has now a convert!
anything you’ve seen or heard had an impact HM: Which location was a) the most demand-
on you at all? What can they expect in terms ing b) the weirdest c) the scariest?
of activity? “Spirits were intelligently commu-
BG: All locations were very different and had their
JH: This series is a little darker that series 1 and 2
nicating with us and at this one many challenges. The most demanding may
as we were able to gain the post watershed time location, the entity was able to have been The Black Dog in Grantham for several
slot. Previously the show had to be easily viewable reasons. The weirdest was definitely the one we
at any time of day meaning some of the scarier ex- say all our names, tell us what filmed in a property located in the Forest of Dean
periences (and resulting swearing!) had to be held and the scariest was possibly the Bull Hotel in
back. This time it’s no hole barred! Viewers get
they wanted and scared me half to Ludlow where I spent the night alone in one of the
to see what we go through unfiltered. In addition death!” haunted bedrooms.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 45
11
 JH: a) I think the case of Captain Sutton HM: Barri, how does it feel to be the
was the most demanding, especially for only surviving ‘veteran’ from season
Ian as it called upon his experience in 1? Jayne replaced Sandy in series 2,
Exorcism. We didn’t realise we would be Ian has replaced Chris in series 3. Are
dealing with such a powerful attachment you worried about Series 4? (Laughs)
alongside the residual energy of the
captain so that was gruelling. BG: When you say veteran it makes me
sound like the old guy LOL. I am truly
b) The Bull Hotel in Ludlow 100%! - the
privileged and honoured to be the only
sound of the little girl crying coming
through the walkie talkie will stay with me one of the team to be part of all 3 seasons
forever. At the time I literally didn’t know of Help! My house is Haunted. It’s a great
what to do at that point. It took a while for achievement these days in the world of
us to refocus and move forward with the television to make a third season and I do
investigation. believe that the popularity of the show will
allow for us to make more Help! My House
c) The Black Dog in Grantham - that
is Haunted very soon.
upstairs flat had a bizarre energy all
of its own. Not somewhere I felt at all I don’t worry too much about being
comfortable. replaced, but these things do happen for
HM: Are there any new gadgets and so many reasons. However, I don’t think
Help! My House is Haunted would ever be There is a huge team effort at HMHIH, we had the
gizmos on the show this series?
the same without my technical expertise, privilege of going on location to see this in action
BG: There aren’t that many new gadgets for ourselves. There’s a lot of dedicated crew,
not to mention the jumping, screaming
used in this series, but you will see that both on set crew and behind the scenes at back-
and occasionally running away from spirits
we used some applications for the first 2back productions Ltd.
lol.
time with astonishing results. Andy at
We caught up with David Notman-Watt, Executive
Infraready was also kind enough to provide Seriously though, the team need my Producer of the series and Founder/MD of back-
me with some new bits of kit including knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, and 2back productions Ltd.
the 360 REM Pod and X-Pod devices. gadgetry to continue helping people and
Both of these provided some excellent HM: Very well done on a fantastic series 3 of the
the spirits so I’m quietly confident that
collaborative results. As usual I relied on show (on discovery+ UK at time of writing), we are
I won’t be shown the red card just yet.
my trusty voice recorders to record the very much hoping for a series 4 – hopefully free
voices of the dead. This time I used my (Unsure face emoji)
from filming restrictions. How has it been film-
Olympus VP10 and VP20 models. Both HM: Jayne, does the paranormal in ing during this crazy period we have been living
were instrumental in gathering first class through? What changes, from a production point
any way shape or form feel different
paranormal evidence. of view have you had to implement through film-
to you since the pandemic started?
ing on location?
JH: Ask Barri lol! This series I bought along If the situation surrounding your visit
my SLS camera as we’d had issues with remains unsolved, how do you leave it? DN: At the end of every series the back2back team
2 previous models. I also bought my old have all discussed at length ways in which we can im-
valve radio to introduce a more traditional JH: I think the pandemic has highlighted prove the series, what tech can be better utilised, how
method of ITC and a couple of new REM those teams within the paranormal field can the filming team support the presenters more ef-
devices including a motion activated toy who are not truly working in the name of ficiently…it’s a never-ending quest for perfection. The
train which child spirits really seem to love.  research. Teams who have continued big question for series 3, however, was how to make
to investigate haunted locations during this happen during a pandemic. As you can imagine it
HM: One word to describe Ian? wasn’t easy. We had hugely complex Covid protocols
lockdown for example, simply to satisfy
JH: Focused their social media followers is, to my the entire team had to follow, from filming in bubbles
mind, unacceptable. We all had a duty to to self-isolation to the 2-metre rule… you name it, the
BG: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious(!)
team came up against it. But we were determined to
do the right thing and I think those who
HM: In this series, there seems to be a get the third series on air and with a huge team effort
did abide by the rules have felt a sense
lot more emotion involved in the cases, we made it happen. Would I want to make a series
of unity with those who did the same. I based in family homes during a pandemic again? Ide-
a lot of personal issues are solved, and
don’t like the term para-unity, but I’d say ally not…
problems resolved, did you fell that
that finding ourselves forced into isolation
too?
has definitely bought out the best in some HM: What’s the process for deciding on which
JH: Absolutely! that’s why these cases people in terms of their passion for the locations to use? How much research goes into
are chosen - they are real people needing unexplained. each location before choosing the locations to
real help. It does have a profound effect on visit? After three series are surprised at how many
people when we’re able to hand them back So far, we have never walked away from a locations need help?
their homes, safe in the knowledge that no case leaving it unsolved. There is always a
DN: The team sift through a considerable number of
harm will come to them. Sometimes of resolution. However long it takes! potential houses as part of the pre-production for the
course homeowners are happy to co-exist
Help! My House Is Haunted series series. As well as understanding the paranormal activi-
with the spirits, and that’s great! It’s all
ty present in any potential house, there are also several
about providing answers and clarity. If we three is available to stream now
considerations to be taken on board, from its location,
can’t do that then we haven’t done our job. exclusively on discovery+
building size, access…standard production work that is

46 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
INTERVIEW with DAVID NOTMAN-WATT
HELP! MY HOUSE IS HAUNTED EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND FOUNDER/MD of BACK2BACK PRODUCTIONS LTD

essential when trying to piece together a jigsaw refers to ‘Help! My House is Haunted’ – thank TV show, but I’d be lying if I said that. Until
puzzle for making twelve strong episodes that all you. something that you have produced goes
fit together in a series within a limited timeframe. on air you have no idea how it’s going to
The team interview the owners of each home at HM: What makes HMHIH different from other be received. I’m just so happy for everyone
length, and over a few weeks we start to build up paranormal TV shows? involved in this series - at both back2back
a shortlist of homes and their owners that work DN: I think there have been lots of great paranor- and Discovery - that ‘Help! My House is
both editorially and practically. As for being sur- mal shows over the years and the team all made Haunted’ has been, and continues to be, so
prised at how many locations need help in the sure we watched as many of them as we could in well received. The comments we are sent
UK? Er, yes! I honestly had no idea when we start- the early days of our series. For me the most im- on social media are still so encouraging and
ed producing ‘Help! My House is Haunted’ that portant thing as a producer, no matter what type supportive… its incredible really.
this would be the case. Amazing. of series back2back is making, is story telling. Our
HM: In this series, there seems to be a lot
HM: How is the footage used from each in- three presenters, with their different specialisms,
more emotion involved in the cases, a lot of
vestigated decided upon and how much in- have a clear mission statement which is to get
personal issues are solved, and problems re-
to the bottom of the paranormal activity that is
volvement do the team have in the final edit? solved, did you feel that, whilst filming, too?
happening in every house we go to. That might
DN: We have a team of Edit Producers who look sound simple, but it’s not. The team are adamant DN: Definitely. I think as a team we are learning
after the editing of episodes with Series Producer at every location that we will not only understand not to hold back as much. I suppose it comes
Ben Cole overseeing all of them. I sign off rough the history of the paranormal activity that is hap- with all of us having growing confidence in each
cuts which are then sent to Discovery for their pening but that we will also work out how to find other and in what we are doing. Like everything
input. Ben also oversees the location filming, so a resolution for the owners of each home. In the in life, the more you do it the better you get at it,
he knows exactly what footage is available from early days we might not have pulled it off every and there is no doubt that is the case here. This
each home. As you can imagine there is a huge time, but with the team and crew we have on the is work in progress. Most of the crew have been
amount of material to work through and I have show now I think we have found a way to make involved from the start so it’s very much a case of
nothing but admiration for the editing team who this work consistently. And it goes without say- us all learning and working hard together to make
are able to bring this footage to life in the way that ing that Jayne, Ian and Barri are exceptional at the best series that we possibly can. We owe that
they do. what they do, and we are just trying to find ways commitment to the investigators, and we owe it to
of capturing it on film in such a way that viewers the loyal viewers as well.
feel part of it.
HM: Will Chris Fleming be returning in the
future or is Ian a permanent fixture now? HM: From the very beginning of HMHIH, it
HM: Ian, Jayne and Barri are embedded in the seems that the on-location crew, seemed to
paranormal, it’s what they do, it’s their lives. get affected at times, is it encouraged that
DN: Never say never! Obviously Covid had
From a production company (and a person-
a huge impact on Series 3 and Chris was the crew speak up and say if they see or hear
al) point of view what are your views on the
unable to travel. Ian lawman came on board something?
paranormal, have they changed over the
with Chris’s full support and respect. Ian did
years? DN: To be honest we don’t set out to involve the
an exceptional job in the series and the team
are all delighted with what he brought to it, as crew. They obviously appear in much of the foot-
DN: Without a doubt. I have seen and heard
are Discovery. When I am approached by Dis- age during the overnight investigations because
things in the raw footage from each location that I
covery about a possible next series (watch of the nature of what is being filmed and how
simply cannot explain rationally. To be honest I’m
this space, there is something exciting com- we film it. When crew members are affected, we
still trying to work out where I stand on all of this.
ing your way….) then we will discuss how they just go with it. As your readers will undoubtedly
In series 3 there are moments that blow me away
want to develop it, but I can confidently say know it’s not something you can really prepare
– the sound of the crying child, the Lord’s prayer,
that Ian is most definitely now an established for. As the crew become more confident and
the head looking around the door...for once I am
part of the family. All I know at present is that open to what is happening on location, I would
speechless. Trust me, that doesn’t happen often.
Series 3 has been a great success on d+ with like to think that we will continue to see more of
impressive numbers of viewers and extreme- HM: Not many UK paranormal shows get their involvement if they see or hear anything that
ly positive reviews all round – that’s as good to a third series, that must be testament they feel could be important to the investigation
as it gets as far as I am concerned! to the success of the show, because in any way. None of us have come to this series as
when it comes down to it, as popular as it paranormal fans or believers, we have come to it
HM: If any of our UK readers are experiencing is in the paranormal world, how much do as television producers. What’s interesting is that
a haunting that the team could assist with, viewing figures impact on future series? the things that we have seen and filmed over the
who should they get in touch with? past few years in making this series have turned
DN: This series has found its home on D+ us from television producers into paranormal be-
DN: We are always on the lookout for potential and they are incredibly supportive of what lievers.
hauntings so please do email production@ we are doing. In the harsh, modern world of
back2back.tv in the first instance and a member television D+, like all commercial channels, is Help! My House Is Haunted series three
of the team will get back in touch. All I ask is that driven by numbers. I would love to say that is available to stream now exclusively on
you make it clear on the subject line that the email I know when back2back has produced a hit discovery+

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 47
13
 THE RETURN OF THE LAWMAN
Haunted Magazine last (officially) interviewed Ian Lawman back in 2011, we have spoken
many times since & always wanted him back in the magazine, but the chance never arose.
Fast forward 10 years and it is our absolute pleasure to be speaking to Ian again.
HM: How time flies, can you first briefly describe who was unable to fly over to the UK due to COVID-19
what you have been up to in the last 10 years? restrictions. So, over the next few weeks we went back
and forth with calls until I got the call saying that I was
IL: Since my last interview with Haunted Magazine, I
onboard for Series 3.
have been busy, I was buried alive in 2011, I then went
to Australia to film an amazing show called Haunting HM: Had you known Jayne and Barri before?
Australia with some incredibly talented Cast members IL: I have known Barri for many years before the show
not forgetting the late Rev Gaurav Tiwari, after that I was and spoke many times but never met. I didn’t know
asked to Be part of another amazing series Called Ghost Jayne, we’d never met, but I’d seen her work.
Chasers. I’ve since met my new partner; make-up artist
Nicola Kirk and I live on a houseboat. HM: Do you know Chris?

HM: The new boy, how does that feel? IL: I knew Chris from TV, and when he knew I was going
to be his replacement, we have chatted a bit, he has
IL: It’s always daunting coming into an established show wished me well and he has been incredibly supportive.
and not knowing the crew and never have worked with
HM: You’re a veteran of Paranormal TV shows, hav-
the other cast members before, and the unknown of how
ing been on so many, what is different about HMHIH
they feel about me coming on board.
to all the other shows?
HM: Can you tell us what happened when you got
IL: Firstly, thanks for making me feel old! (Laughs) I think
the call?
all my other shows have been very different apart from
IL: I received a call from Ben, the Series Producer, ex- Living with The Dead, which fans loved, and it was
plaining that Back2Back Productions were looking for a also known for helping people in their homes. HMHIH
new cast member to replace the amazing Chris Fleming, is very fresh and delves deeper with Jayne looking at

48 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
the History of the local area and the IL: Yes 100%, I feel loved ones we talk call & tell me I was going to do well.
property that we are at, while Barri to definitely know what is going on, as We met many, many years ago on a
gains first-hand information of the for spirits years older, I am not so sure. show called Psychic Live time and
hauntings from the family involved, years later our paths crossed again
HM: You aren’t given any on Most Haunted. He was a true
which makes this show vastly different.
information on the location but do gent and very funny. When we were
HM: What can we look forward to in have an uncanny knack of ‘seeing’ filming Psychic Live, he always said
this series of HMHIH? what’s to come. How do these “keep true and you can never go
IL: The hauntings are a lot darker, thoughts manifest themselves wrong.” I still to this day ask if he’s
and some family members have and does it ever distract you from doing ok, apparently him and Colin
attachments, which make this series driving? Fry are having a ball.
stand out. IL: Sceptics will always say I have HM: How different is your investi-
HM: You don’t give many information, but I can honestly say I gation style to Chris’?
interviews, unless contractually don’t, even my call sheet is hugely
different from everyone else’s. All I IL: I am very laid back and calm, but I
obliged or it is something you want am also an Exorcist as well.
to do, why is that? have is call times and hotel information.

IL: I now try and keep my personal and I have visions as well as hearing voices HM: Which location was a) the
family life very private and away from when I am driving, sometimes like a most demanding b) the weirdest
the press, I am always happy to do photo or video and other times like a c) the scariest?
interviews to help a show rather than voice just explaining. It is very strange IL: all the locations are demanding;
just talk about myself. when I come to a tight spot or junction they all take energy. Wales for me
or circle, they seem to stop. was weird in the way that all the
HM: How do you think the miners came back home shining
paranormal has been affected by HM: When did you first realise your
lanterns which made me very
the pandemic? mediumship ability? emotional & will touch me for the
IL: I was around three to four years old rest of my life. The scariest, for me,
IL: The last 18 months or so have was the Trinity Arts Centre for me,
been pretty weird for all of us, being when I started talking to people.
100%, hearing the Lord’s Prayer
locked down, losing friends and family and names being called out
HM: It was a sad day when Derek
and unable to spend time with them Acorah passed away in early
has been truly awful. Regarding the 2020. We have always thought HM: One word to describe: a) Jayne
paranormal I really do feel it has done of Derek and yourselves as b) Barri?
the industry good; I feel some locations honest, genuine people with IL: Jayne: “caring”, Barri: “funny”
have become over investigated and a great gift. What are your
become flat, so the break has made memories of Derek? Ian, it has been great chatting with
them become more active. you again, let’s not make it another
IL: Derek Acorah was such a talent 10 years before we get you in the
HM: It may be a silly question (to and friend, 2020 was a massive magazine again.
some), but we have to ask: are loss to the Spiritualist World, but let
spirits and the spooks aware of us look at the positives he paved Help! My House Is Haunted series
what has been happening re: the the way for many psychics like three is available to stream now
pandemic? myself. From time to time, he would exclusively on discovery+

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 49
 BY LORIEN JONES

n the heart of England lies the

I
in
ancient city of Derby, steeped
lled only by a few .A
a history riva
ly
wise man once told me that near e need to head out of the city busily behind,
every other building dese rves a blue
histo-
W centre, just short of a mile, along the you walk through
plaque. Yet, sadly, much of the impressive grandeur of Friar Gate. Despite the car park to read the
king
ry is falling by the wayside. Wal there being no significant gates in sight, you white lettering painted on a small, black gate;
re, you will noti ce
around the city cent will find the term used much throughout ‘Derby Gaol’. “Doesn’t look much like a
mix of mod ern vulg arity and
a jarring Derby. After the Vikings invaded in 917AD, gaol”, you think. Without knowing any better,
s
ornate craftmanship lost to time they re-named the city and many of its it would easily pass as one of the surrounding
the anci ent wall s
gone by. Whilst streets. Gate comes from the Danish word townhouses. But this, in fact, was Derby County
ious , the man y stor ies that lie
are obv ‘gata’ which simply translates to ‘street’. Gaol from 1756 to 1828. Beyond this point,
And this is
within them are not so. Friar Gate is lined with elegant Georgian it continued as the town gaol until the 1840s,
to a
where I can help. Let me take you and Victorian buildings. In the early whilst the new county gaol was erected on
ding burs ting with stor ies of the
buil 1800s, Friar Gate became an affluent area Vernon Street. But back to Agard Street, many
tings to
most gruesome kind , and haun of Derby and many of the gentry had their criminals were housed here, from petty thieves
chill you r bloo d.
town houses built here. Nestled amongst to cold-blooded murderers. To truly discover the
these buildings is the place we have come depths of the horrors this building has seen, we
to see today. The unassuming façade gives need to travel back to the 18th Century.
little away, you could pass by 50-51 Friar
Gate with no idea of the lives taken right It’s a balmy August evening in 1780 and the
here on the doorstep. Let’s venture around scene before you looks a lot different now. The
to the back of the building, to the smaller surrounding buildings are all gone, yet to be
and less impressive Agard Street. built, and you’re now looking at the twenty-
five-year-old Nun’s Green Gaol. This is the
Standing on the pavement, a wasteland second county gaol to occupy Derby. The first,
car park stretches out in front of you, Cornmarket Gaol, was built in 1652 in the heart
the grass grows tall and unkempt, and of the city centre. Conditions in the gaol were
beyond this is the tall rear-side of our grim, cells were built below the water level of
building. As the afternoon traffic passes the adjacent Derwent River.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 51
 D uring times of heavy rain when water levels rose, it was documented
that prisoners were drowned in their cells before their time of
execution. And it wouldn’t have been clean water either. When that first
gaol was deemed unfit for purpose, it was demolished and the stones
were used to build this new gaol out of town, on land owned by the
nunnery of St Mary De Pratis.

The sky is laced with wispy, pink clouds and the air is filled
with the pungent mix of animal dung, human excrement and
something revolting on the boil. You hear the approaching
rumble of a wooden cart and hooves on the hard, dry ground.
It comes to a stop next to you and a bound man is roughly
manhandled down. This is the 26-year-old wanted highwayman
William Buxton. Two separate highway robberies have landed
him a cell here in the gaol until his time of execution. He
struggles against the men and is dragged in through the rear
of the building, resisting all the while. His worn leather boots
kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake. The wooden door slams
shut behind the men, and all is quiet again. This is the
last time Buxton will see the sky again until his day of
execution, in just a few days’ time.

When Nun’s Green was first built, it had the capacity to

hold twenty-nine prisoners. Around sixty condemned were
executed from substantial trees on the green, and then
from man-made gallows. By 1812, the area was much more
developed, and the gaol was extended and incorporated to
fit into the surrounding Friar Gate, becoming known then
as Friar Gate Gaol. A further eighteen prisoners, men, and
women, were hanged on the front steps of the gaol. But these
were not the only deaths to occur on the property. Conditions
were poor and general health was bad, illness took the lives
of many. Typhus, known as gaol fever, was rife and spread
rapidly through the cells.

And then there were those who escaped the hangman’s

noose by creating their own. In 1784, brothers John and
Benjamin Jones were apprehended for burglary, known then
as ‘house-breaking’. This was enough for them to be handed
the death penalty, but these brothers decided to take their
fate into their own hands. They were found hanging, face
to face, in their cell having used the shirts off their backs as
make-shift nooses.

52 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
P unishments were more severe two hundred
and fifty years ago. The Bloody Code of
1770 – 1830 meant that many minor crimes
were punishable by death. Theft as petty as
pickpocketing was enough to see John Parson
hanged in 1787. Forgery led to the hanging of
Joseph West in 1807 and burning stacks of corn
saw Brown, Booth, Jackson, and King all hanged
in 1817. Theft was often a result of starving
families and less-so the actions of hardened
criminals. We have a more humane approach
to lesser crimes these days, and whilst it’s easy
to view the past through rose-tinted glasses, we
must remember that there were still vile people
committing heinous crimes. And such people
were held in these very same cells.

One such man, and the last person to be

hanged at Friar Gate, was thirty-five-
year-old George Batty, sentenced for the
rape of 16-year-old Martha Hawksley
in April 1825. In Martha’s account, she
explains that she was walking with her
younger sister when she was attacked.
Her sister managed to flee, whilst Martha
was thrown into nearby bushes by Batty.

You remain outside the gaol, and we fast-

forward 36 years in time. It’s now 1816 and the He is transferred to the Condemned Cell,
familiar sound of an approaching cart grows nearest to the point of execution which at this
louder. Removed from the cart is 27-year-old point in history, would have been the front door
Joseph Wheeldon. He was arrested for the of the gaol. His morning begins with a simple
murder of his young niece and nephew, Mary meal of bread and water. Nothing compared to
Ann, and Isaac Wheeldon. Joseph had been the devilled kidneys and bacon being fried for
living with his brother John, his wife, and their the hangman’s breakfast in the gaol kitchen. The
young family at the time of the incident. Left torment of which serving as one last punishment
alone with the children, something happened for the condemned. The executioner and any
that led to him killing 9-year-old Isaac and other dignitaries who had come to witness the
4-year-old Mary Ann, sparing the lives of a execution would enjoy their breakfast in the
13-month-old infant and 6-year-old John, who Association Room, the place in the gaol that
had managed to flee and find and alert his prisoners said their last goodbyes to family. If
mother to the horrors that lay await at home. they had anyone who cared enough to want to
Joseph had attacked the children with a gorse say goodbye.
hook nearly beheading the pair and badly
mutilating Isaac, who presumably put up a fight. You hear a commotion from the front of the
gaol on Friar Gate. It doesn’t take you long to
As the men lead Wheeldon into the gaol, you realise that these are the sounds of the scaffold
follow along the dirt path and in through a small, being built, something that was repeated on
arched doorway. The sudden gloom mixed the morning of every execution. It makes you
with an increase in the foul odour creates an wonder why there was no permanent structure.
unpleasant welcome. It’s August again and you It also makes you wonder how Wheeldon must
appreciate the cool air of the gaol, but little been feeling right now. Glancing into the cell,
else. Wheeldon is stripped and washed before you see him sitting on the floor, a distant stare
re-dressing in his own clothes. His hair is cut, transfixed and beads of perspiration dotting
and he is bundled into a cell, a brick-built room his brow. As you watch, you wonder what
with an arched ceiling and no windows. There could have possessed a man to commit such
are five other men in this small room, making horrendous acts of violence on such innocent
for an uncomfortable existence, with nothing little lives. You shudder from your musings as
but straw on the floor and a horribly full bucket a priest bustles past you and into the cell. He
in the corner. The air is damp and putrid, and spends time with Joseph, reading from the bible,
makes you feel instantly sick. A small candle all the while the banging continues outside.
flickers dimly from a ledge providing very little
light, wax slowing trickly down the wall. A little As 1pm approaches, Joseph is led from his
while later, he is brought some grey-looking slop cell into the Association Room. His chains are
in a bowl and a drink of water. This is life for removed, and his hands are bound. Many men
Wheeldon until the following Thursday evening, have lost their composure at this point, but
the night before his execution. Joseph remains collected.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 53
 He is then taken from the gaol through the
front door, and you follow, watching as he
climbs up onto the platform. An unusually
large crowd has gathered to watch the
execution, no doubt eager to see the end of
such a monstrous man. You see sheets of
paper littering the floor and being passed
among the crowd. The Penny Dreadful, a
printed article educating those gathered
on the horrific details of the crime and the
criminal of the day. The priest issues some
more words of comfort to Joseph, who listens
on his knees.

He then stands and the noose is placed

around his neck, the knot placed behind
his left ear. He looks around at the many
jeering faces, fists punching the air in
encouragement, mouths shouting obscenities
drowned out by the blood pounding in his
ears. It wouldn’t be unusual to see weeping
family members in the crowd. Today, there
are none. He closes his eyes, and for a split
second you feel a pang of sympathy, but this
is short lived. A dark hood is placed over his
head, the drop opens and Wheeldon’s body
succumbs to the work of the rope. There
is little agitation and all signs of life slowly
diminish. The crowd cheers and Joseph’s
limp body is left to hang there for about half
an hour.

At this point, the body would be given back

to the family of the deceased for burial. But
the Murder Act of 1752 saw the punishments
of convicted murderers continue beyond
execution. They were either gibbetted, which
was to be suspended in a cage and left there odours of traffic fumes and food outlets are crimes, they choose eternal incarceration.
for years, even decades, or publicly dissected. a welcome relief. One of the most haunted The evil looking apparition of a thick-set, bald
The latter was the case for Wheeldon. This sites in the county of Derbyshire now stands headed man in a leather waistcoat scared one
public dissection was the reason only bread before you. The years of history have taken woman so much that she refused to return
and water were served on the execution their toll on the building. You look down at to the building, even detouring on a journey
morning, minimising unnecessary mess. your feet. Many who visit this building, now so as not to drive past the gaol! It makes me
They were often carried out in a public a museum paying homage to its grizzly past, think he was maybe an executioner, but who
building such as an inn. The body was then are unaware of the souls buried beneath the knows? And who is the man in the red coat
taken and fully anatomized by surgeons. No ground they walk on. For a while this was who sits in the corner of the old Association
religious ceremony or burial was permitted, a county gaol, and offenders from other Room, reported by many visitors both day
completing total punishment for the ultimate counties were sent back for execution, many and night?
crime. travellers and vagrants were free from, or
hiding, an identity. What to do with their If you’re visiting Derby, you should definitely
You try to shake the experience but are
bodies after execution? They were buried in look up the gaol for a visit. It is unimposing,
fully aware that this will stay with you unmarked graves in the ground at the back of scarcely promoted and yet packs a powerful
forever. Those spectators, they will the building. It is still unknown just how many punch. And if you think you’d like to spend
continue to go about their business bodies are out here. a spooky night behind bars, you can book
without much further thought for
yourself an evening in Derby Gaol! Just be
Wheeldon or any who have gone before Tonight, you are spending the night in the
careful what you wish for…. There are many
him. It is a different time with different gaol, attempting to discover more about
more haunting tales from the gaol, but I
ways. You’re ready to leave the 19th those who remain here, long after their date
wouldn’t want to spoil the fun!
Century behind but are curious as to with the executioner’s rope. You’ve heard

L orien X
the effects these events will have on the tales of full-bodied apparitions and
our modern world. poltergeist activity. The gaoler Blyth Simpson
still wanders, keys clinking on his hip. It is
Without warning, you’re standing outside said he believes he is still in charge of the
the back of the gaol again, in your own time gaol and will make himself known to anyone For more information
now. It is night-time, the dark sky lightened by who challenges his authority. Tortured souls about Derby Gaol check
the orange, artificial glow of the surrounding linger, afraid of what awaits them in the out https://richardfelix.
streetlamps. The modern, more familiar afterlife. Rather than face retribution for their co.uk/derby-gaol/

54 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
17 Lilliputian
Coffins I
By Evelyn Hollow
n the summer of 1836, a group of young lads out hunting rabbits
on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh made a discovery that continues
to baffle paranormal experts and anthropologists to this day.
Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano at the centre of a collection of hill
peaks that make up the majority of Holyrood Park, which lies at the heart
of Scotland’s capital city. As well as being the home of the Votadini Tribe
in 400AD it has its own distinct mythology, including being vaunted as
the true site of Camelot and other ties to King Arthur – hence the name.
On the north-east side of Arthur’s Seat, in a small cave of which the
entrance was hidden by slabs of slate, these young lads found seventeen
miniature coffins.

The coffins were arranged in three tiers – eight on the bottom, another
eight above, and finally one single coffin at the top. Measuring just
9.5cm in length these coffins were intricately carved from wood and
contained a paired wooden figure that had been expertly dressed in tiny
clothing. When the media found out there was uproar, cries of witchcraft
and demonology and hexes. Once this original hullabaloo had dampened
the coffins were sold off to private collectors (because rich people had/
have a monopoly on everything, even heritage) and did not reappear to
the public until 1901.

Of the initial seventeen only eight survived. These were first donated
to the Museum of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland before being
passed along to the NMS (National Museum of Scotland).

What did these coffins represent?

Who put them there?
And what happened to the other nine coffins?

The Scotsman newspaper implicated witchcraft, stating at the time:

“Our own opinion would be – had we not some years ago abjured
witchcraft and demonology – that there are still some of the weird
sisters hovering about Mushat’s Cairn or the Windy Gowl, who retain
their ancient power to work the spells of death by entombing the
likenesses of those they wish to destroy.”
Picture credits: National Museum of Scotland
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 55
 Other papers implied that they were burial effigies, made by someone
to represent loved ones lost at sea. The Director of The Museum of
Hamburg History suggested later that they may have been lucky
charms that were hidden in the hillside to be sold later, but although
the use of charms was still prevalent in Scotland well into the 19th
century these particular coffins line up with the German tradition
but do not fit with any other charms used here before.

There was a bizarre story published in the paper five years after
the initial discovery in which a woman reported that her father
was visited several times by an erratic deaf and mute man who had
drawn three coffins on a piece of paper and dated them 1837, 1838,
and 1840. In 1837 a close relative of her father’s died, then in 1838
a cousin of his died, and then finally in 1840 his own brother died.
The strange man had appeared after the funeral and then was never finally able to be professionally examined all we can determine is
seen again. The paper wonders if it is a string of bizarre and tragic that all dolls were made by one person, they could have been in the
coincidences or if this man was somehow tied to the Arthur’s Seat trade of shoe-making due to the techniques used, and that the eyes
Coffins. on each were originally designed opened. It is impossible to tell if
these were burial effigies, or used as representations in witchcraft,
or if they were sacrificial rites for demonology.

Another theory: https://www.scotsman.com/arts-

and-culture/author-claims-have-solved-edinburgh-
coffin-doll-mystery-1430490

The papers at the time stated that several of the

coffins were destroyed by the boys, and the rest
that were sold off to private collectors have never
resurfaced. Which leaves us without knowing what the rest look like
or may contain. It also leaves the uncomfortable notion that there
may be a few of these grim relics lying around Edinburgh waiting to
Some believe that the 17 coffins represent 17 victims. be rediscovered – or have they travelled elsewhere, and if so, what
have they done to their keepers?
Just a few years before their discovery the paper headlines were
filled with the infamous crimes of Burke and Hare; the two ‘body Finally, in 2014 a chilling little package was delivered anonymously
snatchers’ who had murdered seventeen people in order to sell the to the museum. Inside it contained a well-made replica of one of the
corpses to Dr. Knox. Knox was a respected anatomist, and he required Lilliputian coffins and was cryptically titled ‘XVIII?’, attached to it
the corpses for teaching at the college of surgeons as Edinburgh was was a label that had a handwritten quote on it; the climax of Robert
leading the world in medical research, they were paid handsomely Louis Stevenson’s story ‘The Body Snatcher’. And so, the mystery
goes on.
too as murdered bodies were a lot fresher than the ones dug up from
graves by resurrectionists. Did someone create the coffins to honour
National Museum of Scotland: https://www.nms.
those 17 victims? Did they know something about the murders that
ac.uk/explore-our-collections/stories/scottish-
we do not? history-and-archaeology/mystery-of-the-miniature-
coffins/

Evelyn x
Several people believed them to be cursed. Some would say that these
coffins were totems meant to trap the souls of victims and do them
harm, or that they were made as a sacrifice to summon something
from the depths of the dark. Although many decades later they were

“Several people believed them to be cursed. Some

would say that these coffins were totems meant to
trap the souls of victims and do them harm, or that
they were made as a sacrifice to summon something
from the depths of the dark...”
56 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 JENNY SAM

Scare Factor: Scare Factor:

She’s terrified of You can’t be

whatever is in her scared of what you
house… don’t believe in...
right?
Sceptic Factor:
Sceptic Factor:
She didn’t believe
in ghosts… until He’s so rational,
now! you’ll never
convince him
Stamina: ghosts exist!

She’s staying up Stamina:

until 2:22 to prove
she’s telling the Ready for an
truth! all-nighter, just
to prove Jenny
wrong!

LAUREN BEN

Scare Factor: Scare Factor:

She can see He’s a pretty tough

how scared guy who has been
Jenny is, and it’s on plenty of ghost
contagious! hunts!

Sceptic Factor: Sceptic Factor:

She’s not a He’s a 100% true

believer, but she believer who is
has seen some convinced he’s
things she doesn’t psychic!
understand...
Stamina:
Stamina:
Can he bear a
Lauren’s knocking whole evening
back the wine - with Sam without
will she make it hitting him?
through the night?

222aghoststory.com
BONES, DRONES AND
A VERY HAPPY FANNY?
The Residents of Button Hall return for a brand new series of GHOSTS and it’s a corker!

A SERIOUSLY SPOOKY SPOILER-FREE SERIES THREE REVIEW FROM ME!

BBC One’s hugely
hree of my favourite things are the paranormal, history I have been busy trying to find a hat to wear just so that I
successful sitcom
GHOSTS returned
to our screens in
T & comedy. I have long hoped & wished that ghosts
from all eras of history could mingle together, walk &
talk amongst us & decide to make their presence known
can take it off & say well done to all cast, crew & anyone
connected with Ghosts and of course a special mention
to the cast: Katy Wix, Lolly Adefope, Jim Howick, Martha
August 2021 for when THEY choose & not when asked by us. Howe-Douglas, Charlotte Ritchie, Mathew Baynton,
a third six-part I binge watched all 6 episodes of Ghosts Series 3 last night Laurence Rickard, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Ben Willbond and
series. / early this morning and I need to apologise to my family Simon Farnaby
& next-door neighbours if they heard me laugh loudly at
I will be honest, I (Putting the hat on again, before taking it off) also a special
certain times because that’s what I did several times pre
nod & mention to Tom Kingsley who passed the directorial
binge watched it, and post-midnight.
baton over to Nicholas Collett for this series of Ghosts.
all SIX episodes, Ghosts mixes paranormal with punchlines, and you will Without series 1 & 2 there’d be no series 3. The foundations
back-to-back, one laugh, smirk and smile at it but, if you’re like me, you will were set in ghostly stone, and it was a seamless transition
after the other, bellow out laughter that you just can’t keep in cos some of
the lines are genuine comedy gold. Each episode has lines Whether you are a paranormal fan or not, and just a lover of
pausing only for a comedy at its funniest this is the best series of Ghosts by far
refreshment break, that you will remember over and over.
(I hasten to add ‘so far’). There’s so much to enjoy, including
a toilet break, One particular line from scoutmaster Patrick keeps
the beautiful location.
and a wipe up the replaying over and over in my head and I am sure people
seeing me are thinking “what’s that chap over there It is a romantic nod to the paranormal, spirits living side by
drink I spilled from side with humans; chatting, interacting & helping them that
constantly smiling about” cos even thinking about Ghosts in
laughing too much my head, makes me feel good, makes me giggle and smirk can see them (Alison) & others that can’t (Mike). Slapstick
break. (yes, still) humour, one-liners, heartfelt moments, comedy gold
Each Ghosts character, including the “living ones” Alison moments and dance moves, it has the lot
& Mike, has grown in stature since the first series as I promised you no spoilers & I will stick to that but if you get
individuals, but also together, as a team & that’s what makes to chance to watch all 6 in one go, my advice; GO FOR IT!
it work. The back stories, the plotlines of the characters are
genius, the writing is just superb Paul, Haunted Magazine

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 59
 EERIE EPISODES
THE GHOULISH GUIDE TO GHOSTS
SERIES 3 (Spoiler Free)
Q&A
CHARLOTTE RITCHIE
EPISODE 1 – THE BONE PLOT
When a historical documentary team comes to film at Button House,
Alison and the ghosts are shocked to discover that the assassination
plot they’re exploring involves one of their own. Meanwhile, Mike –
always on the lookout for free publicity – begs Alison to accept the offer
of a television interview about the old house. The only hitch is Alison is
terrified of speaking on camera. Luckily, Thomas is there to coach her in
the art of speech-giving. What could possibly go wrong?

EPISODE 2 – A LOT TO TAKE IN

A mysterious visitor arrives at Button House with a revelation that leaves
Alison reeling. Thomas is equally confused by his feelings for this Q: The team know each other inside out, don’t they?
strange visitor, while Lady Button and Julian warn of sinister motives,
A: Yes, they have a shorthand with each other. They’ve got a groove
and Kitty is as territorial as ever over her surrogate sister, Alison. Mike
together and really like hanging out with each other. When it’s such a
has an epiphany on his first day at a new job, which triggers Julian to big cast, it helps that there is that collaborative element. As a result, you
remember his first day as a ghost. But will their insights be enough to get such a variety of different types of humour. What’s fun is that if you
help Alison make sense of the overwhelming news she’s received? don’t find someone falling over funny, you might find more alternative or
obscure joke amuse you. There is something for everyone.
EPISODE 3 – THE WOODWORM MEN
While Button House is being fumigated for woodworm, Alison and Mike
KIELL SMITH-BYNOE
decide to save some money and camp in the grounds overnight while
the treatment takes effect. Pat and the Captain love the chance to be
in the great outdoors again, while Alison and Mike get competitive over
who’s the better camper. Meanwhile, Mary, terrified by the notion of the
“Woodworm Men” tries to eliminate them from the house, and a night
off from scolding the ghosts isn’t quite what Lady Button bargained for

EPISODE 4 – I LOVE LUCY

Alison has invited Lucy to come to Button House for a sleepover, but
after a worrying meeting with the solicitor, Alison must work out if Lucy
is really who she says she is. The Captain insists on using his skills in
surveillance to help Alison find out the truth, but is he up to the job? After Q: Why do the relationships between the ghosts work so well?
an emailing prank from Julian gets out of hand, Mike has some awkward A: Viewers relate to at least half of the characters. There’s something
explaining to do to his boss. Meanwhile Lady Button is acting out of there for everyone. There is a real family dynamic between the ghosts.
character, and the other ghosts are determined to find out why. The other thing that adds to the comedy is the fact that these people are
trapped together. They have no choice but to get on. They can’t leave or
EPISODE 5 – SOMETHING TO SHARE? change their circumstances. That’s part of the fun of it.

Alison takes it upon herself to ask Kitty about her relationship with MARTHA HOWE-DOUGLAS
her sister, a topic the other ghosts fear will open an emotional can of
Q: Why do you think Ghosts has chimed with audiences?
worms. But in trying to sabotage the makeshift therapy session Alison
is conducting for Kitty, the ghosts end up discovering more about
themselves, and facing their own demons. Meanwhile Mike feels left out
of the “gang” Alison has with the ghosts, so sets out to discover how to
gain “the sight” for himself, which yields surprising results.

EPISODE 6 – PART OF THE FAMILY

As Alison spends more and more time with Lucy, she has to have a frank
talk with Kitty about her feelings of jealousy. The Captain offers Kitty a
shoulder to cry on, but in doing so unearths an inconsistency that needs
explaining. Meanwhile Pat leads Mary and Robin in an improvisation
class, and Thomas is determined to show off his football skills to Alison,
but Humphrey’s Head is not pleased that he’ll have to “play ball” –
literally.

60 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
A: It’s been hit because it’s got something for everyone. Each ghost that’s what makes it funny. They are from entirely different periods of history.
brings something different to the table. Those sorts of relationships are There is no sense that in any other circumstance, they would have naturally
always fascinating – who gets on and who clashes with who. We’ve cre- formed friendships, but they have to rub along together here because
ated characters that people have grown to love. Viewers have taken them they can’t escape. They can’t go, “I’m just popping out to the shops for 10
to their hearts. Also, the BBC seem very happy with what we’re doing. minutes.” It’s never plain sailing, but that’s where the comedy lies.

MATHEW BAYNTON
BEN WILLBOND

Q: What are the principal themes of the third season?

Q: Why has Ghosts resonated with such a broad spectrum of people?
A: Family is a big theme in this series. We wanted to address something
A: We just strive to make a fun show – we don’t get too tangled up in who it’s
that had been on our minds a while – in order to have inherited the house,
for. By default, we’ve landed up with this family show, and that pleases us
Alison’s parents can’t be in the picture anymore. What does that mean?
She didn’t have a family, and now she has a house full of ghosts, some of greatly. We all grew up watching and absorbing all the comedy we could find
whom are literally her family and some of whom are her family by proxy. rather than the most targeted programming. We have tried to emulate shows
That’s a theme we explore in depth this year. like Blackadder and Fawlty Towers and not to target anyone in particular. I’m
just glad that Ghosts appeals to all age groups.
SIMON FARNABY
LOLLY ADEFOPE & JIM HOWICK

Q: How would you define Julian?

A: I describe him as an old school politician. He is from an era that was
more outwardly sleazy – they’re just better at hiding it now! Julian is more Q: Why does Ghosts chime with viewers?
open about it. It’s nice to play a politician who can admit to failing. When LA: The gang are so charismatic and watchable. The themes of death and
you’re a politician, you can’t admit all the things you’ve done wrong. But mourning are universal as well. The premise is very relatable, too. Everyone
Julian can now because he’s dead. That’s quite freeing. can identify with the idea of being stuck in a house with a group of misfits.

LAURENCE RICKARD Q: The show is notable for that clever mingling of tones, isn’t it?
JH: I hope so. In the scene where Robin discussed how everyone eventually
leaves and the only thing remaining is the stars in the sky, the crew suddenly
went very quiet and respectful. We didn’t realise the effect it would have. The
show is a gentle warning about mortality. We have embraced darkness, but at
the same time tried to make something full of heart and love.

KATY WIX
Q: Can you run through Mary’s characteristics?
A: There are many aspects to her. She is quite eccentric and quite complex.
But she can also be playful and crackers. She can be forthright and author-
itative, and then her PTSD from being burnt at the stake kicks in, and she’s
Q: Why is a comedy about the unlikely subject of a bunch of ghosts
frightened and timid. Is she ready to tell the story of her death? Not quite.
so effective?
Maybe if there is a series four, we will finally find out what happened to her.
A: It’s the classic sitcom idea of trapping a group of very dissimilar
characters in the same space. They can’t leave the grounds of the house. GHOSTS Series 3 is available on BBCiplayer and
They are stuck together for all eternity. They have to share this place, and
BBCAmerica. A US version airs on CBS this fall.
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 61
www.hauntedmagazineprintshop.com
THE WASHINGTON
STATE POLTERGEIST
AMERICA’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL PARANORMAL CASE
?
cases: the Enfield Poltergeist,
“This case is right up there with the most frightening of poltergeist
the Bridgep ort Connec ticut case, and the Matthew Manning case,”
the South Shields Poltergeist,
h. Dr. Richard Sugg, author
says Robb Tilley of the Australian Institute of Parapsychology Researc
for Psychic al Researc h aka SPR, one of the oldest
and studier of history affiliated with the Society
world to polterge ist phenom ena, calls Keith’s Linder’s first book The Bothell
organizations in the
nonficti on books of the century.”  
Hell House – Poltergeist of Washington State “One of the
Keith Linder’s story. It might
To comprehend both men’s sentiments, you have to be familiar with
sound cliche but here goes.

n 2012, Keith Linder successfully obtaining a management Poltergeist cases reported throughout time are inherently

I position at a prestigious healthcare company decides the time

is right for him and his girlfriend Tina Davis to move in together.
Bothell, Washington, a suburban home located outside Seattle,
Washington.  “Neither me nor my girlfriend at the time, Tina, had
ever gone through anything remotely similar.” What they saw and
controversial. The favorite quote from skeptics has been
“extraordinary claims, require extraordinary evidence.” Something
Keith Linder finds non-productive.   

experienced within weeks of moving in would send shock waves

through the paranormal community. The knee-jerk reaction from
both parapsychology and paranormal communities was, ‘there is
no way a house could be this active.’ When you ask Keith Linder
what some of the weird things he and his girlfriend witness were. 
Keith’s response is blunt and unwavering.  Lamps, pottery, ironing
boards, irons, beer bottles, chef knives, candles, candle rods, bar
stools, large furniture, and books - these are just a few of the items
Keith and Tina saw fly inside the house.  When asked about the
flying chef knife, Keith remembers that account vividly.    

“I was in my office, which is typical for me on a weekend

afternoon. I was on my computer surfing on the computer
when I heard a loud crash.  I got up from my chair and headed
towards where I thought the noise came from.  There, on the
carpet in my office doorway, was this huge knife.  It took me a “When Tina and I say three
few seconds to recognize it, but I did. This was one of Tina’s bibles caught fire in our
kitchen knives.  I picked up the knife, walked it downstairs to the homes, we mean that three
kitchen, and placed it back in its sheath.  Minutes later – I am bibles caught fire – two
back in my office again.  I hear a similar crash, and sure enough, more bibles went missing. 
there in the doorway resting on the floor is the chef knife.   It’s They are still missing. Black
a little bit more beat up than before due to the fact that it left a oil-like tar substance began
sizable nick in the wooden door frame.”   appearing on the office wall
summer and fall of 2014
(see pictures). Upside down
crosses, Native American symbols, 666, and my initials Die KL.  I
have a hard time understanding why our claims would become
controversial.  When you look at other poltergeist cases, I am talking
about the activity being reported by other house occupants. the
similarities are too uncanny to ignore.”

Would you agree that some of the controversy surrounding this

case was your and Tina’s appearance on the Travel Channel show
Ghost Adventures episode titled Demons in Seattle? Keith replies.

“I agree. Tina and I received a lot of personal attacks after that

episode aired.  The attacks we received were not for appearing
on the show. The attacks on social media had to do with Ghost
Adventures not finding anything.  Can you believe that?

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 63
 The paranormal team finds nothing, and we get attacked.  As As Keith said earlier, “I do not believe me, and Tina’s claims should be
if we did not have enough to deal with already? One hate considered extraordinary. When you consider the thousands of other
email I received from a fan of the show was ‘we wasted Ghost poltergeist cases society has already encountered, we fit right in.   But
Adventures time.’   People do not understand, and how could the evidence captured from researchers in the United States and the
they? The Demons in Seattle episode never disclosed how United Kingdom is extraordinary.  Phantom loud bangs captured on
long Ghost Adventures were in the house - which was only five audio, pitter-pat footsteps, children screaming, a woman screaming,
hours.   I later learned from talking to other paranormal teams the lights going off and on, and the infamous video (that went viral) of Bible
world over, mind you, that five hours investigating a possible pages turning by themselves, all these things and more were captured
poltergeist infestation is not enough time to get to the bottom of while the house was empty by paranormal teams who made it a point
things.  Poltergeist do not respond on que. Oh, and I forgot you to live in the house.   I’m sorry, but if you want to catch good evidence
must live in the house.”   or evidence, period, you have to live in the house.” So, paranormal
teams did live in the house? “Yes, both paranormal investigator Nicole
Another piece of advice Keith offers is, “it would help if you interviewed Novelle’s and Parapsychologists Steve Mera’s team understood that
witnesses.   Many people do not know this, but Tina and I were not the concept right away.  It was never an issue for either of them about living
only people who experienced activity in that house. Get this. A family in the house.  I am not talking about a day or two. I am talking about
experienced similar activity in 2008:2009.  The wife may she rest in weeks—a month which is what Nicole’s team did.   Four-hundred
peace spoke of how her youngest son saw shadowy figures ‘out the Class A, Class B EVPs are what Steve Mera and his chief researcher
corner of his eyes.’ The live-in nanny gave an account of how she Don Philips captured when they lived in the house the first time.   The
woke up one morning and found ‘all the kitchen cabinets doors open.’ second time they arrived in April 2016, they bought with them then
Imagine walking into your kitchen one morning or afternoon and seeing President of the SSPR (Scotland Society for Psychical Research) Nick
all your kitchen cabinet doors open.   But it gets worse.   You close them Kyle, who monitored both men closely, leading to the capture of nearly
all not before making a mental note in your head about how weird two hundred EVPs. 
this is. Then, seconds later (not minutes later), you return, and they are
all open again.  You were just in the next room. That happened to us.” Parapsychologist Steve Mera sums it up well when he says, “With
poltergeist infestations, we’re normally dealing with children,
adolescents in the environment. Usually affects families or individuals
having some type of
problem or trauma
in the family, be it
financial difficulty,
family issues,
living conditions,
environmental
problems those
types of issues.  To
be honest with you,
we have not found
any of those things
here, which makes
this a really unusual case. Some of the
phenomena taking place are certainly demonstrative of poltergeist
infestation.”
Dr. Richard Sugg is correct when he says, “We should study
poltergeists because they are extraordinary. They can make someone’s Investigator Tony Hayes of the group Paranormal Investigations UK
life hell. What if the worst thing that ever happens to you is something goes on the record by saying The Bothell Hell House, aka Poltergeist
nobody will believe?”  The Bothell Hell House, written by Keith Linder, of Washington State, is the new “baseline for other works.” Other
is a unique book in that it is a self-published book from the house poltergeist cases: past and present.  
occupant himself.  Most nonfiction books about poltergeists are written
by ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, etc., who visited the One of Keith Linder’s claims about the house is the phantom
supposed haunted house. Other books are written by a ghostwriter (no heartbeats he heard and felt from deep within his mattress. Nicole
pun intended) hired by the publishing company.  These actual events Novelle and her team were present when one of these events occurred.
are usually shortened, embellished, or altered for publishing reasons.  Nicole Novelle, a respective voice in the paranormal field in the United
Not The Bothell Hell House.  Four hundred and thirty-four pages – States, said, “Sounds like the house has a heartbeat. It’s so weird. It’s
unheard for a paranormal nonfiction book. weird - the vibrations. Sitting on the bed, have your feet planted on
the floor; all of a sudden, you start feeling just the mattress vibrating or
pulsating like a pulse. How do you document that in order for anyone
“Several publishing companies to understand what that feels like? What that like. I can’t do that. I don’t
wanted the rights to me and have a tool that’ll allow me to convey that to someone.” It pleased Keith
to hear Nicole (Nikki) say that. “That’s been the number one frustration
Tina’s story. I turned them down. Tina, and I faced while living in the house. How do we capture the
I refuse to let my and Tina’s phenomena on an electrical device so people can take our claims
story be altered or condensed seriously? It’s extremely difficult.” According to Keith Linder, what
is more difficult than that is this notion that most poltergeist activity
for the sake of expediency. The stems from women. “There’s this notion. This belief in the paranormal
Bothell Hell House book is a no community parapsychology, especially that poltergeist manifestations
result from ‘a troubled individual inside the home, usually a female
holds account of everything that adolescent or woman.’ The evidence obtained from inside the Bothell
happened in our house.” house puts that theory to bed.”

64 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 For extra evidence scan the QR code here:

“That upsets me a great a deal,” Keith says. The stigma that

we have put on women. That women like Tina Resch, Doris
Bither, Maria José Ferreira, and my girlfriend Tina are the Several paranormal teams responded to my 9-1-1 distress call and,
root cause of the phenomena, which is what the ‘Demons upon doing so, substantiated our claims.   Interview the paranormal
in Seattle’ episode sort of ensued. Nothing could be further teams who lived in the house, and they will tell you their cups runneth
from the truth.  So, I dare any true believer, cynic, skeptic, over. That is how much evidence each team gathered.”   Which, as a
undecided individual to study the evidence.  Study ALL reporter, forces me to think there must be some validity to what Keith is
the evidence obtained in the Bothell house. Read my three saying?
books. Interview the paranormal teams who lived in the
house. Things are not what they seem.”   Over eight books have been written about the Bothell house, all
favorably.  The evidence is in those books. “A lot of people like to say
The perfect example of that would be the black oil-like tar substance the case they were associated with directly or indirectly is the most
that appeared out of nowhere on Keith Linder’s office wall.  Looking at documented poltergeist ever.  They cannot back their claim up, though. 
it from afar or closely, it looks like black paint, or some cynics claim to I can.  The Bothell hell House – Poltergeist of Washington State is the
be Krylon webbing spray.  Which to them suggest we faked everything. 
most documented poltergeist case in history.  The evidence is not
“Keith and Tina are hoaxers.”   Keith says, ‘no one ever asked him if
sitting in some vault somewhere (only to be released periodically).
they could have the black oil tested.’ “I had the black oil-like substance
No, the evidence is on YouTube. The evidence is in my three books.
tested, and the results came back Bone Black.”  What’s Bone Black?
It is on Facebook. It is on Twitter. It is in Steve Mera’s official report.
Wikipedia - Bone Black, aka Bone char (Latin: carbo animalis), It is in Nicole Novelle and the paranormal teams who lived in the
is a porous, black, granular material produced by charring house interviews.  It is in Don Philips, one hour and eighteen-minute
animal bones.  It consists mainly of tricalcium phosphate (or documentary which is free by the way. Everything I have just said
hydroxyapatite) 57–80%, calcium carbonate 6–10%, and carbon except for my three books can be easily obtained with the click of a
7–10%. Bone char is primarily made from buffalo bones; the mouse.  As we say in the information technology world, it’s ‘in the
bones are heated in a sealed vessel at up to 700 °C (1,292 °F). cloud.’ It is on the internet.  The free internet.” 

Most of the organic material in the bones is driven off by heat and Keith Linder now lives in a condominium on his own. That’s right
was historically collected as Dippel’s oil. “Dippel’s oil (a yellow on his own. His relationship with Tina ended a few days after the
oily like substance) was found throughout the house.  Every wall
Demons in Seattle aired. The vicious attacks from social media
in the Bothell home has this yellow (olive oil) color-like substance
and the “geist” term oil inside the home were just too much to
weeping from the walls.  Study Dippel Oil up close, and you will
bear.
reach the same conclusion I did. Named after its inventor, Johann
Konrad Dippel. Johann Konrad Dippel believed he needed a
“I can’t blame Tina for moving out of the
concoction to conduct exorcisms thus invented Dippel’s oil after
house – for breaking up with me. I love her.
the gross experimentation of animals.  This is what happens when
Regardless of who we end up with romantically,
you carry out a thorough investigation.   You get inexplicable
Tina and I will always have a bond that very
answers that align well with the inexplicable events happening in
few people share. The paranormal activity
the house.”
I experience in my new home, albeit nerve-
When asked why he and Tina stayed in the house, so long Keith racking and intrusive, pales compared to the
Linder’s answer is interesting.  “It’s my house, therefore why should I events we experienced in the Bothell home.”
just up and leave?  I said earlier that we discovered that a family before
us had similar activity.  They did not tell anybody – they just up and So, what type of support have you got? “The support from
moved out, which is what most people do.  I get that. But that is not sectors of the paranormal community has been positive and
me. That’s not Tina. Tina and I made a conscious decision after the encouraging. We know why the house was haunted. We know
poster caught fire in my office not to leave unless it was on our terms.  I what the black oil-like substance was made out of. Where it
do not consider myself brave, but I said to Tina, to family and friends, came from. The only thing I can do now is tell my story, point
and to the spirits attacking us, I would not leave until the house was anyone who asks to where the evidence resides, and live my life.”
made livable or someone else got to the bottom of the things.   We
accomplished the latter.  Keith Linder
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 65
 Not so ‘orrible ‘istories

“SISTERS ARE SCHOOLING

IT FOR THEMSELVES”
For some people, the time spent PENNY GRIFFITHS-MORGAN INVESTIGATES A VERY BRITISH SCHOOL
at school really were some
I
n the September of 2019, I had been invited main building you see now as you walk onto the
to attend an investigation at a place called the premises was constructed in 1857, but there are
of the best days of their lives British Schools Museum in Hitchin, with the still remnants of the original Maltings if you look
and yet for others, not so lasses from the Paranormal Sisters (not being
sexist, they are all female, although they do have
closely.

much. I will not bore you with the odd honorary boy join in on occasion). I think So here we have a place where
it can be hard for many of us to picture a time in
my life story, but let us just Great Britain when education was not accessible thousands of children have passed
say, that when I agreed to go to all, and one of the first things you realise when through its doors, some of the staff
visiting the museum is how hard it was to change
to an investigation at an old the richer members of society’s views towards
perished in the World Wars and
school, it was with a sense of schooling for the poor, in a nutshell they felt where deaths (albeit not suspicious)
threatened that if the working classes were able have occurred, was it going to live
trepidation… to read and write, then they would challenge
up to expectation?
their position in society and would not be so
willing to do the more menial tasks which they The area of Hitchin has quite a lot of “ghost”
were expected to both undertake and be grateful stories associated with it, but as a historian, I try
for. not to think of these or let them influence my
opinion of a location. This may sound difficult,
The site was first utilised as a place for learning
but those who research history are quite often
in 1810 when a former Maltings was donated
called heartless when we do not take sides with
by local businessman William Wilshire, he had
things that are somewhat abhorrent to modern
been impressed after listening to a pedagogist mentalities, it is not as easy as it sounds but you
named Joseph Lancaster who was developing learn how to do it. I went into the school with the
a method of teaching those children who came same level of excitement I do any investigation,
from families with limited income. The famous and with a few bits of research under my belt.
monitorial schoolroom was opened in 1837 But not enough as I was soon to find out.
and designed to accommodate three hundred
children…with only one schoolmaster, a fact I will give you a bit of a plot spoiler here, I
that when I tell teacher friends of mine leaves have written a book about the school called
them looking incredibly pale. In February 1845 “Paranormal Playtimes – The school that never
the school suffered from a fire that spread along sleeps” so I am not going to divulge everything
Dead Street, but still it did not stop teaching that has happened to me on my visits there, but I
those wanting to learn to read and write. The will give you one to whet your appetite.

66 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 Scan here to visit The British Schools Museum
https://britishschoolsmuseum.org.uk/

Walking into the you step onto the threshold. One of the many
car park, I did stories I was told was that Joseph does not like
not know where the main doors being left open and tends to shut
everyone was and try them if you are not quick enough, I guess in those
as I might, I could not days you needed to keep the heat in…
hear any voices to give me
a clue, but to my right was a house Had I seen one of the previous female members of
and in the very large window was a woman bent over, staff? Why had the doors opened for me? There were
seemingly looking at something on a table. I could only two museum staff on duty that night and neither
only see her from the neck up and her hair style was of them had been in there, and they both certainly did
quite old fashioned, that sort of Edwardian pompadour not wear their hair in the way I had described. Whilst
hairstyle with the bun on top of her head. Thinking the rest of my visits to the school have not produced
that maybe she would know where everyone was, I something quite as amazing as that, it has certainly not
knocked a few times at the door but got no answer, so disappointed - getting to handle two-hundred-year-old
minute books and having something interacting with
then I tried the handle and the big front door opened
you on an Ovilus whilst you’re taking notes is pretty
easily. There were a set of stairs in front of me, and a
mind blowing to me.
door to both my right and left, I tried the former first
and it was locked, so I tried the latter and it opened Talking to the volunteers at the school subsequently,
into someone’s office. Realising that maybe I should they all have their own stories to tell, doors shutting
not be here, I shut the doors and made my way into by themselves, children’s voices heard when there
the large school building (where you may be relieved are none on site, unexplainable cold spots and
to know I found my fellow investigators). I thought shadows moving in and out of doorways. The main
I had better tell someone that this lovely house was feeling however is that there is nothing malevolent
open to anyone walking in from the road, and around there, and this was something that I would definitely
thirty minutes after my trespassing adventure, the then concur with, whilst certain areas seem more
Museum Manager and I wandered over there as he was welcoming than others, this could be as simple as
adamant that he had locked the doors before he left (it they were off limits to members of the public when
was indeed the offices for the museum). it was in operation.

Everything was locked up tight…everything, even It was the initial experience seeing the woman with
when he opened the main entrance, the door to the her hair in the bun that started me contemplating that
office that I had walked into was locked, it had one maybe a book was the order of the day, I would like
of those automatic keypad locks that shut it without a to think that I was being guided by a former teacher
key, and I know I did not have the code to get in. It was to do that, to bring a little more awareness to their
what he told me after however that sent shivers down establishment and what it achieved.
my spine, part of the contract of a Master and a Mistress
to the school was accommodation, and this was where Go and visit, sit in the classrooms, absorb the energy
the Mistress herself (and sometimes her assistant) had that is there, and listen for the stories that the school
lived for many years. Interestingly, the house next door has to tell you.
le,
was only ever occupied by one Master, Joseph Fitch, y not so 'orrib
*when we sa be 'o rr ib le ,
ally
and I am strongly of the belief that he is still there as it it might actu e.
definitely has a vibe that you are intruding whenever it's just a tag
lin
Penny x
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 67
THE WHISTLE AND WE WILL COME TO YOU TOUR GUIDE

PARANORMAL
SHROPSHIRE
S
hropshire is by all accounts, a here are 16 castles in Shropshire, and many so swept up in the passions of her newfound
liminal place. It sits on the margin
between two countries- England
T of these, claim to be inhabited by spectres.
Perhaps the most disturbing is ‘Bloudie
love, that she bragged to her sister, telling her
all about the solider called Jack she was due to
and Wales, and though it feels Jack’ who is said to still stalk the grounds of marry. Her sister was instantly concerned, and
both their influences, it often seems like a Shrewsbury Castle- often still accompanied later that day turned up at the castle. She was
separate entity. Shropshire’s got a unique by one of his unfortunate victims. According to greeted by a sight that no family member would
feel to it, it is almost hard to put your finger this 12th century tale, ‘Bloudie Jack, or Jack want to see- Jack dragging her poor sister’s
Blondel’ (the name often attributed to him) bloody corpse across the castle grounds.
on, as if the landscape is alive with the hum
was a soldier who was stationed at Shrewsbury
of the past. Perhaps therefore there is such Mary’s sister fled in terror, horrified by what she
Castle who acted as the custodian whilst he
a wealth of folklore within the area. Though was there. He used his position to charm local was witnessing. However, a few days later, she
the county is often overlooked, it has played girls and manipulated them into attending his returned to the castle. It just so happened that
a fundamentally important role in history, private quarters at the castle. Unfortunately, upon returning, Jack was away, which allowed
and has been the stage for several bloody this would be the last thing they did. He would her the freedom to search his quarters. There
battles and monumental shifts in science, murder the girls, collecting trophies from their she found a wooden box, which she carefully
industry, religion, politics and kingship. bodies, only to dispose of their remains by opened. Inside there were 8 sets of fingers,
feeding them to the pigs, or dropping them into and 8 sets of toes, arranged in neat little rows.
With this in mind, it is no wonder that a few
the river Seven. His behaviour was unchecked, This ghastly discovery was enough evidence
ghosts got left behind along the way. Few is
until he murdered his 8th victim- a girl known as to convict Jack, and he was hung, drawn and
perhaps an understatement, with over 500 quartered for his crimes. His head was kept on
Mary Anne.
places pertaining to be haunted. I want to display at the castle, as a warning to all those
explore this further and discuss some of the Unlike his other victims, Mary Anne could not who went by, and perhaps a reminder to young
best paranormal stories from this region. keep her new sweetheart a secret. She was women not to trust the wiles of soldiers.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 69
 Photo credit: Scivan Scrivener

However, this was not the end of Bloody Jack’s Gilbert’s second in command was called Sir
reign of terror, for many have claimed to see him Arnold De Lyse, and he was encouraged to pursue
stalking the grounds over the years, a shadowy Marion La Bruyere (a lady of the castle, who
hunched figure. He is usually accompanied by served Sybilla). The two began a passionate affair,
blood curdling screams and banging noises. and Marion fell head over heels for the knight. For
There have also been sightings of Jack dragging her, the politics of the time meant nought, and
poor Mary Anne by her hair, to her death. nothing would keep our lovers apart. She would
lower a leather ladder from her bedroom window,
in Pendevin tower, and Arnold would climb up
udlow castle is also known to have its fair
L share of ghosts. The castle itself was founded
by Walter De Lacy and was one of the first stone
every night. She spent her days dreaming of her
dearest, and her nights in his arms.

castles to be built in England. It has a long and However. Their love was not to be. Arnold took
impressive history and can boast a 900-year-old advantage of her- leaving the ladder out one night
ghost and often referred to as the “oldest ghost after entering the castle. Whilst the two were in
in England” Marion De La Buere. This tale begins bed, Gilbert and 100 men stormed the castle,
with a bit of context, namely with the death of laying waste to those inside, and claiming it on
King Henry I in 1135. Henry died without a male behalf of Stephen. Marion realised the mistake
heir, before his death, he made his Barons swear she had made, and the extend of her betrayal.
an oath, that they would accept his daughter Arnold was no lover, rather he had used her to
Photo credit: Scivan Scrivener Matilda as their new queen. Immediately after further the machinations of power. Driven by an
anguish so deep it consumed her, she grabbed
his death, many of the Barons chose to support
her lover’s sword and slit his throat, climbing
Stephen (Henry’s Nephew) as their king instead.
to the window and flung herself onto the rocks
Matilda did not part with her title easily though,
below. Marion has not left Ludlow castle, and
which lead to a civil war known as ‘the Anarchy’. It
if you visit the tower, during quiet evenings
is during this; we begin our tale. and dusk you can see her ghost still. On the
anniversary of her suicide, she is also said to be
Ludlow castle was owned by a knight and
heard and seen, her screams filling the castle
husband of Sybilla de Lacy. He belonged to
grounds.
a group of Barons who supported Matilda.
However, Gilbert De Lacy – a family member and To find out more about “oldest
rival supported Stephen and was looking for an ghost in England https://
opportunity to take over Ludlow castle, to gain chasingcastles.com/the-oldest-
favour with the future king. ghost-in-england/

70 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 want us to travel further now, down
I the river Seven to the Ironbridge
area. This is familiar ground for me, it
is where I grew up, and in the cemeteries
my ancestors lie. The whole area has
strong ties to industry and iron- during
the industrial revolution, it would have
been stained black from the coal mines
and shrouded in hellish smoke from the
multitude of furnaces. Ironbridge also
holds cultural importance, boasting the
first large scale production of cast iron.
Today it is a pretty little area of shops and
cafes and museums- and a whole host of
ghosts.

Perhaps the most well-known Ironbridge Ghost

is ‘Fred’ who haunts the Tontine hotel. In life,
Fred was known as Frank Griffin, and he was
the last man to be hung in Shropshire in the
1950s.

What makes this story extra exciting for me Amy Boucher is a writer, folklorist, Historian
is that around the plagues of the 15th and 16th and a fan of all things spooky. Originally from
centuries, there were plague pits in the Jackfield Shropshire, she now resides in the North West,
area, and a quite common form of transporting where she works to share the stories, she
the dead was via the river. Due to the nature of grew up with.
the plague, the bargeman would often succumb
to the illness. It was also common for people who To find out more about Amy, hold
After murdering his landlady, he went back to had become immune to the disease to take on your mobile phone camera / QR
the room he was renting at the Tontine (room 5) Code app reader over QR Code
such a position, so one can only imagine what
and this was where he was arrested, and where and enjoy... or if a digital is not your
horrors such a person would have witnessed.
his spirit has stayed. Fred is associated with all thing just follow her on Twitter @
sorts of phenomena, including strange lights, Conceivably this tale is a throwback from that G0blinegg
unexplained noises and objects being moved. time, a collective memory of these floating
He provides all the signatures services of a www.nearlyknowledgeablehistory.
charnel houses, repeated enough times to
haunting it seems. There have been sightings blogspot.com
become a haunting. Or perhaps the boat is still
of Fred in room 5, and in the bar. There are
making that journey down the River Seven, and
other ghosts in the Tontine, however we must DO YOU WANT TO CALL UP YOUR INNER
the poor bargeman is doomed to witness this for
leave now, and go outside. JUDITH CHILLMERS OR ALAN WICCA AND
eternity. All I know is that this story has stayed
with me since I was a child, and I keep my eye WRITE ABOUT THE SPOOKY AREA WHERE
erhaps, my favourite Shropshire spirit is
P not attached to a building, but rather the
River that winds its way, snake like through
out for him still. YOU LIVE OR GREW UP, FOR US?

I have only scratched the surface with my WELL WHISTLE AND WE’LL COME TO YOU
the county- The River Seven. Once a
depiction of Shropshire hauntings. I could have OR JUST IN CASE YOU CAN’T WHISTLE,
goddess known as Sabrina or Hafren in Welsh,
talked about the drowned twins of Jackfield, YOU COULD JUST EMAIL US AT
the River Seven cuts through the Ironbridge
Gorge, you can cross it via the Iron-bridge who still haunt the house their bodies were taken whistlestoptour@hauntedmagazine.co.uk
if you wish, and it is said to be haunted by a to, or indeed the multitude of ghostly monks
Spectral Barge. There have been innumerable that have a proclivity for the region (one of my
sightings of this ghostly vessel, which is said favourite being the two monks of St Peters
to be long, and dark as if cloaked by night. It Church in Easthope who died fighting, and
is said to float down the River Seven slowly, their ghosts still spar to this day). There are
carrying a ghastly cargo of human bodies, white ladies and black dogs, wicked horsemen
stacked side by side and on top of each other. and many of the tropes familiar in paranormal
It is driven by a solitary creature, hooded in discourse, as well as some unique tales which I
a shroud of night, and often described an would urge you to discover. Shropshire may be
inhumanly tall. It sails slowly underneath the an understated place, but it is enlivened with
Ironbridge and disappears. But this is not the the memories of its dead.

A my x
end of the tale. The bargeman is often seen
again, down river in Jackfield. Here he stands
on the riverbed, as if waiting, next to rows and
rows of the corpses, now on dry land.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 71
 #TheWorldOfTheUnknown trilogy comes to a monstrous finale with the
republishing of another seminal classic #AllAboutMonsters…

MONSTERS ‘INK’
It is Usborne’s aim to make knowledge absolutely irresistible, to feed children’s curiosity
and to help them continue discovering the world around them

F
irst published in 1977, The World of the Unknown:
Monsters was one of the very first books from
Usborne, then a brand-new publisher that set out
to revolutionise the world of children’s books.
Alongside the other books in the series, Ghosts and UFOs, it
lived on bookshelves in bedrooms and libraries, thrilling its
young readers with mythical monsters and sinister sightings,
and igniting their curiosity with the possibility of strange,
undiscovered creatures in our world.

After twenty years, the world moved on, and the World of
the Unknown series went out of print. But it wasn’t forgotten.
The books lived on in the memories of a generation, and
when the readers of the 1970s and ‘80s grew up, they
wanted them back. In 2019, Usborne’s very own World of
the Unknown superfan set up a petition to bring back the
first in the series, Ghosts. It was a resounding success, and
the book was printed in time for Halloween with a brand-
new foreword from another mega-fan, BAFTA-winning
writer, comedian, and actor Reece Shearsmith. UFOs
was then resurrected the following year, this time with a
contribution from actor and comedian Jon Culshaw.

And now, in October 2021, Usborne is proud

to summon the final book in the series back
from the depths for a new generation of
readers, leading the way in publishing books
that spark children’s imagination and curiosity.
The World of the Unknown: Monsters is for
anyone who has ever glimpsed a sinister
shape looming in the sea, heard an unknown
creature’s footsteps crunching through the
forest, or wondered about the existence of
monsters in remote regions of the world.
And that is what Usborne’s all about, even now, almost 50
years after the books were originally published. Kids are
naturally, irrepressibly interested in the world around them –
it is Usborne’s aim to make knowledge absolutely irresistible,
to feed their curiosity and to help them continue discovering
the world around them – and perhaps, one day, the worlds
beyond…

Joining Reece Shearsmith and Jon Culshaw is comedian,

actor, writer, and monster enthusiast Robin Ince, who
provides the new foreword for this final book in the series.

The World of the Unknown: Monsters is out September

30th & available from bookstores and online. Please try
to support your independent bookstore (Shhh, don’t tell
Amazon OK?)

72 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 Enter The World Of Robin Ince’s Unknown

#AllAboutRobin
Robin, first of all, thanks
for speaking to us, please
tell us how writing the
foreword for the republish
of #WorldOfTheUnknown
Monsters came about?

I am not sure whether

someone saw my
Satanic Rites of Robin Ince
show which included talk of
these great Usborne books,
or heard me muttering
about The Loch Ness
Monster on The Infinite
Monkey Cage (favourite
theory - the monster is
actually the ghost of a
dinosaur) or whether it was
from my podcast series
An Uncanny Hour which
deals with mystical and
mythical masterpieces, but
consciousness and
one day, the email arrived, and I said
curiosity that means that ghosts may
an immediate yes.
play in their skulls too, just as I love
How would you describe yourself? looking at old photos and thinking
Who is Robin Ince? about how the life of the long dead
can feel trapped in them.
A frenetic fool desperately fighting
against the anxiety churned up by How did The Infinity Monkey Cage
his lower animal brain and trying come about? AND can you describe
to defend himself by perpetually Professor Brian Cox in three words?
retreating into busy-ness or
impersonations of Brian Blessed. That’s The Infinity Monkey cage came about
who Robin Ince (me) is. because I was the guest on pilot that
didn’t work, but our producer thought
What are your memories of there might be fun to be had by sitting
the Usborne World of the Unknown Brian Cox next to an idiot and thus we
books growing up? What monster became the Hart to Hart of science
thrilled, fascinated and / or scared broadcasting.
you?
3 words for Cox? Immaculate Stepford
The story of Borley Rectory stuck with physicist.
me, but I am a big fan of lycanthropy
and all the different culture versions of We loved the two Dead Funny
shape changers, so the muscular torso books (horror stories by comedians).
and wide trunk of the African elephant How did Dead Funny come about?
spirit sticks in my mind. Are there more Dead Funny books
planned?
Do you believe in the paranormal,
and have you ever had a paranormal That came about from drinking fine
experience that you can share? pale ale in the bar of the Norwich
art centre with horror genius Johnny
I am fascinated by it but believe it Mains. I met him after a gig, we
is all the creation of our energetic drank and talked of horrible things,
minds, which does not make it dull for and he thought horror stories by
me. I love thinking about what other comedians was a good idea and so
animals may have a level of self- did I.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 73
 Pictures courtesy of Usborne

The surprise I think was just how grotesque The books I have been reading this afternoon another about the early work of Hawkwind
some of them were. in the bath are Michael Talbot’s The and off I went, chatting to Toyah Willcox,
Holographic Universe, James Kinsley’s novella Stewart Lee, Mark Gatiss and lots more. We
My kids seem disinterested in science at Playtime’s Over which starts with a very have made 12 so far and are about to do a
school, do you think it should be taught haunting drowning and Roy ’Chubby’ Brown’s new series starting with The Owl Service, plus
differently to get kids interested in it more? Common as Muck as recommended by Wil Stewart Lee and I are about to make something
Hodgson, the ex-wrestler and comedian else too, of a similar sort.
I think there is not enough play in science. who trims my beard (you probably think i
Sadly, education secretaries have successively am making all of this up, but this is all true). I Are there any more classic kid’s books from
promoted joyless memorisation and not the started the day reading Anil Seth’s Being You back in the day that should be reprinted
real delight of looking at something and being - a new science of consciousness - I like to and republished? (We are hoping Usborne’s
bemused and starting to tinker. I write quite a bombard my brain with as much as possible, Supernatural World can come back from the
lot about it in my new book - The Importance it doesn’t retain it all, but it leads to some dead.)
of Being Interested (WHAT DO YOU MEAN interesting echoes.
I AM ONLY MEANT TO BE PLUGGING I would love to see updates of all the Hamlyn
ONE THING IN THIS INTERVIEW, BUT IT Do you think World of the Unknown: books such as The Hamlyn Book of Horror by
IS OUT SOON AND JANE GOODALL AND Monsters will appeal to both kids and over Dan Farson.
ALAN MOORE ARE IN IT... okay, back to the 45s alike, or just us over 45s reminiscing of
And finally, what’s on the agenda for Robin
monsters). innocent days gone by, reading about ghosts,
UFOs, and monsters? Ince from October 2021 and onwards into
Do you think there is a Monster in Loch 2022?
I think it will appeal to everyone with a desire
Ness? What are you favourite monsters (fact All being well, I will be doing a tour of 100
to explore the gigantic, the murky and the
or fiction)? independent bookshops when my new
fanged.
book The Importance of Being Interested is
I still find the famous footage of bigfoot You seem to be involved in more podcasts published - from Aberdeen to Penzance with
haunting, and also the movie footage than you can shake a stick at, what is An 98 stops in between and hopefully Monkey
of the Loch Ness Monster interesting Uncanny Hour? Cage will be back. Then, I am off on tour with
to watch; but I am afraid the most
An Uncanny Hour came out of me needing Prof Cox, plus I am working on two more
monstrous things are still found in the cruel
too much to do during lockdown. I recorded books - one on reality and one on
imagination of certain humans. I am a big
an interview with someone who had written a anxiety
fan of the Shadmock, I know it can only
whistle, but when you see the result of a book about UFOs and it hadn’t come out how Thanks so much for the
Shadmock’s whistle ... I hoped, so rather than jettisoning it, I thought fascinating chat Robin.
I would speak to more people and make it into
What books are you reading at the moment, a documentary, then I thought, I fancy making Find more about The World of
tell us about the Cosmic Shambles network? another about Ealing’s Dead of Night and Robin Ince http://robinince.com/

74 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 HAUN TE D M AGAZINE’S From an idea
by Juliette
If you’re into the Gregson
paranormal you are
probably searching for
answers, WE ARE!! Not
always from the spooks
though, we like to ask
questions on our social
media pages too, from time
to time. It’s a good way
to interact, to learn and
have a bit of fun.

We actually thought it would be interesting to share the thought process of people as we always
have different ways of interpreting a question, dependant on your belief systems and your
personality. BUT first, we have to say this, call it a paranormal disclaimer, if you will:

IF YOU ASK A QUESTION, BE PREPARED FOR THE ANSWER!!!

QUESTION: If you were a ghost, how would you "haunt",

where would you "haunt" and who would you "haunt"?

I’d be a stone tape ghost and I’d haunt the men’s room of a I’d take the spinning plate out of
keep repeating 1988-1998... Do busy pub. Got to get my laughs their microwave! Bev
NOT disturb me! Ashley somewhere. Lucy
Can we throw people through
Well, it would have to be my windows? Asking for a friend.
I’d haunt the space station and
husband and the people who Colin
keep moving things around,
talks about me behind my back.
peeking in the windows,
Wendy I’d haunt somewhere cool and
knocking on the door, etc.
old, but busy. Like a castle. And
Nancy I would haunt all who have lied
I’d make it my mission to give
to me and used me in the past.
I can’t say, it would spoil the people heart attacks. Like waiting
Susan
surprise for those on the round corners, outside toilets
I’d go to the locations where doors etc, where people would
receiving end. Becky
people stabbed me in the back least expect it. Give them a good,
Just as I was reading this there and stole my research and I would instantaneous fright and vanish in
was a bump upstairs. Sheila do stuff like move toilet rolls, a puff of laughter. Lorien
and just basically inconvenience
Don’t really want to be a lost people. Mike I have repeatedly told my
spirit but if I was, I think that I daughters that when I die, they
I’d haunt an old building that
would get great joy in looking are not to sell my yarn stash for
was busy I’d move things from
at the livings faces and seeing pennies. And if they do, I will
room to room and have a sinister
them running away while I was come back and haunt them.
mischievous laugh. I’d touch
bumping around. Linda Seriously considering adding
people when there alone or not
to my Last Will and Testament!
paying attention. John
I’d be a nightmare, there’s Paula
several people who will suffer. I’d knock on people’s doors while
I’m looking forward to it. Angela they are masturbating. Bryan I’ve a list of people who I’m going
to haunt lol...many with mischief
I’d haunt all of the gaslighters and
Me have my friend have decided ... some inconvenient ... and some
make them think THEY’RE crazy!
to have a code word or do payback. Vonne
Kate
something in particular to either
of us when we pass, until we I would haunt all these so-called Keep checking our social media
meet again. Then there’s a few paranormal investigators for for our random questions
others who have broken my being so rude and disrespectful (search Haunted Magazine
heart, I want to scare the shit out especially swearing to all our on Facebook, Twitter or
of them, otherwise I’m all love dearly departed loved ones.... Instagram) and you may appear
and light. Emma Fact. Molly in future issues.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 75
 ‘Lincolnshire is a place that is filled with
mystery, history, and some of breath-taking
scenery, it is a place that I visit regularly, often
in search of old WWII sites, but in recent years
the county has drawn me back time and time
THE CURSED
again. During 2020 and 2021 I was tasked with CAULDRON AT
researching a story that was doing the rounds
but had never been properly researched’ EAST HALTON

A
A reporter friend of mine, who regularly writes ccording to the stories East Halton’s The curious thing about the allegedly cursed
for the national newspapers, had heard a story Manor Farm is the location of a pot, or cauldron, is that with every telling the story
about cursed cauldrons in Lincolnshire, and cauldron, depending upon which story seemed to change. There was no singular
asked me to look into it for him. He knew you read, that is cursed. This was the first narrative, and details such as the ghosts,
that I had a liking for such stories, and as such cursed cauldron I was asked to investigate. hauntings, victims, and locations changed
he wanted me to uncover the truth. We had with every version. Tracing the origins of the
It is said that the object is contained within
worked together on several big stories over the story were also troublesome.
a cask, which in turn is kept locked away
years including “The 1801 Hull UFO Scare,” within a steel cage, which in turn is bricked Mabel Peacock first mentioned the story
“The Beast of Barmston Drain,” and “The up in a cellar. The reason for this is that
of the pot when she was informed that the
Humber Monster,” and on several occasions our the pot is said to have caused at least three
property was haunted by a hob, which had
stories had gone viral. I was reluctant at first to deaths.
first appeared at the property only three or
participate, given that Lincolnshire is not really
The origins of the pot are shrouded in four years before she visited. She reported
my area of expertise, but he soon convinced
mystery, but one of the stories states that that the creature’s appearance was said to
me. I set out to explore the story, but was soon
some years previously the Manor Farm was be linked to an old iron cauldron kept in the
taken down a long weaving, winding track, with
connected via a tunnel in the basement to the cellar. According to her version of the story
one cursed cauldron quickly becoming two!
nearby Thornton Abbey. The abbey itself is the cauldron was full of sand and bones,
While I was researching it became known purported to be haunted, but it was not the which were said to have been the thumb
that I was dipping my toes into the region, ghosts of the abbey that caused the story. bones of children. She was informed that
and as such I was inundated with requests to if the bones or sand were stirred, the hob
Depending upon which version you read, would show itself at 12 o’clock. Peacock
discuss the topic on podcasts and radio shows, either a vertically challenged man with a
eventually appearing on TalkRadio, where we stated that she knew of at least one occasion
birth defect (a humpback dwarf) entered the
discussed the case. At the time, though, I was when the cauldron was removed from the
basement via the tunnel from the abbey and
still researching, and reluctant to give too much cellar, emptied, and used, but with nothing
was subsequently killed on account of him
untoward happening afterwards. Mabel
away. entering the property. Another version states
Peacock was a well-known poet and
that there was a goblin that was found in the
I eventually submitted my research, two pages writer who was often in the Lincolnshire
basement and killed.
of historical data, but the story never made it newspapers during the 1880’s talking about
to the press, so instead I decided to dig deeper. Another version states that the vertically local folklore and local dialect.
When one has a deadline, you can tend to challenged man with the birth defect was
killed by the monks, who, to get rid of the The story would again resurface in 1893,
rush to make it work, but when you have the
evidence, burnt the body and put the ashes when Leland Lewis Duncan sent a letter,
freedom of time, you can spend more hours
in the archives researching and not have to into the pot, which was then smuggled into which stated that the hob would appear at
the Manor Farm basement. Other variations night, and when the cauldron was disturbed,
worry about rushing. The further details that I
link the body in the pot to a mischievous hob, poltergeist activity would take place, with
uncovered are presented here, exclusively, for
a kind of nature spirit, often referred to as reports of chairs moving and falling, and the
the readers of Haunted Magazine!
boggles, in other counties, and occasionally sound of someone running up and down the
sprites. stairs.

76 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
 It was later reported that when the family tried to flee the
relaying them. No sooner had she done this, however,
farm, the hob followed them, causing their return. This is
than a most disagreeable odour was emitted. Her sus-
similar to the hob stories told in North Yorkshire.
picions being aroused, she called her husband, and the
two commenced a minute examination. Three or four
EAST HALTON OR bones were soon turned over, together with a gold ring
and several pieces of black silk. All these had evidently
HALTON HOLEGATE been buried in quicklime, the bones and silk being ob-
viously burnt therewith. The search after this was not
I wanted to ascertain whether there was any historical further prosecuted, but a quantity of sand introduced,
documentation or relevant contemporary newspaper reports and the floor quickly levelled again. Asked what her own
that covered the story and began researching for anything to opinion was on the mysteries, Mrs. Wilson confidently
do with Halton and ghosts. A shocking twist in the story came asserted that her belief at some time or other foul play
when a new story emerged that caused a sensation when it had taken place. She was fully persuaded in her own
was published during August 1897 in a number of newspapers, mind with regard to the apparition, for thought it was
including The London Daily News, dated Monday August 30th, suggested she might have been mistaken, she disdained
1897, The Manchester Evening News, dated Monday August the idea as being beneath notice. Dr. Gay, to whom the
bones were submitted, stated that they might be those
30th, 1897, and The Sheffield Daily Telegraph, also dated Monday
of a dog or pig. Writing later, the correspondent says
August 30th, 1897, and many more, it stated:
Dr. Gay on further examination states the bones are un-
doubtedly human, but he believes them to be nearly a
hundred years old.
A LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST STORY.
STRANGE TALE FROM A COUNTRY
That version of the events was published in countless newspapers
FARMHOUSE around the country. It laid the foundation for the story which
would gather pace over the next few days with many twists and
From Halton Holegate, a village near Spilsby, Lincolnshire,
comes a mysterious story, which one can easily imagine caus- turns, but it also moved the story from East Halton to Halton
ing the utmost sensation among the simple country folk in Holegate.
the neighbourhood. For some time, rumours of human bones East Halton, the village associated with the infamous cursed
having been discovered under a brick floor of a farm near the cauldron is a civil parish in North Lincolnshire that stands to the
village, of strange unearthly tapping, and the like having been north-west of Immingham and stands approximately 2.55 km /
heard, and of a ghost having been seen, have been afloat, and 1.59 miles to the north of North Killingholme, and approximately
it was with the intention (if possible) of sighting the mystery 2.83 km / 1.76 miles to the west of the Humber, from where the
to the bottom that a Lincolnshire reporter visited the scene. Killingholme and Immingham ports are situated.
The farmstead where the weird sounds are said to have been
heard and the ghost seen stands back some distance from Halton Holegate is a small village in the East Lindsey District, and
the high road, and is occupied by a Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, and also stands in Lincolnshire. The village stands approximately 1.91
their manservant. On being interviewed by the reporter, Mrs. km / 1.19 miles from the junction of the A16 and B1195 roads at
Wilson narrated the following story: Spilsby.
Halton Holegate stands approximately 60.96 km / 37.88 miles to
“We came here on Lady Day last. The first night or so we the south-east of East Holgate.
heard very strange noises about midnight, as though some-
one was knocking at the doors and walls. Once it seemed as Another story that was printed in numerous sources was a follow
though someone was moving all the things about in a hurry up that included a few more details. The follow up was printed
downstairs. Another time the noise was like a heavy picture in The Lancashire Evening Post, dated Wednesday September 1st,
falling from the wall, but in the morning, I found everything 1897, it stated:
as right as it was the night before. The servant man left, say-
ing that he dare not stop, and we had to get another. Then
about six weeks ago I saw “something.” Before getting into THE LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST
bed, my husband having retired before me, I thought I would
do downstairs and see if the cow was all right, as it was about Further discoveries are being made at the farmhouse in
to calve. I did so, and then at the foot of the stairs, just as I Halton Holgate, near Spilsby, where the movements of the
was about to go up again, I saw an old man standing at the latest Lincolnshire ghost were reported the other day. An-
top and looking at me. He was standing as though he was other examination of the brickwork covering the floor of
very round-shouldered. How I got past I can’t say, but I dart- the sitting room was made yesterday, when several more
ed past him into the bedroom and slammed the door. Here bones were unearthed, and further pieces of carded silk
I went to get some water from the dressing table, but feeling were found. These, together with the bones discovered
that someone was behind me, I turned round sharply, and on the previous occasion, are broken, and decayed, but,
there again stood the same old man. He quickly vanished, but according to the medical advice already consulted, the ev-
I am quite certain I had seen him. I have also seen him sever- idence is clear that the body interred was that of a lady.
al times since, though not quite so distinctly.” Mrs. Wilson Despite the wide publication given to the movements of
next conducted her interviewer to the sitting room, where it the “ghost,” the nocturnal visitant continues to make his
appeared a gruesome discovery had been made. The floor in mysterious presence known in a variety of ways. Every
one corner, it seems, had been very uneven, and a day or two night the occupants of the farmhouse are disturbed by
ago Mrs. Wilson took up the bricks with the intention of her knockings and tappings.

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 77
 For some days, however, the “round shouldered old man” Wilson a manservant. Mrs. Wilson has been seen and told the
who suddenly appeared before the farmer’s wife has not following remarkable story: -
been seen. A lamp is now kept burning in the bedroom,
where, according to Mrs. Wilson, the apparition made his “We came here on Lady Day last. The first night or so we heard
previous appearance. very strange noises about midnight, as though someone was knock-
ing at the door and walls. Once it seemed as though someone was
moving all the things about in a hurry downstairs. Another time
The Derby Mercury dated Wednesday September 1st, 1897, the noise was like a heavy picture falling from the wall, but in the
featured a brief report on the case that was different from the morning, I found everything as right as it was the night before.
other stories. It stated that the Lincolnshire ghost was disturbed The servant man left, saying he dared not stop, and we had to get
when the bones were exhumed, and that the best way to put another. Then about six weeks ago I saw something. Before getting
these nocturnal supernatural visits to rest, would be to bury the into bed – my husband having retired before me – I went downstairs
bones in consecrated ground. to see the cow, and just as I was about to go up again, I saw an old
man standing at the top looking at me. He was standing as though
The Westminster Gazette, a newspaper published in London also he was round-shouldered. How I got past I can’t say, but I darted
past him into the bedroom and slammed the door. Afterwards I felt
picked up on the story in a report dated Friday September 3rd,
that someone was behind me; I turned round sharply, and there
1897, which stated:
again stood the same old man. He quickly vanished, but I am quite
certain I saw him. I have also seen him several times since, though
THE LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST STORY not quite so distinctly.”

of
Mr. Millson Enderby, of the Station Hotel, Boston, as proprietor Mrs. Wilson next conducted her interviewer to the sitting room,
the High Farm, Halton Holgate, near Spilsby, where the Lincolnshire where a gruesome discovery had been made. The floor in one
ghost was reported to have made its appeara nce, writes to deny many corner had been very uneven, and a day or two ago Mrs. Wilson
of the statements publishe d in connect ion with that subject. He adds: took up the bricks with the intention of relaying them. No sooner
“The house is a lonely place, stands in the middle of the farm, and has had she done this than a most disagreeable odour was emitted.
been occupied by farmers, auctione ers, &c, since it was built in 1819.” Her suspicions being aroused, she called her husband, and the
two commenced a minute examination. Three or four bones were
soon turned over, together with a gold ring and several pieces of
On the same day The Stamford Mercury, dated Friday September old black silk. All these had evidently been buried in quick lime.
3rd, 1897, added a slightly different angle to the story with an
Asked what her own opinion of the affair was, Mrs. Wilson confi-
article that it published which stated:
dently asserted her belief that at some time or other foul play had
taken place. She was fully persuaded in her own mind with regard
to the apparition, and though it was suggested she might have
THE LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST: been mistaken she disdained the idea as being beneath notice.
MORE HUMAN REMAINS FOUND
Dr. Gay, a local medical man, to whom the bones have been sub-
Further excavations under a farmhou se at Halton Holegate, under mitted, states that they are undoubtedly human, but he believes
the brick floor of the sitting room, have led to more bones being them to be nearly 100 years old.
unearth ed and more pieces of corded silk being found. This far
the bones of the arms and legs have been found, presuma bly of a
female. Every night the occupants are aroused by knockings and The Sheffield Daily Telegraph featured a follow up report on
tappings, but the ghostly visitor has not been seen for over a week, Monday September 13th, 1897, which stated:
a lamp being now kept burning in the bedroom where Mrs. Wilson
asserts that she several times saw the apparitio n of an old man.
THE LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST. FURTHER
PARTICULARS.
The Illustrated Police News, dated Saturday September 4th,
1897, a newspaper that published a lot of national crime Despite all efforts the Lincolnshire ghost mystery still remains
stories even picked up on the story, it stated that: unravelled. That the noise nightly heard cannot be attributed to
rats has been amply demonstrated, and other suggestions when
acted upon likewise fail to elucidate the mystery. All over the
A LINCOLNSHIRE GHOST. SUPPOSED country the affair has excited the greatest interest, and two Lon-
DISCOVERY OF HUMAN BONES. don gentlemen have written asking for permission to stay a night
in the house. Other letters have been received from clairvoyants
The good folk at Halton Holegate, a village near Spilsby, in Lincoln- asking for pieces of the silk or one of the bones found under the
shire, are excited over a ghost story. For some time, rumours have floor, whilst a London clergyman has written advising Mrs. Wil-
been afloat of human bones having been discovered under the brick son to have the bones buried in consecrated ground. “Then,” he
floor of a farm near the village, of strange unearthly tappings having says, “the ghostly visitor will trouble you no longer.” The owner
been heard, and of the appearance of a ghostly visitor as the precursor of the house in question – a farmstead near Halton Holegate, near
of these happenings. Spilsby – has tries to throw discredit on the whole affair, but such
efforts have failed, and it now transpires the house was known to
The farmstead, where the weird sounds are said to have been
be haunted fully 30 years ago.
heard and the ghost is said to have been seen, stands some
distance from the high road, and is occupied by Mr. and Mrs.

78 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
CURSES, CAULDRONS,
BLACK DOGS, GHOSTS,
AND A ONE-EYED COW

I
n February 1932 the property was visited by Ethel Rudkin and
reported that it was badly haunted. Rudkin was a well-known
folklorist. She reported that the pot was put in the basement by the
then occupiers, and to put the spirit to rest it was covered in pins and
earth. Rudkin reported that she got into the cellar by a single stone
set of steps, with the cellar being 8ft square, and the pot buried under
a slab in the centre. Rudkin was able to interview a former resident,
who claimed that she had never ever moved the pot for fear of getting
bad luck for life. Ethel Rudkin would eventually publish her version
of events and often made appearances in the Lincolnshire newspapers
discussing folklore, Arthurian legends, and stories of Big Black Dogs in
the district.
In 1975 the pot made headline news again when the Lincolnshire Echo
Mr. W. Winter in the village, gave birth to a one-eyed calf a few days
reported on the deaths of three individuals, all of whom had links to
earlier. The animal also had one ear, and the jaws were crossed. It
the curse attached to the pot. At that time the builder responsible for
was stated that the animal was healthy but would not be able to eat
the renovations was Mr. Alf Darwood, who was photographed with the
solid food and would have rely on a diet of milk.
pot.
According to the report a local businessman, named John Morton, CONCLUSION
purchased the property, and began extensive renovations. He was
asked whether he wanted the pot removing, by the local minister It would appear that both Halton Holegate and East Halton
Reverend Bob Kenyon, who firmly believed in the curse, but he have stories regarding allegedly haunted properties in which are
decided to put steel plates around the pot to stop it being moved. allegedly cursed cauldrons which have since been bricked up. Both
have historical backgrounds, with historical contemporary reports,
It was later reported that the cellar had been bricked up and was but both stories have swapped details with each telling, and as such
unreachable today, and that the pot was still there, in the steel cage they have become inter-twined.
away from curious onlookers.
According to the legend a family by the name of Atkin took over the ‘Whatever the case, I would firmly suggest that if you venture into
Manor Farm in East Halton during the early 20th century, with a young Lincolnshire over the next few months, you avoid touching, kicking,
boy dismissing the story. It was said that he took the pot and threw it holding, grabbing, removing, or returning any cauldrons in the
into the village pond but was later killed when a wagon ran him over district!’
down the lane. The little boy was never named in any of the stories
and a search of the contemporary newspapers show no such event
Mike Covell
having taken place, or at the very least not been reported. You would East Halton, with Manor Farm, marked as Manor House on this
think, though, that such a story would make the headlines! map from the 1890’s.
It is then claimed that a local, who was superstitious, took the pot
from the pond and returned it to the cellar, but died within the day...
or hours, depending upon which version of the story you read. The
man was never named in any of the stories, and again a search of the
contemporary newspaper reports revealed no such story. Again, you
think that such a story would make the headlines, but again there was
nothing reported.
It is claimed that Atkin warned his children to stay away from the pot,
but one evening his son, six-year-old Charles, accidentally knocked
into it, and the following day Charles was killed when he was ran over
by a haycart.
Curiously a search of the British Death Indexes for Charles Atkin aged
6 turned up a blank. Alternatively, a search of the 19th and 20th century
newspapers also failed to turn up such a story. Some versions of the
story state that the Atkin family resided at the farm from 1930 but
searching the historical newspaper archives for the name of Charles
Atkin or Atkins turned up a blank for a six-year-old boy being killed in
such a tragedy.
It was after this that his father ordered that the cellar be bricked up,
and the pot put out of reach of anyone who might dare to break
superstition. ≠
East Halton is no stranger to strange goings on, on Friday January 7th,
1927, it was reported in the Hull Daily Mail that a cow, belonging to

HAUNTED MAGAZINE 79
 The Scrambled Ramblings of Hubert’s Ramblings…

PROTECT, RESPECT &

HELP THE AGED
‘Fresh from many days of shielding llow me to indulge in a rant first Admittedly the circle and cairn had been
and lockdown after lockdown,
Hubert Hobux, the oldest ghost
hunter that we know (there’s rumour
he quaffed a few with Harry Price
A if I may. So sadly, as I predicted,
the lockdown release brought the
urbanised survivors from beneath their
rocks and immediately tried to catch up
on the destruction of the earth... Belching
previously “ knocked about a bit”... partially
excavated by Thomas Bateman (“The Barrow
Knight”) in 1852, when he removed various
artefacts from the monument including
‘bucket’ urns, cups and calcined human
and downed Absinthe with Conan- poisonous exhaust fumes into the newly remains. Then in 1932 J.P. Heathcote, county
Doyle you know), is on a journey, cleaned air, strewing the beaches with plastic archaeologist, dug anew, finding evidence
spiritually YES, paranormal OF and bodily fluids... littering the leafy country of five more cremations and excavated bone,
lanes with the detritus of disrespectful bronze and flint implements.
COURSE but also a physical journey
humanity... We were patient, we Pottery was recovered, as
walking and exploring the many allowed them their moment of well as further evidence
beautiful locations his local area and hysteria as they emerged of calcined human
surroundings have to offer. Penning blinking out into the remains, notably
them to parchment via a feathered brightness of a new day... a female... He
quill (and sending them to us via but the maltreatment of a interpreted the
local ancient monument monument as a
either pigeon, a coach and horses, or has gone beyond the place of burial,
mysteriously packaged and left for pale. ritual and possibly
us), he visits locations you may know, an area reserved
some you may not, and writes about Doll Tor, “Six Stones“, for seasonal
them in his own unequivocal and an early Bronze Aged celebrations.
stone circle, is in a The placing of
unique style’ the later cairn or
secluded dell long
cairns shows that
prone to unintentional the site was used for
abuse from neo pagans... a protracted period
unfortunately the circle has of time.... though that
been lately desecrated by wild doesn’t give people the right
campers, who deconstructed parts to invade and damage the site
of the site to “scrape out” a “fire pit”, in the euphoria of lockdown release... I’ll tell
destroying the ancient centre cairn in you why I’m always very respectful when
approaching these ancient spiritual sites;
the process… as well as lighting other
sites that may still harbour things of which
fires dangerously close to tinder dry we do not understand.... When the Heathcote
scrub... how the copse wasn’t engulfed party were excavating here in 1933, three
in flames is a mystery known only to the of the stones were mysteriously smashed
elementals! overnight.

80 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
No explanation was ever found. They
are now held together with concrete.

I had my own spirit-ee encounter

THE SEARCH FOR
at another sacred circle in the
Peaks...
THE SHATTON BOGGART
he story goes thus; a labourer refreshingly
I will never forget that first walk
to The Seven Stones of Hordron,
and I’d been curious to visit that
unique Derbyshire stone circle for a
long, long time... even before I was
T had been helping the farmer at
Old Lees, upon completion of his
toil he heads off back home along
Offerton Lane... reaching “the two stone
stoops between which the pathway from
contrary to
her scientific upbringing... maybe she
had absorbed the paranormal vibe
from the place of her birth... Wortley
Forge... Born 16th March 1886 to Thomas
orientated to the locale I had heard Shatton runs into a field”, he found his Andrews, a steel master, and his wife
first hand from “Megalith Baggers way blocked by a black, misty mass of... Mary Hannah Stanley. Mary Andrews
“ that the “interesting site” was something disconcerting... stopping followed a medical career becoming a
worthwhile seeking out... generally him dead in his tracks with a dread that Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
they hunt usually overgrown, heather convinced him not to proceed. (England) and a Licentiate of the Royal
obscured Neolithic sites… Hordron College of Physicians. Her “calling”
Edge was a little more distinct than “The Boggart simply wouldn’t was probably influenced by her uncle,
others with paradoxically nine, of the allow him to pass there, Dr. William Dyson, who was one
stumpy menhirs are still standing... as had always been of the foremost physicians
and came with folklore attached... his custom. So, he in Sheffield. During The
The slightly larger stone aligned with worked his way Great War, Dr. Andrews
far off Lose Hill is actually known round to a gap was one of the doctors
as the “Fairy Stone” ... oft noticed in the hedge, stationed at the V.A.D.
were mysterious lights, witnessed only to find hospital at St. John’s
flitting around and over the Edge by that ‘the Church Rooms...
the travellers negotiating the paths thing’ was to (Dore?). ...In June
of Moscar Moor in twilight... The Fae confront him 1920 she accepted
were obviously dancing about still... I there also. the appointment
was magnetically drawn, still took me ‘It wasn’t a of Medical Officer
several years to reach the Circle of dog or a ram’ to the Cherry tree
Hordron though... he assured Orphanage and
those to whom stayed in the role
Whichever way you approach the he spoke of his for a decade, earning
Seven Stones is steep... very... adventure. ‘Oh, great respect during the
and frequently claggy and you’re dear no! It was Scarlet Fever epidemic
often alone as they’re not on a something terrifying of August 1929, “when
path “to anywhere” as such... not and supernatural!’ she insisted that the children
directionally anyway ... As I crested Finally, he abandoned his should all be taken to camp in Filey
the plateau gasping ... and picked up endeavour to reach Offerton so that the Orphanage could be closed
the old sheep trail towards what must by his usual route and sought his and properly disinfected. Many an orphan
have been the ceremonial entrance destination circuitously.” would later pay tribute to the role that Dr.
... I was struck by an awe of solemn Andrews played in their early welfare and
reverence for some reason... and felt You can still follow the blighted development.”
the need to “ask permission to enter labourers’ route very easily, and an
their sacred circle...” best thing I did, eerie way it can be on occasion... with Mary was a driving force in the area,
for as I walked around the inner circle only the sheep peripherally observing became an A.R.P. Officer at Chapel en le
in a processional stroll I was slowly your progress, some tortuously twisted Frith during World War Two and famously
overtaken and enveloped by one of trees and curiously discarded ancient dug her own air raid shelter, single-
those cold, “staticky” embraces! boundary stones mysteriously lining your handedly, in her garden at Shatton, so the
Gentle and brief, something was trail.... the high moorland above you is locals took her to their hearts and readily
indicating its awareness of me, and of course littered with remnants from shared closely held folk tales with her...
I was relieved my intentions were the Bronze Age and earlier peoples, you When the Shatton Boggart actually made
good... the sense was of something could well imagine some primordial force its nefarious appearance is not recorded
incredibly old and wise... I noticed of avenging energy swooping down from historically, but I am fairly certain that
the tributes people had obviously the dark peaty heights to confront your the person who related the account to
taken up as offerings, simple cockle deepest inner fears...... her was passing down a well believed and
shells, pebbles, and small stones handed down family narrative!
apparently from other far-off areas, Some say... this tale is only a slice from
I had nothing with me to leave but I the vivid imagination of Doctor Mary In her correspondence with another
promised to bring something next Andrews... a marvellous lady who lived follower of the otherworld-ee she wrote:
time and placed my hand on the Fairy in Shatton after taking a break from her
Stone in gratitude for such a kind beloved Totley Wolf Cub troop... of whom You mentioned faeries the other day.
welcome... and I kid you not, the Fairy she had been “Scoutmaster” of the 85th People living in our isolated villages and
Stone that day... was pulsing with Sheffield from 1919 until 1940. A keen on our lonely farms not only believe in
energy.... writer and member of the Buxton Writer’s them but see them and hear them! Yes,
Circle as well as a student of local history we have our faeries in plenty. And we
So, forgive our jealousy in wanting and archaeology, Dr. Andrews published have our boggarts and our hobgoblins,
to protect our local ancient at least two books: A Child’s History of often seen in the form of black dogs.
heritage from maltreatment... Sheffield and A Scout’s Short History The dales folk speak of them as ‘hounds
some of us will always be of Sheffield. She was also a renowned of hell’. And, of course, we have our
respectful for the old... the raconteur of local ghost stories... phantom horses – any number of them...
mystical old...
HAUNTED MAGAZINE 81
WHERE THERE’S
HOPE THERE’S…
his may explain why I had my own

T haunted encounter on another ancient

highway to Hope... that narrow hill
lane mostly ploughs through and
connects mediaeval farmsteads and crofts
that have populated the slopes of Win Hill
since settlement began... a more solitary
route for me to take toward the fleshpots
of our larger village, I began walking Aston
Lane as a matter of regular course... and
almost immediately started having eerie
encounters on the metalled trail with its
blind bends obscured by high hedging and
dry stone wall... your senses always need
to be heightened... listening out ahead for
approaching motor car or breakneck speed BUT THERE’S MORE…
racing bicycle ‘peloton’ bearing deadly silent
down toward you... That haunted encounter happened several this part of the Peaks were farmed by the
years ago... I hadn’t walked Aston Lane occupants of these tiny croft steads, this
I once cleared a bend, and was faced with in a long while and I have only recently was where I was meant to be, amidst this
a large gentleman sat high on horseback, started enjoying its solitudal calm again. sheltered lea, with its feel of timelessness
dressed in full hunting pink his black I expect that’s why I was compelled to ...so I took some photographs, absorbed
mount trotting toward me ...when the pair commit the experience to paper. Then whatever energy may have lingered, and
disappeared into thin air in a split second... just after I’d penned the account... the headed back downhill towards the proper
I stood non plussed for a second or two...
very next day as happens, I was headed old path whilst the going was good...
ventured toward the spot they had gone....
off towards the Co-Operative shopping
and sensed a full frisson of swirling energy.
Been over there a hundred times since. Never emporium down in the ‘Valley ‘ when I was Shopping completed. I was back home
seen phantom man or horse again. Did take led off on a path less trod by some force later that afternoon and mentally
some pictures at the time and was warned not of my own control... yes, I was ‘spirit recounting the movements of my day, for
by a *social media psychic* that something led’ again! the life of me I couldn’t think why the trip
dark lurked in the fields to the side of that had taken a good hour longer than should
place... That wasn’t the oddest encounter I found myself around the back of a have been expected... nothing out of the
I have had on that lane though... further quiet hamlet on an aimless, though ordinary perhaps, I didn’t have to rush
along, a mile or so toward “Kings Haigh “ is public footpath, {archaically used by about after all ... but that night I didn’t get
Tudor period-built Aston Hall, (once a home camping girl guides to obtain milk and the best of sleeps... though I was blaming
for the ancient ‘Balguy’ family) and an old bread from the farm behind a Chapel}... the full Strawberry Moon for that! The
farmstead called “Dimmings” between the Scaling an atmospheric, little used stile next morning, I woke thinking of that poor
two spots ... Once walking that way, from I was immediately bombarded by sticks young Jackdaw and the guilt I might have
a distance I envisaged... leaning against a thrown from the clustered canopy above, helped it better played on my mind for
dry-stone wall... a quaintly dressed farm a cacophony of screech and caw followed, some hours...
lad, and a much fancier lady next to him... and as I jumped down into the long, wet
stood motionless, expressionless, patiently grass a tiny black bundle started flopping As I chored through the daily routines,
waiting.... twice more I saw them on different
about in front of me... a baby Jackdaw a picture of the farm lad and fine lady
journeys by.... each time gleaning a little
either blown out of the roost or fledged sprung into my head ... and it dawned
more of their happenstance, though not
through word of mouth as of course they too early was stranded on the ground in on me... in an almost “Ghosts of
weren’t there in actual bodily person... and distress… and the large “Clattering” of Shepherdstown “ revelation... that they
the story was odd... and unrecorded... she elder Jackdaw’s were trying to scare me could... no must... have some connection
had confided in him, {the farm lad}, of some away with their din! to that tract of land... For even though
disagreement she had had with her master, it’s not of great acreage agriculturally
the master enraged, disposed of her, fearing I gladly left them to their own little speaking, there is space aplenty to lose
ruin otherwise... and the farm lad now ‘Corvid’ drama and followed my nose and forget a discomfiture or two...?!
suspecting too much had to go also ... what along an ancient cart track crossing the
isolated strip of sheep pasture they ended field top… (I shouldn’t have; this is private I thought I’d laid the pair a good while
up in goodness alone knows.. I guess in those farmland and I admittedly have no right ago... maybe they are asking for more?
days, possibly the early nineteenth century... to trespass over it... I can only apologise Maybe I’ll seek permission of the farmer
plain country folk’s disappearance could be for my hypocritical digression by claiming and have a good long wander over those
easily explained by ‘scandalous elopement I was being blindly led) ... Where I was grassy slopes with the dowsing rods?
‘ and they would soon be discussed only in going, I didn’t know, having never cut
hushed gossip by brow beaten servant staff… across these fields before, cattle was Hopefully, the simple fact that something
roaming but at that moment I had no needed to be writ will suffice... {never
After those few moments of hallucinatory concern of being seen and rebuked, all have I been so drained or affected
revelation, the pair seem to have gone...
that mattered was to proceed... then up mentally when writing on a topic of
maybe to a better place... Who really knows?
ahead of me, the dry stone walled gable imagination}. Who knows these two might
of some ruined old farm building came be the elusive ghostly entities of my own
Good day to you all, I hope our paths cross
into view... the remnants of one of the old Boggart Bungalow and this could be the
again...

Hubert H.
‘crofts ‘ I assumed. Since mediaeval days, endgame of that haunting?

82 HAUNTED MAGAZINE
EDITOR HAUNTED MAGAZINE ISSUE 31: “2:22AM”
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