From my collection of rare works on Poltergeists, I select another tract dealing with London ‘infestations’. I am including this in the present volume because (a), the case is intrinsically good; (b) the tract must be extremely rare because I have neither seen nor heard of another copy; (c) to my knowledge, the tract has never been reprinted, and the case is quite unknown among students; and (d) it gives me an excuse for reproducing the delightful title-page—which is a story in itself. There are so few London Poltergeist cases that I could not resist the temptation to include the account of the ‘mysterious house’ in this collection.
The tract is a large octavo of eight pages, published in London about 1820. It is not difficult to fix the date of the pamphlet, because there is an allusion to gas-lighting. It was very early in the nineteenth century that a German named F. A. Winsor1 came all the way from Frankfort to London to demonstrate his process of making gas at the Lyceum Theatre. This was in 1804. In the year 1807 Pall Mall was lighted by gas. Then followed Westminster Bridge (1813); the whole of Westminster (1814); and by 1816 gas-lighting was common all over London. From the allusion to gas in the text, and to other indicia, I regard the tract as having been printed about the year 1820.
The title of the tract is The History of the Mysterious House and Alarming Appearances at the Corner of Stamford St., Blackfriars Road… and was published by W. Jenkinson, 91, Leather Lane, Holborn. The site of our ‘mysterious house’ is today occupied by the Blackfriars branch of the Midland Bank, No. 1, Stamford St., S.E.I, and Poltergeists there must be few and far between. But in 1820 the house was one of those old, rambling, derelict places that look haunted if they are not. It probably acquired an evil reputation simply because it was empty for many years and had fallen into disrepair. However, someone took the trouble to investigate both house and the stories connected with it, and left for posterity a history of the strange occurrences, some of which (the reverberating knocker, the shower of halfpence, the sudden disappearance of pies and joints, the lights at the window, etc.) are true Poltergeist stuff. I wish our historian had told us what the ‘ladies who tarry at the corner’ thought about it all.
However, I can throw a little light on the subsequent history of the haunted house—or should it be houses? In Edward Walford’s Old and New London2 it is stated: ‘At the corner of Stamford Street and Blackfriars Road, on the spot now occupied by the Central Bank of London3 and three or four large houses adjoining it, stood, till 1874, a row of tenements, which for many years previously, owing to the eccentricity of their owner, a Miss Angelina Read, had been allowed to remain unoccupied. They had long been windowless, and the dingy rooms encumbered with dirt and rubbish and overrun with rats; indeed, such a forlorn and desolate aspect had they assumed that they became generally known as the “haunted houses”. In the above year, Miss Read having bequeathed them to the Consumption Hospital at Brompton, they were demolished, and some fine buildings have been erected in their place.’
Walford, in 1878, mentions ‘haunted houses’. But the 1820 tract refers only to a ‘large old house’, a ‘commodious dwelling of two stories’. I suggest that, in 1820, the tenements contiguous to the house were in good repair and occupied. And that in 1878, the ‘old house’ had disintegrated into rubbish, and that the tenements were then fast disappearing, too—hence they also acquired a reputation for being haunted.
The ‘strange looking lady enveloped entirely in black’, mentioned in the tract, could hardly have been the eccentric Angelina Read who bequeathed the ‘house’ to the Brompton Hospital in 1874. So there may have been two strange female owners of the strange house. Perhaps that ‘induced’ the Poltergeist! Well, then, here is the story (slightly abridged), complete with ‘anilisation’ by the author, of the Poltergeist house at ‘Skeleton’s Corner’:
THE MYSTERIOUS HOUSE
In the Blackfriars Road
Description of the House,—The house is a very commodious dwelling of two stories, the front in Stamford Street; its frowning dingy appearance strikes at once any one with a notion that it is a pity such a building should be left to decay and go to ruin.
The many accounts prevalent of the strange things seen and heard render them worthy of being recorded.
Large old houses are apt from the length of their timbers and being greater in quantity than in modern buildings to give, their joists to settle, and at various times to crack and split, so as to cause an alarming noise and stir up the imagination to fancy the most horrible and terrifying visions; even the bricks in the chimnies at times get loose and rolling down into an empty room would mightily disturb any timid person.
The windows below are terribly shattered, and whether done by visible or invisible hands they present a strange and singular appearance.
It is the common notion from the noises which are at times heard that the house is in the possession of ghostly hands, and from what has been seen it might truly be thought to be the case.
At one time it was considered to be frequented by the ladies who tarry at the corner, (hence called the unfortunate skeletons’ corner, of which an account will be given hereafter,) however let who inhabit it that dares for a feeling always prevails of getting past it as soon as possible.
It is said that no one could stand and watch it at night but what something or other was sure to create astonishment and surprise, and the many attracted to the spot at times is very great.
Singular shadows are also very frequently seen, sometimes in one part and then in another, but always varying and changing, with the usual mysterious sounds attendant, which are as indescribable as the shadows themselves.
Whoever did last occupy it seems not be be known, and their mysterious disappearance noticed, till the look of the house and other strange things brought it under the eye of the public.
The following is the earliest account that caused notice to be taken of this mysterious building—
Some time since, about midnight, the passengers were suddenly surprised by flashes of light appearing at each window, and being known as an empty house of course could not be accounted for, their astonishment was however increased as they became more frequent, and between each flash a low moaning sound like a being in distress struck upon the ear; this was repeated at intervals, and a mist was also seen to rise and invelope the house as almost to hide it from the sight, but this clearing off it seemed at rest and as peaceable as ever.
The number of atrocious deeds committed in some buildings and never brought to light except by accident or the demolition of them, is enough to awaken any one to be cautious of where they enter, and the number of skeletons found at different times without any account being able to be given of how they came in the places found render it natural when a place looks suspicious to be circumspect.
It is not to be supposed that anything of this wicked kind was ever enacted within these walls, but the reports about the above would cause any one to believe it to be of the most horrible and grave character.
The following is an account of things said to have taken place and seen:—
The astonishment and consternation created one night may be better imagined than described when the spectre of a woman in white without a head was seen at full length at one of the windows, there being no light it could not be so well seen, but it was plain enough to be described; how the head was taken off could not be told, but dressed in a winding sheet it presented a hideous appearance, and scared many away at the time; it soon gradually disappeared, and the figure of a murderous looking villain with a razor in one hand and the head of a female apparently in a handkerchief was seen as if in the act of making an escape.
The singular shadow of a female without a head was enough to alarm any individual, and the figure seen afterwards would seem to reveal some shocking tragedy. In the day time all the shutters appear to be shut, but this cannot be the case at night, when such sights are seen. It is almost impossible to describe all that has been said to have been seen in or about this mysterious dwelling. One account is related of it being once the residence of a rich heiress, who being left without a guardian, was overwhelmed by suitors, and many was the duels fought in her behalf. How many victims fell through their violent passion cannot be told, but the house is supposed to be haunted with their spectres. A very slight clue was ever got to trace the steps of this young lady, and being missed suddenly, whether she died by the hands of her desperate lovers or naturally was never known.
Among the reports of spectres seen is that of a skeleton with a light, which at any time would be enough to scare many timid persons away; it is also observed how quiet the place seems in the day, which but from the state in which it is in would create no astonishment, though at night when such scenes as the above are seen, renders it an object of curiosity and wonderment.
Another report states that some nights is heard a continual tapping at the windows, but nothing visible; it has even been said that the knocker has kept knocking at the door, but this would be singular indeed. A strange looking figure has also been seen to bob its head up the iron-plate hole in the street; if such queer looking visitors were often seen no doubt they would be soon in possession of more premises than these, and many a scared face would tell other strange accounts of what had been seen, but fortunately its respect adheres only to this place.
It will be in the recollection of the reader, that a strange looking lady, enveloped entirely in black, used to saunter about the Blackfriars road, and who she was or where she came from nobody ever knew; from one year’s end to the other her dress was always the same. A year or so since it was reported that this individual died, but it is said that her spirit still hovers about these premises, and frequently appears at the windows. It is not known whether this individual was in any way connected with the proprietorship of these premises, or it might be surmised that some singular attachment still adhered her to them; a restless spirit is not unfrequently to be met with in this life, therefore it is not to be supposed but it may exist in the other.
But, again—This Old House is not situated in a crowded neighbourhood but in a large open thoroughfare and before the eyes of every passer by—and as may be said—the strange appearance of the rolled up blinds would lead one to think that the supposed inmates had a care that they should be preserved and kept clean, but when we see the inside shutters shut may be they are not aware of the demolition of the glass; indeed what can be thought when such singularities take place as described, and moreover who can doubt the character of the inhabitants who choose to live in such a circumscribed space.
It has been known for an individual to be so venturesome as to make a descent into the front area, but it must be the temptation of what curiosities may be found that could induce anyone to show such courage.
Some still more mysterious things have been said to have happened, which it will be as well to relate. A scraper placed at the door and suddenly disappearing would create but little astonishment, as the prowlers about often take a fancy to that useful article; neither can it be wondered at that quartern loaves disappear when a baker happens to leave his barrow at the door for the same purpose; but what can be said when a butcher passing the door should suddenly miss the weight of meat from his shoulder, sure enough he would exclaim, ‘somebody has prigged the beef, but who—who;—well might he exclaim who, when just before the baker’s boy had lost the savoury minced pies and never discovered it till about to deliver them. The butcher said he seed nobody take it, so did the baker’s boy—but it was a scurvy trick to take the man’s milk and fill his pails with chalk and water.
The pieman at the opposite corner has long wondered how his pies kept so hot, as not thinking the warmth from the gas light above him could have that effect, but he always continued his cry of pies hot! pies hot! till a coming customer, when upon serving he found there was not the shadow of a pie left, lawks, says he, how is this? when a shower of halfpence from no one knew where put an end to his astonishment and his customer disappeared.
Among other singular tales told of these premises is that of the invisible postman for certain it is that he is never seen; but more than that no landlord is ever known to apply for his rent, a truly uncommon occurrence; but something more astonishing than either of the above, is the fact of no taxgatherer venturing to poke his sagacious nose at the door, these truly singular circumstances must show that they have a fear in applying that it may be in vain; for whoever heard of ghosts paying any rent or taxes, but ghostly letters are to be seen often enough in the hands of silly creditors. Another startling fact is also said to be that no tallyman has ever been seen to call, a notorious oversight in the arrangements of the inmates. Whoever knew a house to represent peace and plenty without all the above visitants. It is well known that hundreds of other houses are equally as much haunted as the above, for the meagre forms and emaciated countenances fully develop the ghostly meals they partake of daily; and yet the landlord and taxgather have no repugnance in calling upon them, and in the event of their not being able to comply to their demands, take care not to leave them the ghost of a stick.
What an excellent opportunity for a courageous individual to undertake the battle with the sprites and clear the place; and how many would be glad to have the job?
It would be certainly much better if no one has any claim to the place, for the inhabitants to be charitable and endeavour to make a little more revenue to the parish, by their having better tenants than are reported; and there is no doubt that such would be found who would be ready enough to shelter themselves withour fear of molestation on the parts of the ghosts—The winter is fast approaching and with shame let it be said, that during the last inclement season, so spacious a tenement should be empty while so many poor creatures were prowling the streets. It is not wished that the inhabitants should be annoyed by having a receptacle for the distressed so close to their sensitive noses, and yet they would be much gratified at the good done; and poverty is not (much to their credit,) deemed such an unpardonable crime in that as in other localities.
Having detailed all the reports of these mysterious premises in as near a form as possible to their relating, it will generally be supposed that a great deal of fiction is here introduced, but in order to dispel as much as possible any doubts on the subject an anilisation of the different parts will be as well to be made.
It is certainly possible as the eye being at all times likely to be deceived, that second sight developing supernatural antics was brought into practice; but it would be as well to endeavour to fathom the causes of such mysterious accounts, and the following is adduced,—
How startled and surprised we should be to find ourselves brushed by and yet not see the cause. According to one report the house is suddenly illuminated; could this have been by the magic influence of glaring lightning, and the ugly figures might have been the reflection on the glass of the lookers on themselves?
At another time is seen the appearance of a skeleton, this would scare timid persons enough at any time, but persons of stronger nerves would be apt to enquire into the cause of such an appearance. Who knows but at the doctor’s opposite an anatomical subject may be for surgical science placed in a room opposite to where the identical figure was seen, and the light moved about by the parties pursuing their studies.
There is also the frightful apparition of a female without a head and a monster afterwards; this looks like the pranks of a being in human form amusing themselves at the credulity of the lookers on, for who would suppose but what the Magic Lantern was instrumental in creating such terrifying scenes.
The noises and tapping at the windows perhaps are more difficult to be accounted for, as it is not supposed that any Old Organ for the wind to whistle through its pipes exists here, and unless caused by the wind blowing over the chimnies which at times will make a noise to astonish anyone, it evades conception.
The coalhole visitant was without doubt one of the courageous individuals who stole over into the area, and perhaps the sight of a policeman’s hat saved the iron-plate from decamping with the mysterious visitor.
The singular circumstances of the pieman will cause many to stare with astonishment and his pies being noted for their superiority always gains him good custom, and well he deserves to be supported for his standing within such a curious locality; he braves all weathers, and let any pass him when they will he will always supply them with a pie all hot.
It may be remarked that this House is tenanted by rats which play such fearful and mischievous pranks, but however true this can be they must be rats of unusual size and strange formations.
It is well known the sagacity of those animals is very great, but no credit could be given to their doing what has been before described; as (although carnivorous animals) their united strength would not have enabled them to have taken the beef, and as their taste for pastry (not a whit the less,) would have led them to have taken the dishes; or by their power have transferred the milk; besides many other strange doings than even these.
It cannot be suspected that the windows were broken by these little creatures either; indeed a casual observer would be inclined to believe that some explosion had taken place so completely are they demolished; no doubt some alarmed persons on the outside had at some time raised a siege and battled at the glaze believing it was possible to scare away what had scared them.
Persons in the present century are generally supposed not to be very superstitious, but sometimes the mind acted upon by a sudden calamity or aroused by a fearful dream or vision, that cannot be dispelled seizes and oftimes makes a prey on the most robust.
Many stories are told of castle spectres and ghosts, but such were merely written as tales, to divert and amuse, not that such existed; but here we have the house and within the sight of any who choose to bestir themselves to go and see it.
THE END
I will take this opportunity of “introducing another London ‘Poltergeist’, also represented in my collection by a rare tract: The Tyburn Ghost; or, The Strange Downfall of the Gallows. A most true Relation How the famous Triple-Tree Neer Padding ton was on Tuesday-night last (the third of this instant September) wonderfully pluckt up by the Roots and demolisht by certain Evil-Spirits … London, 1678.
I cannot add much to the title of this rare first edition except to say that the good people near where the Marble Arch now stands awoke one morning to find that their gallows had disappeared from its site at the junction of the present Edgware and Bayswater Roads. On some occasions its two uprights and cross-beam are said to have actually spanned Edgware Road. The ‘demolisht’ gallows was re-erected, and the following were afterwards hanged on it: Jack Sheppard (1724), Earl Ferrars (1760), and many more famous—and infamous—criminals. Seventeen years before this tract was printed, the skeletons of Cromwell, Ireton, and other regicides were hung on Tyburn Tree or, as it was sometimes called, the ‘Deadly Never Green’.