A Cheshire Ghost Story.
During the past few days the good people of Stockton Heath, have had their minds considerably agitated by some ghostly phenomena. Not very long ago the public of St Helens were startled by certain mysterious operations at Beecham’s pill manufactory that were popularly supposed to be due to supernatural agency. It will be remembered that, in spite of all precautions that could be devised, large numbers of stones of a rather peculiar appearance were thrown about in all directions in the building in question, in a manner most unaccountable. Rumour spread incredible tales of the doings at this place, and large numbers of people collected there nightly, but the closest watching threw no light on the mystery.
The “ghost” would seem to have transferred its attentions from that manufacturing Lancashire borough to the rural Cheshire village. Here mysterious stone-throwing, singularly similar in character, has at intervals been taking place for some days past. The particular part of the village where this has been going on is a fitting spot for the vagaries of a “perturbed spirit.” It is in close proximity to the village churchyard. The scen of the operations of the unwelcome visitor is one of a row of better class houses abutting on the high road.
Instead of, in the manner of the rest of its kind, disturbing the peaceful quiet of timorous mortals in the darkness of night, it has not feared to brave the light of day. The first indication of its presence was the smashing of glass in the greenhouse built at the back of the building. Little notice was at first taken of this, it being thought that some mischievous stone-thrower was to blame, but when the first stone was succeeded by others the temporary feeling of annoyance gave place to one of uncomfortable anxiety.
It was found that the missiles were paving stones, and that a considerable quantity of glass had been destroyed. It was then determined, if possible, to clear up the mystery. Accordingly sentinels were posted in front of, behind, and on the roof of, the house, and a strict watch kept. But not withstanding the utmost vigilance, in one day – the third after the commencement of these strange doings – no less than twelve formidable looking stones were quietly dropped from the direction of the kitchen roof on to the greenhouse, shattering about as many large panes of glass.
A day of quietude followed, but on the following day the window smashing was resumed in a still more singular form. Whilst several people were watching from various points of vantage, a sound as of breaking glass was heard in the front of the house. A rush was made to the spot, and a pane of glass was found to have been broken. The shattered glass was lying some distance away from the window, and near there was a paving stone of the same sort as those thrown at the back of the house. Appearances pointed to the theory that this stone had been thrown from the inside of the house, but the occupants say that could not be.
There are sceptical people in the enighbourhood, whose windows have been left unmolested, who persist in saying that some practical joker has been playing a prank; but there are others whose superstitious feelings incline them to take another view. However that may be, the glass has been broken, and it is highly probable that the builder who has been subjected to this indignity will have to pay the piper, and replace at his own cost the damaged property.
Warrington Examiner, 24th October 1885.