Sounds that awed strong men.
“Clanking Ghost” outdone.
J.P. who saw a “spirit.”
The story of the “Clanking Ghost” of Barnet is recalled by Mr Walter Stutters, a Justice of the Peace for Hertfordshire, who lives in East Barnet-road, New Barnet. “On the extreme northern boundary of the Grange Estate, near the premises now known as the haunted stable,” he says, “there stands an old house close by where the manor house formerly stood. When the manor house was partly rebuilt some years ago large cellars were found underneath the original building.
“For many years extraordinary noises have come from these cellars – low, rumbling sounds as though heavy weights were being moved about, and sounds like muffled voices. At the invitation of the occupier of the house I have often been inside. The experiences were not always the same.
“I have heard a kind of depressed report like that of an airgun, and a tinkling noise which seemed to run round the room.
“On one occasion I saw quite plainly a ‘spirit,’ and looking at it closely I saw through it, and was able to distinguish objects on the other side. It gradually passed away.
“I have seen strong men walking from the house with wide staring eyes and trembling knees. Because of these experiences some of them have declared they would never again go near the house. Other and bolder people who have sought excitement – women have been seen to hurry away with their cloaks and shawls wrapped closely around them, not stopping to speak to their neighbours but seemingly anxious to get away from the scenes they have witnessed.
“This experience is not singular to myself, and inquiries will verify my statement.”
Leeds Mercury, 30th December 1926.