A Haunted House.
No little consternation has been produced in the neighbourhood of Clarence-place, by a report that the house of Mr. B. Wood is haunted. For the last week the bells have rung, we believe daily, at stated hours, namely five, one, and eight o’clock, with the exception of one evening when they were tied up by Mr. Wood. The evil spirit then however avenged himself by causing some ham and bacon in the kitchen to skip about in the most marvellous manner; and on Tuesday the kitchen jack of its own accord flew suddenly to pieces. No clue has yet been found to unravel the mystery; but strong suspicions are, we understand, entertained that some neighbours are in the plot.
Brighton Gazette, 31st January 1828.
To the editor of the Brighton Gazette and Lewes Observer.
Sir, – You will oblige me by inserting the following, pro bono publico.
“Thou com’st in such a questionable shape,
That I will speak to thee…” – Shakspeare.
As a neighbour of the householder in Clarence-place, whose residence was said to have been haunted some few days since, by beings of another world, I feel myself called upon in justice to myself and neighbours, to disclaim any intercourse or concern whatever, either carnal or spiritual, with the demons who caused Mr. Benjamin Wood and family so much recreative amusement. I feel myself called upon to state thus much, as the trickery was very kindly attributed to his nearest and dearest neighbour. It may not however be amiss to state that the goblin (through whose supernatural influence the bacon was said to have danced a hornpipe round the kitchen, with the accompaniment of bells) has been discovered in the person of HIS OWN COOK!!! who immediately took her flight through a subteranneous passage, and has never since that been hearrd of.
I am, Mr. Editor, your most obedient, B.J. Touray.
42, Clarence place, Feb. 4, 1828.
Brighton Gazette, 7th February 1828.