A “Haunted” House.
Excitement in Kirton-in-Linsey.
(From our own correspondent).
Considerable excitement prevails at Kirton-in-Lindsey and the surrounding district, in consequence of a widely circulated report to the effect that the farmhouse occupied by Mr R. Peck, Cleatham-road, is “haunted.” The house is situated half-way between the Station arch and the brickyard, lying two fields to the left from the road.
Mr Peck told a “Mail” man the facts as follows: On Saturday evening, at about ten minutes past ten, Mr Peck was sitting in the house when he heard a rapping outside. Thinking it was the man servant just returning home, and giving them the usual “rap-tap” as he was wont to do, for the time thought nothing of it. However, the noise still continued, and Mr Peck went outside to see if he could see anyone or anything but failed to see the cause. Thinking it was someone trying to enter the premises or otherwise playing a trick, he got out his gun and fired in the direction of Cleatham. This, however, availed nothing, and upon the arrival of the man, a ladder was brought and the house top examined, but in this direction nothing was revealed. the dog was unchained, but failed to scent the supposed stranger.
Meanwhile Mr Peck and his man sat by the fire throughout the night, the noises continuing until twenty minutes to two in the morning. Mrs Peck, her sister, and a girl of fifteen, who had retired to bed, were unable to sleep for the constant noises in and about the house. During Sunday the noise was repeated. Crockery rolled and rattled, the churn handle spun round, the potato masher rocked like the pendulum of a clock, box lids jumped up and down, and in the afternoon a bottle which was standing near the stackyard gate suddenly flew up in the air and fell into the kitchen garden. The distinct noises prevailed up to Monday afternoon, when the sister of Mrs Peck left by train.
The foregoing is vouched for, and the whole affair is shrouded in mystery. Mr and Mrs Peck are held in high esteem, and are members of the Wesleyan Chapel.
The girl heard the noise on Monday forenoon, and it has not since been heard.
Hull Times, 8th January 1910.