Black Torrington.
One of the most remarkable stories the writer ever heard of related to a farm-house in Little Marland, Petrockstowe. Many persons now alive can remember the event, as it took place between 40 and 50 years ago. Strange sounds and raps were heard at night in this old farm-house, and during the day-time persons came to inspect it for themselves. A man the writer knew, and who worked for his father, always affirmed that among other things he had seen a book start from its place, describe a circle close around the neck of another person, and return to its place again. Plates, dishes, trenchers, and other things would fly about the house just as if they were winged – some of the earthenware would be broken. A person, after being in the house some time without either seeing or hearing anything amiss, began to be rather sceptical, but a trencher (a wooden plate) started out of its place and gave the man a convincing slap on the face. Who can clear up the mystery?
Oct. 7, 1879. No Spiritualist.
Western Times, 9th October 1879.
Concerning Ghosts.
A Literary Institute Address.
By James Thomson, Glasgow.
(excerpt)
Another class of phenomena, though not quite so familiar as apparitions, yet sometimes take place, is the moving of objects.
An instance of this kind occurred at a farm house, Little Marland, Petrockstowe. Many still living have seen the occurrence. Strange sounds and raps were heard at night in this old farm house, and during the day time persons came to inspect it for themselves. One man known to the writer always affirmed that among other things, he had witnessed a book start from its place, describe a circle round the neck of another person, and return to its place again. Plates, dishes, trenchers, and other things would fly about the house just as if they were winged, and some of the earthenware would be broken.
A person, after being some time in the house without seeing or hearing anything amiss, began to be rather sceptical, but a wooden plate started out of its place and gave the man a convincing slap on the face, so that he could doubt no more. This class of phenomena was rife about 50 years ago, but has gradually decreased, until now there is seldom an occurrence. Of course we hear a good deal about tilting tables and moving chairs, but these also are on the decrease.
In Orkney Herald, and Weekly Advertiser and Gazette for the Orkney and Zetland Islands, 1st April 1896.