A Ghost Laid.
For some time past Mrs Wraithe, a widow lady, residing in Burton street, Wakefield, has been annoyed by the ringing of bells in her house, the breaking of windows, and the usual symptoms which, ever since the “Cock-lane ghost,” have marked the appearance of supernatural household visitants.
Enquiries were instituted, the police watched, but reality it seemed (as in all similar cases) as if the cause of the disturbances would never be discovered. The mystery, however, was revealed at last, it turning out that the agent (as in nearly all similar cases on record) was a young female – Elizabeth Machell, domestic servant. On Sunday night, a pane was broken. Mr McDonald, the chief constable, was sent for; and, as it was evident that the pane had been broken from the inside (there being no one that could do it but a girl), she was taken into custody.
She then confessed that the mischief had been done by herself. She was brought up at the Court-house and charged with “wilful damage.” She acknowledged herself as the agent of the witchcraft, but refused to make known the means she had employed. The case was not pressed, and she was discharged on paying 10s.
Huddersfield Chronicle, 22nd March 1862.