The Hammersmith Ghost
Although not appreciated at the time, the trial and subsequent conviction of Francis Smith for murdering a man he mistook for a ghost illustrates a legal problem not settled for 180 years and one which still generates argument. To what extent should a person who mistakenly uses force as a result of an honest but unreasonable belief be held liable for his/her actions?
The Hammersmith Ghost
The Hammersmith of 1804 was a very different place to the bustling London borough of today. Still a village in the countryside and isolated at night, it provided the perfect setting for a Christmas ghost story.
HAS THE GHOST OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA RETURNED?
The witness reports that no eyes were visible and the facial features seemed distorted or missing, and that it seemed rather ‘horrible’ in some way. Nonetheless, the figure radiated the strong impression that it was staring directly at the witness.
GEF THE TALKING MONGOOSE
Gef was a lively, boastful and deceitful creature with a perverse sense of humour. He mysteriously appeared and disappeared at will, creating poltergeist-like disturbances, and speaking in a piercing, squeaky voice delivering a stream of eccentric chatter.
POLTERGEIST KNOCKS
Paranormal rappings associated with apparent poltergeist activity have been described for many hundreds of years. But it was not until the 21st century that an interesting and recurrent pattern has been discovered within the fine detail of the paranormal rapping sounds. No explanation has been found for this pattern at present, six years from its identification in existing recordings.
RENOVATION HAUNTINGS
During the 1940s sound like footsteps were reportedly heard echoing through some of the houses which were then unoccupied by persons outside listening at the door. Because of their construction they have often needed renovation work, having a history of sporadic occupation over the years.