Ghost Riot in 1880 January 9, 2015
Author: Beach Combing | in : Modern , trackback
A ghost story from late nineteenth-century London, 22 Sept 1880 Ab Jo, 7:
According to the police, the ‘appearance’ [of the ghost] was first observed by a Mrs Taylor, residing in Hartshorn Court, which runs parallel with the City of London Baths, and whose rooms overlook the site in question. Her version is that she was looking through her windows when she saw a female form rise suddenly ;from the ruins. It was clothed in white, with long black hair down the back. She went into hysterics, and the neighbours and police were sent for, when she, explained the case. On the next night an, watch was kept, and several persons, including a policeman, aver to the genuineness of the apparition, one witness adding that the ‘ghost’ had a bright red mark on the temnple. This theory has also other supporters, and on each night ‘one or more persons’ are said to see it.
And the origins of this monster from the depths. It is a sad (and probably invented) tale of poverty and violence.
It is in the recollection of some of the inhabitants that a woman residing in Black’n Boy Court – a portion of the site -some forty years ago mysteriously disappeared, and was supposed to have been murdered ; and in support of this theory a body of a woman, with a fracture of the temple caused by an axe, was discovered on the demolition of the court in question!
What is most interesting is not though the rumour but the reaction of the hysterical (but enjoying it) populace.
Owing to the widespread dissemination of a rumour that a ‘ghost’ has been espied taking its nightly promenades among the ruins of the houses demolished by the Metropolitan Board of Works, under the provisions of the Metropolitan Improvement Act, on the site abutting on Whitecross Street and Golden Lane, London, for the last week nightly vast crowds have assembled in the hope of getting a peep of the unearthly visitant. The disorder, obstruction and violence consequent on such a gathering in a neighbourhood consisting mainly of low lodging houses, thieves’ kitchens, and houses of ill-fame, and crowded with the vilest and most daring of the criminal classes of the metropolis, has caused much anxiety to the authorities, and it has been found necessary to place a large number of extra members of the G division of police on the spot, and this step was taken none too soon, as on Saturday night the scene of riot and ruffianism was beyond description.
Oh to have seen it! Interestingly
The police authorities assert that the rumour [of the ghost] was got up by the thieves in the neighbourhood for the purpose of plunder, and the respedtable inhabitants are about to memorialise the Board of Works to take steps, by utilising the land for building, so as to put an end to the nuisance.
Who said that there is no folklore in cities? Other ghost riots: drbeachcombing AT yahoo DOT com
18 Jan 2014: Chris from Haunted Ohio Books writes in This is not exactly a ghost riot–perhaps more of a “holy ghost” melee.
“Miracle” Image Again Appears on Chicago Wall
Chicago, July 18. Thousands of persons flocked today to a building on the southwest side where a mysterious image of a woman and child were said to have appeared faintly outlined again upon a wall, and this time without an explanation.
Residents of the neighbourhood said the image appeared again last night and that it was not a shadow cast from a lace curtain in the apartment of Sam Genna, a gangster.
Much excitement was caused earlier this week when the “miracle” appeared for several nights. Thousands of persons crowded about the wall, trampled lawns and knelt in the street to worship. A policeman broke up the gathering by pulling down a shade in gangster Genna’s window and causing the “miracle” to disappear.
When the figure reappeared last night, more than 2,000 persons gathered. A covering was placed over the Genna window across the street, but believers in the “miracle” declared the figure was still there.
Others declared the light upon the wall was not an outline. Arguments developed. During the general melee that followed, Rego Clorlieri, 17, was stabbed by an unidentified Negro who escaped. Physicians said Clorlieri probably would die from the wound.
Meanwhile, newspapermen who were informed that the Genna home was in darkness when the figure reappeared, rushed back to the scene to find a new explanation. None was found.
The Marion [OH] Star 18 July 1931: p. 2
