DIARY OF A GHOST HUNTER

This article was found at https://nswcourts.com.au/articles/haunted-courts-in-nsw/ originally written by Ugur Nedim.  I was very aware of the Berrima ghost story and the Newcastle Court House story but not the other two. Maybe you have  story to share about one of these Court Houses? I'd love to hear it!               Newcastle Court House - now University Campus Accommodation Going to court is not normally a pleasant event; but for some, it’s downright spooky. In fact, there have been reports of ghost sightings and other paranormal activity in some NSW courts. ‘John’, resident ghost of Casino Local Court Casino, a small town in Northern NSW, is supposedly haunted by resident ghost ‘John.’ The registrar of the Casino Local Court has reported “funny things” happening inside the courthouse, such as items being moved or going missing without explanation. ‘John’ reportedly enjoys turning the lights on and off, locking doors and taking worker...

  Myrtles Plantation: The True Story of America's Most Haunted House                                                           Famous ghost photo captures at Myrtles Plantation *please note that I will be recommending a book along with my Amazon link to it in this blog post. Nestled in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Myrtles Plantation is one of the most famous haunted locations in the United States, with a rich and chilling history that has captivated paranormal enthusiasts for decades. Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, the plantation is not only known for its stunning Southern architecture but also for the eerie spirits said to roam its halls.  But what exactly makes Myrtles Plantation so haunted, and why does it continue to draw those fascinated by the supernatural? A History of Tragedy and Death The plantation’s dark reputati...

  Nestled in the quiet village of Borley in Essex, England, stood Borley Rectory, a Gothic-style manor that became infamous as "the most haunted house in England."  From its construction in 1862 to its tragic ruin in 1939, Borley Rectory was a site of eerie occurrences, strange apparitions, and spine-chilling stories that have intrigued ghost hunters for over a century.  What really happened within its walls? We may never know as so much is now legend. A Rectory With a Dark Past The story of Borley Rectory begins in 1862 when it was built to house the rector of the parish of Borley and his family.  The building, commissioned by Reverend Henry Dawson Ellis Bull, replaced an earlier rectory on the site. It was a large, red-brick structure with 23 rooms, including a chapel, a stable, and extensive grounds.  The rectory was built near Borley Church, which dated back to the 12th century, on land that had been used by the church for centuries. From the outset, Borley ...

As Sheffield’s oldest pub it is perhaps no surprise that The Old Queen’s Head, in Pond Hill has a reputation as one of the city’s most haunted locations . . . but just how many spooky inhabitants it has will surprise you! The oldest domestic building in the city, dating from 1475, it is a former hunting lodge for the Earl of Shrewsbury. It was then , locals knew, as ‘The hawle at the Poandes’ and first became an inn in the 1600s. This area of the town was a hive of industry and the area was called Sheaf Island. Names that have gone are Mates Square, Dyers Bridge, Sheaf Row and Vaughan’s Wheel. Joseph Rogers & Sons produced first-class cutlery and pen and pocket knives here, Widow Oaks made scissors on River Street and at No 3 River Street in 1849 cowkeeper Saville Pacey carried out his trade. By 1856 he must have died as his wife Ann Pacey had taken over the work and by 1862 the business had changed hands to Charles Smith. In 1862, George Hoult is listed as a horse slaughterer at N...

Perched on the rocky cliffs of North Head, overlooking Sydney Harbour, lies one of Australia's most historic and eerie sites: the Quarantine Station at Manly. This sprawling complex, now part of the Sydney Harbour National Park, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. It served as a quarantine station for over 150 years, sheltering those who arrived in Sydney with contagious diseases. The Quarantine Station, or "Q Station" as it's now known, is not only a monument to medical history but also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. The Origins of the Quarantine Station The Quarantine Station was established in 1832, during a time when ships arriving in Sydney brought not only new settlers and goods but also deadly diseases. Smallpox, typhus, cholera, and the plague were among the illnesses that posed significant threats to the burgeoning colony. To protect the population, the New South Wales government designated North Head as the site for a quara...

The Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre as it was originally known, is a marvel of ancient engineering and a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 by his successor, Titus. This monumental arena could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, all eager to witness the thrilling—and often brutal—spectacles that took place within its walls. The Colosseum was the stage for gladiatorial contests, public executions, and dramatic reenactments of famous battles. Its vast underground complex, known as the hypogeum, housed gladiators, animals, and prisoners who awaited their fate in the arena above. The bloodshed and violence that occurred here have left an indelible mark on history, and it's no surprise that many believe the Colosseum is haunted by the spirits of those who met their end in its arena. From the ghostly cries of gladiators to the spectral figures seen roaming the corridors, the Col...

Nestled in the picturesque Northumberland countryside, Chillingham Castle stands as a testament to centuries of history and intrigue. This medieval stronghold, dating back to the 12th century, has witnessed countless battles, royal visits, and historical events, making it one of the most fascinating and enduring castles in England. But beyond its formidable walls and grand architecture lies a darker, more mysterious side, filled with spine-chilling tales of hauntings and ghostly apparitions. A Brief History of Chillingham Castle Originally constructed as a monastery in the late 12th century, Chillingham Castle was transformed into a fortress by the Grey family, who owned the estate for over 800 years. Its strategic location near the Scottish border made it a key defensive stronghold during the turbulent medieval period. Over the centuries, the castle played host to various notable figures, including King Edward I, who used it as a staging point for his military campaigns against...

Nestled along the rugged coast of northeastern Scotland, Peterhead is a town rich in maritime heritage and steeped in history. It reminds me a little of the city that I call home which is Newcastle, Australia. Among its most notorious landmarks is the Peterhead Gaol, a formidable structure that has withstood the test of time—and possibly the supernatural. This storied prison, which operated for over a century, has left behind a legacy of tales both chilling and intriguing. Peterhead Gaol, officially known as HM Prison Peterhead, opened its iron doors in 1888. Designed to house some of Scotland's most dangerous criminals, the prison was built from the very granite that gives Peterhead its nickname, the "Granite City." The intention was clear: this was a place meant to be as unyielding as its stone walls. Inmates here weren't just serving time—they were breaking rocks, constructing the harbor, and enduring the relentless North Sea winds.The winds still bombard thi...

  The Casket Girls of New Orleans - truth or folklore? In the heart of New Orleans, a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and mystical allure, lies a tale steeped in mystery and intrigue — the story of the Casket Girls. This legend goes back to the city’s early colonial days, creating a story that has both fascinated and puzzled generations. The Casket Girls’ arrival and subsequent  seclusion in a convent  have given rise to dark rumors, suggesting that these young women were not mere immigrants but vampires. The Ursuline Convent where the girls were kept In the early 18th century, New Orleans was a growing French colony. To sustain and grow the settlement, it was essential to establish families and a stable community. However, the predominantly male population presented a significant challenge. In response, the French government devised a plan  to send young women from France to marry the settlers and help populate the colony. These women, known as ...