Ghosts and ghouls on city streets

From the Salisbury Journal, first published Monday 27th Oct 2003.

A BEHEADED aristocrat, one-handed gambler and 17th century cavalier will be among the ghosts and ghouls spooking Salisbury during a horror-packed series of events.

From tomorrow to Sunday, fearless ghosthunters are touring the city's haunted streets, shops and alleyways hoping to spy supernatural sensations or glimpse a ghostly going-on.

The Spooky Weekend has been organised by the district council and Salisbury Tourism Partnership and involves plenty of thrills and chills for curious residents and visitors.

City guides will be leading a range of tours to famous scary spots - including the 14th Century Haunch of Venison pub, said to be the home of a grey lady, and Watsons china and glassware store, where there have been several sightings of a cavalier wearing a plume in his hat.

An ill-fated gambler, who lost his hand after cheating in a game of cards, is another of Salisbury's spooks who may put in a star appearance during the four days of terror.

The demented whist player has been spotted regularly at the witching hour after his mummified hand was reportedly discovered in the House of Lords.

All the weird and wonderful events culminate on Sunday with three special walks round Debenhams in search of Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, who was beheaded at the spot exactly 600 years ago.

The duke was executed in the Market Square for betraying the dastardly Richard III.

He spent his final night cowering in what is now the store's Blue Boar restaurant.

"The spooky weekend is a truly unique event - it's quirky, exciting, scary and above all it's great fun," said tourism manager, Mary Pocock.

"It gives people a chance to see a different side to Salisbury."

Tickets for this bewitching weekend can be booked at the tourist information centre on 01722 334956.

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