Urban Fantasist
Menu

URBAN FANTASIST

A Friday the 13th Ghost Story...

13/8/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
We have a Friday 13th ghost story... a ghost that is said to walk every 13th of August. The location is the Pilchard Inn, a pub on Burgh Island in Devon. Now Burgh Island is an interesting place in its own right as it can be reached at low tide by walking across a strip of sand but at high tide you need either a boat or to take a life on the island’s sand tractor – which is a kind on mini open top bus on stilts. The main attraction on the island is the art deco hotel, which was used by the crime writer Agatha Christie for the setting of two of her detective stories And Then There Were None and the Hercule Poirot mystery Evil Under the Sun.

However it is not the hotel that is haunted but the pub which is said to date back as long ago as the 14th century, when it was used as a refuge by fishermen fishing for pilchards. According to legend, in later years the island became the home of smugglers and pirates, including a character called Crocker who may at one time even been the landlord of the Pilchard Inn. Sometime in the 18th century he met his match when he was shot dead in a fight - on the 13th August – with either a rival gang or customs officers. Apparently today you can buy a baguette and a pint at the Pilchard Inn – the baguette being something that would have definitely not been on the menu at the pub in Crocker’s day.

Incidentally fans of Swinging Sixties pop trivia might like to note that Burgh Island and its sand tractor were the setting for the final scene of 1965 movie  Catch Us If You Can featuring The Dave Clark Five – a band that at one time were rated as the main rivals to The Beatles.
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Charles Christian was an English barrister, Reuters correspondent-turned editor, author, blogger, podcaster, award-winning tech journalist, storyteller, and sometime werewolf hunter, who sadly passed away in 2022.

    Prior to his sudden death he completed one of his largest works to date: The Witches Almanac, the definitive guide on the history of magic and folklore, including 359 of the most important witches and sorcerers in history. 

    This site also has links to Charles' books and the Weird Tales Show videos and podcasts.

    Latest Video Post


    Latest book: The Wold Newton Triangle

    Picture

    Tweets by urbanfantasist

    Virtual Tip Jar

    You can now support Urban Fantasist, its podcasts and its new video channel through our Virtual Tip Jars on PayPal and Patreon, giving you a choice of ad hoc or regular payments.
    Picture
    Picture

    Contact Details

    Email: urbanfantasist@icloud.com
    ​Tel: +44(0)1986 788666
    Tel/Txt: +44(0)7786 738172
    WhatsApp etc: +44(0)7786 738172

    ​Skype: ChristianUncut
    Twitter: @urbanfantasist

    Quote, Unquote

    "The only way to keep folklore alive is to share it" ...comment from viewer on YouTube channel
    ​
    "Charles Christian... a man of paranormality" ...Howard Hughes, Talk Radio UK

    "Cynicism has always been a part of your (very impressive) brand" ...Kirk Fackre

    "Your storytelling set the scene for a fascinating evening of stunning music and terrifying drama" ...Chris Caswell

    "I can't help myself. Yesterday, I went back to this post over and over again and it made me laugh out loud each time. So now I'm bringing it to all my followers with the recommendation to follow Charles Christian because he posts lots of stuff that brightens my day and will brighten yours, too" ...LinkedIn commentator

    "A great witty intelligence in the world. We need more CC and less monkey-brained politicians" ...Julia Bohanna

    ​"I love your posts, always something interesting to read and often funny" ...Karen Morton


    "I was saddened to see you have retired your podcast. I never would have found your books without it. Well if a good story deserves rereading a good podcast demands relistening. Looking forward to your next stage with the time this change will afford you. Happy Trails, Pardner" ...Jonathan Neuhaus

    "You are a great and generous host" ...Patti Negri, The Hollywood Psychic

    "I host a daily morning show in Las Vegas and I like your shows very much. I love the way you pace your voice and thoughts is fantastic and you have a way of making your guest interviews sound more like conversations. Just wanted to let you know" ...Clay Baker

    ​"The ever wonderful Charles Christian and his Weird Tales Show"...Into The Portal Podcast 

    ​"The Master of Mysteries & Folklore" ...Fantasy Radio UK

    "The witty and knowledgeable Charles Christian." 

    ​"We poled our fans on their favorite podcasts and that's how I heard of Weird Tales Show. You are well loved by the geekiverse, and fans of folklore history and monsters!"

    "Charles Christian is really out there cool."
    ​
    ​"Charles Christian defiantly makes my world a brighter, funnier place."

    "The legendary Charles Christian at his eclectic best..."

    "Charles Christian is my inner spirit animal, thank you for making me laugh."

    ​"You always make me laugh! Thank you for brightening my day with your dark humour."

    ​"the funny, wonderful and slightly cantankerous Charles Christian"

    Charles Christian's Books

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087N3NB7M
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087N3NB7M
    Picture
    Picture

    RSS Feed


    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
Picture
Copyright © Charles Christian 
& Urbanfantasist Limited 2022


urbanfantasist@icloud.com

Fuelled by Green Tea & Rosé Wine

  • Home
  • * Latest book *
  • Weird Tales Videos
  • Charles Christian Bio
  • Manifestations
  • Books & Reviews
  • Weird Tales Radio
  • Donations
  • Writing: Nonfiction
  • Writing: Fiction
  • Writing: Poetry
  • Old Americana
  • Old Grievous Angel
  • WoldsCover
  • Home
  • * Latest book *
  • Weird Tales Videos
  • Charles Christian Bio
  • Manifestations
  • Books & Reviews
  • Weird Tales Radio
  • Donations
  • Writing: Nonfiction
  • Writing: Fiction
  • Writing: Poetry
  • Old Americana
  • Old Grievous Angel
  • WoldsCover