MYSTERY OF A SKELETON.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 13, 12 February 1907, Page 2

MYSTERY OF A SKELETON.

GHOSTLY FOOTSTEPS IN AN OLD MANOR HOUSE. Picturesquely situated on the banks of the wide, flowing River Nidd, in the quaint little town of Knaresborough, in Yorkshire, is one of the most ancient domestic edifices in England. It is a curious building, composed of many gables, and is half timbered, the oldest parts of the structure dating back to the year 1230. Rich and beautiful though the oaken panels and carved mantlepieccs are in the various rooms, yet another interest attaches to this old-world dwelling at the present time —a wierd uncanny linking of the present to the past. For a mystery surrounds it. ! During some necessary repairs and excavations, the skeleton and skull of a woman were laid bare, where they had evidently long lay buried, at the bottom of the stairs. Since the alterations, noises have often been heard during the hours of night stealthy footsteps have passed along the passage outside the Blue Room, in which the occupier and Ids wife formerly slept. A door with a spring arrangement conceals a hiding-place in the wall of this chamber, where, in troublous days, the priests could secrete Ihemselves. It is alleged that the door of this room unaccountably opens during the night : ami llial it is past all efforts to keep it closed. it has been locked and a chair placed against it ; but, in spite of all precautions, the following morning it has still been found open. Though the owner no longer sleeps in this Blue Room, the steps are. it is said, still audible, and in addition to these, one idght there was- a bump at another door sufficiently loud to arouse, the ordinary sleeper. Though none of the household appear to be at all nervous, and do not believe in the visitations of ghosts from the unseen, it is remarkable that after a long residence in the quaint old dwelling, there seems to be no tangible chic whereby the mystery can be solved.