Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IX. SKULL SUPERSTITIONS. IN various parts of England human skulls are retained in houses, connected with which are some curious superstitions; and, as the subject will probably prove interesting, we have decided to introduce a short chapter, giving a few instances in illustration. At Wardley Hall, an ancient pile erected in the reign of Edward VI., and situated about seven miles west of Manchester, is a skull, which has formed the theme for many chapters of Lancashire history. One of the most curious accounts is to be found in the manuscripts of Thomas Barritt, the Manchester antiquary, who visited Wardley Hall towards the end of the eighteenth century. He says: "A human skull, which, time out of mind, hath had a superstitious veneration paid to it by the occupiers of the hall not permitting it to be removed from its situation, which is on the topmost step of a staircase. There is a tradition that, if removed, or ill-used, some uncommon noise and disturbance always follows, to the terror of the whole house; yet I cannot persuade myself this is always the case. But some years ago, I and three of my acquaintances went to view this surprising piece of household furniture, and found it as above-mentioned, and bleached white with weather, that beats in upon it from a four-square window in the hall, which the tenants never permit to be glazed or filled up, thus to oblige the skull, which they say, is unruly and disturbed at the hole not being always open. However, one of us, who was last in company with the skull, removed it from its place into a dark part of the room, and there left it, and returned home; but the night but one following, such a storm arose about the house, of wind and lightning, as tore down some trees, and unthatched outhousing. We he...