Yes, the ghostly Chicken. Don’t laugh. Oh go on then! There really is a spectral Chicken (or it is reported that there is) that haunts a part of London although sightings have become rarer over the last few years.
Highgate, noted for its famous cemetery, is in north London and this haunting takes place in Pond Square, Highgate - named for a pond which once existed but was filled in during 1864.
The story goes that Sir Francis Bacon who lived between 1561 and 1626 was not only a politician, philosopher and writer but that he also dabbled in all types of scientific experiments. He is believed to have been the very first person to consider the possibility of freezing food to keep it fresh.
So in January of 1626, on a bitterly cold and snowy morning he decided it was the ideal time to put his theory to the test. He set out with a good friend with this idea in mind. He stopped on Highgate Hill to buy a live Chicken from an old woman who sold them . He immediately killed the bird, plucked it, gutted it and proceeded to stuff the carcass with snow.
Alas for poor Sir Francis. Going out in the inclement weather brought on a severe chill. He was immediately put to bed and it is said the bed had damp sheets which only worsened his condition and brought about his death.
Since his demise all those centuries ago, there have been constant reports of a phantom white bird, looking very much like a Chicken suddenly appearing out of nowhere in Pond Square, running around in frenzied circles and furiously flapping its wings. On one occasion a courting couple were startled when “the Chicken” dropped out of thin air and landed beside them. Despite many people reporting their encounters with this bird over the years, sightings seem to have tailed off since the 1970's.
Quite why it would be the ghost of the chicken I cannot imagine. One would think it would be the ghost of Sir Francis. Maybe the explanation lies in the fact that the chicken died suddenly and violently and Sir Francis passed away naturally.
It could only happen in London!
10 comments:
Does sound weird doesn't it? Very interesting story. You found a good chicken to match your entry. Helen
But was the chicken ever retrieved from the ice, where Sir Francis had stored it before dying? Perhaps not. And its ghost roamed Highgate for centuries afterwards, trying to thaw itself out!
David.
Oh this is just too cool. That most certainly does look like a ghostly chicken. The chicken could very well be the Ghost of Sir Francis Bacon, although with a name like that you would think his ghost would run around in pig. LOL...LOL...LOL
One would wonder what Sir Francis Bacon was focusing on as he lie dying wouldn't one. "Drat, now why was I doing such a stupid thing and especially in this dang gum cold, nasty weather?" Or, "Lord forgive me for wasting a perfectly good chicken for nothing."
Marlene-PurelyPoetry
http://journals.aol.com/mkolasa101/PurelyPoetry
What a great story Jeannette... The thought of a chicken haunting is really hilarious. Seeing as though it hasn`t been seen since the 70`s leads me to think that perhaps Col. Sanders had a hand in this! lol Great graphic too...:-)
Sandra xxxx
Excellent tale Jeannette, and what a spooky chicken picture!!
Had to laugh at some of the comments too, especially David's, lol!
Sara x
Chicken ghost...LOL!!!
Can't stop laughing. This is a great story and a great graphic, although I think your chicken has gangrene around the gills. Keep laughing.
Sylvia x
Hi ! Its me again a ghostly Chicken I can't imagine. That is interesting to hear of a spectral Chicken haunting a part of London. That would certainly be a sight to see. I wonder if there will be another sighting of it. Keep me posted....
Now that is a good ghost story! Could not stop laughing! Love the graphic of the chicken! Joyce
I think you are right, a story like this could only come from London! But I love it. That poor chicken is acting just like one who has recently lost his head. - Barbara
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