The Cock Lane Ghost

In 1762, the ghost of Fanny Kent allegedly haunted a house in Cock Lane, London, communicating through 11-year-old Elizabeth Parsons via mysterious scratching and knocking sounds. The case captivated Georgian England, drew investigators including Samuel Johnson, and was ultimately exposed as fraud - but not before becoming a cultural sensation.

The Story

The alleged haunting centered on 11-year-old Elizabeth Parsons as scratching sounds occurred at night, with the ghost claiming to be “Scratching Fanny,” accusing William Kent of murder, and drawing enormous public attention.

Fanny Kent

The supposed ghost was Frances Lynes, who had lived with William Kent and died of smallpox in 1760, but the ghost claimed she was poisoned by arsenic from Kent.

The Knockings

The ghost communicated through scratching sounds using one knock for “yes” and two knocks for “no,” answered questions, and made accusations against the living.

Public Sensation

The haunting drew huge crowds, admission was charged to witness it, the press covered it extensively, famous people visited, and it became national news.

Samuel Johnson’s Investigation

The writer led a committee of investigators, visited the house, tested the girl, found no evidence of a ghost, and published skeptical findings.

The Exposure

When tested properly with Elizabeth’s hands held, no sounds occurred, a servant confessed, fraud was proven, and the bubble burst.

The Fraud

It was revealed that Richard Parsons (Elizabeth’s father) orchestrated the scheme because he owed money to William Kent, the ghost accusations were revenge, and Elizabeth produced the sounds with a hidden wooden board.

The Trial

Richard Parsons was tried, found guilty of conspiracy, sentenced to the pillory and two years in prison, while others were punished and Kent was vindicated.

Cultural Impact

The case inspired Charles Dickens, was referenced in “A Tale of Two Cities,” became a phrase for fraud, influenced ghost investigation methods, and became a symbol of Georgian credulity.

The Crowds

At its peak, thousands visited daily, the street was impassable, vendors sold refreshments, it was entertainment for all classes, and became a social phenomenon.

Significance

The Cock Lane Ghost is significant for early ghost investigation, fraud exposure methodology, Samuel Johnson’s involvement, being an example of media sensation, and its cultural lasting impact.

Legacy

The Cock Lane Ghost became synonymous with supernatural fraud. Yet it also showed the enormous public appetite for ghost stories and the need for skeptical investigation of paranormal claims.