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Cock Lane Ghost
London went mad for the Cock Lane Ghost in 1762. Scratching sounds came from the walls. A murdered woman was communicating. Dr. Samuel Johnson investigated. Eventually exposed as fraud—but was it entirely?
1762
London, England
1000+ witnesses
The Cock Lane Ghost was 18th century London’s greatest sensation.
The Event
According to historical records:
In 1762:
- Scratching sounds in house
- Knockings on walls
- Claimed to be ghost
- Of Fanny Lynes
- Accused her husband of murder
The Investigation
Prominent figures involved:
- Dr. Samuel Johnson
- Horace Walpole
- Committee formed
- Eventually exposed as fraud
- 12-year-old making sounds
But Questions Remain
Something started it:
- Elizabeth insisted some was real
- Could a child make all sounds?
- Mystery lingers
- First major ghost investigation