39 - The Cock Lane Ghost

William Kent had an unorthodox – for the early 1760s – life, living openly with a woman who was not his wife. Because of this scandal, and other factors, after his “wife's” death in 1762, he is accused of murder by what is – at least on the surface – her ghost.

Episode 39 Photo Gallery: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.d.gable/media_set?set=a.10216987632236563&type=3

Part of the Straight Up Strange Network: https://www.straightupstrange.com/

Opening music by Kevin MacLeod.

Closing music by Soma.

SOURCES

“A summary account of the proceedings in regard to some strange noises, heard the beginning of the year at a house in Cock-lane West Smithfield.” The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politicks, and Literature, of the Year 1762. London: R. and J. Dodsley, 1763.

“Cock-Lane Ghost,” Ottawa Citizen, July 15, 1905.

Boswell, James. The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., Comprehending an Account of his Studies and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order; a Series of his Epistolary Correspondence and Conversatins with Many Eminent Persons; and Various Original Pieces of his Composition, Never Before Published. London: Henry Baldwin, 1791.

Clarke, Roger. “A Haunting on Scandal Street: The Cock Lane Ghost Revisited.” Fortean Times 335 (Christmas 2015).

Goldsmith, Oliver. The Mystery Revealed; containing a Series of Transactions and Authentic Testimonials, respecting the supposed Cock-Lane Ghost, which have hitherto been concealed from the Public. London: W. Bristow, 1762.

Lang, Andrew. Cock Lane and Common Sense. London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1894.

Mackay, Charles. Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds. London: National Illustrated Library, 1852.

https://alondoninheritance.com/london-streets/cock-lane-golden-boy-ghost-hogarth/