Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #193343 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Customer Reviews

A 'must read' for people interested in Brightons ghostly history.
Written by paranormal researcher and former Chairman of The Ghost Club, Alan Murdie, Haunted Brighton is a comprehensive collection of ghost stories and legends from all around the popular seaside resort. It includes the well documented and the less so, with first and second-hand witness accounts taken from various sources. The book begins with a chapter on the haunted Lanes which have enjoyed a spooky reputation for many years. It intertwines folklore, such as the legend of the screaming skull, with the more recent sightings and paranormal experiences of Brighton residents and its many visitors. The book carries on to include chapters on haunted Brighton homes, the Pavilion and Theatre Royal, haunted hotels and pubs and the famous Preston Manor.

Brighton has its fair share of traditional anonymous hauntings - no well-respected ghost book should be without its phantom monk or nun and "Haunted Brighton" is no exception to this. But Brighton also boasts Royalty amongst its famous ghostly residents. The shade of George IV is said to walk the Pavilion, while the famous French actress of the late 19th century, Sarah Bernhardt, is presumed to be the grey lady at the Theatre Royal. More recently, the movie star Cary Grant is alleged to haunt the Rottingdean club, a hotel on the outskirts of Brighton, where he spent much of his time during his stays in the UK. There are also accounts of strange, unexplained lights seen in the Shirley Street area of the city as recently as 2003 and poltergeist activity appears to be abundant in Brighton homes and businesses alike. There are even accounts of haunted roads and railway tunnels.

The book itself is well written with plenty of detail. Murdie draws his information from many sources; historical, scientific and supernatural and he sometimes gives different accounts of the same event to balance the story. Each tale is very well researched giving an abundance of information. The book also includes some personal accounts by members of the prestigious Ghost Club. The text is balanced with plenty of illustrations. Photographer Anna Pearce provides all of the modern day images, atmospheric and captivating shots that help aid the readers' imagination nicely through the sea of text.

Haunted Brighton is a `must read' for anyone who is interested in Brighton's ghostly history.