FRIDAY THE 13TH GHOST TOUR

The royal oak Hotel.    

The Wilson family can put another notch on the board of life experience. We attended the Launceston Ghost Tour on Friday the 13th.  The tour started at the Royal Oak Hotel. Little did we know we were standing on the side of a street where tragic events had taken place many moons ago. The tale is one of unrequited love between the Royal Oak handyman Cyrill, and lady Elizabeth. It's a story of a bitter jealous banker, a murdering master, and a man that desperately searches for his lost love. It concludes on a drunken stormy night. A night of bloodshed and horror so disturbing, that those involved still exist within the shadows, within the cold stone that forms the foundations of the City of Launceston, and the base of the Launceston City Ghost Tour.

Note; the lamp post in the first picture has a blue glow, and the same lamp post pictured again has an orb? Photos were taken less than a second apart, one with flash one without.

St Albert's Hall, said to be haunted by a singing lady that prefers to only let her presence be felt by musicians.

St Vincent and Sons Funeral Parlour car park.

The Princess Theater. Said to be haunted by three ghosts. My favorite, Mr Oldaker, known as the ladies ghost. He's mostly witnessed by females. He appears well dressed, often bowing and removing his top hat, or waving to the ladies. Good to see there's still some gentlemen in the world. Maybe chivalry is dead!

After describing this hotels haunting, our guide informed us that an unknown local often runs up this street dressed as a ghost.  The costume is one that I myself have worn; the old white sheet over the head trick!  Apparently this person is harmless, he just runs up the street toward the tour. Unfortunately I didn't witness this but it's good to see some initiative from the Launceston locals.  Apparently there's an occasional streaker near the fountain in the park as well.  Strange thing is he doesn't come out during winter, Launceston winter nights can be a bit chilly!

The Launceston Roman Baths. After telling us the story of the screaming maid Mary, our guide told us to photograph this window as we may capture something interesting.

Top, The Quill and Cane Restaurant.  It was once a boys school, there's an interesting story here.

Bottom, Strange lights inside St Johns Anglican Church. This church was over a 100 years in the making. Lady Charlotte Balfour is buried underneath the church. It is believed to haunted by three ghosts.

Below, Some photos of the church taken with and without flash.  Note the windows in the tower glow when no flash is used.  The last photo is of the side of the church. You wouldn't think it's part of the same building. 

Nothing unusual here...The white dot?

See the white mark in the center circle.

This area was presented to us as devils alley. Our guide informed us that there's another name for this area but with children present devils alley was sufficient. I wonder what the other name was considering that a whore house used to be at the end of the alley?  Note the horbs, I mean orbs in the picture. Often lavender or citrus oil can be smelt here as the whores that did not bathe regularly. They smeared it over their bodies to give them an appealing scent.  Mmm Yummie... Not! Good pictures are often taken here.

SUMMING UP.

I attended this tour with my wife and three children. We enjoyed it immensely. I would like to share more of the stories with you but I would hate to ruin it, and I think you should experience it for yourself. The stories and history in the tour are not only spooky, but they're educational and uniquely Tasmanian. I recommend this to people of all ages looking for a little adventure. There is quite a but of walking involved so wear comfortable shoes. I can't say that I actually witnessed a ghost on the night, but I believe they're there. And besides; if ghosts showed up every night there would be no mystery, no unpredictability about them. Ghosts or no ghosts, it's a worthwhile and memorable experience. You never know unless you have a go.  

JASON WILSON.    

Copyright, J.WILSON,2010