Ghost hunters have investigated The Court Oak pub in Harborne and recorded some of their efforts for YouTube.
The pub is not very old and was built as recently as 1932, however it is believed that the building stands on ground used for hangings in the 17th century. Lillian Campbell, pub manager, moved into the Court Oak in 2000 and now believes in ghosts. Current pub manager Anne Tyler also made the news this week by talking to the press about the local ghosts. In a further twist, one of the suggested spirits is most active around Halloween.
The Mirror reveals The Court Oak’s problem with a ghost called “Corky”. According to Nuala Gallagher, who works for Sizzling Pubs, Corky smashes wine bottles unless they’re of good quality.
“It isn’t so much things that go bump in the night as things going smash in the night at the Court Oak.
“People have spotted the figure of a man, aged about 60, behind the bar and the staff have felt his presence numerous times over the years.
“But it is Corky’s insistence on certain wines that set him apart as a spirit.
“It only ever happens at this time of year when Halloween is in sight. If the pub has a house wine that is not to his liking, he makes his feelings known by smashing bottle after bottle of it in the cellar until it is changed for a wine he approves of.”
Before this week’s story, Lillian Campbell had given permission to paranormal investigators to examine the pub. The group looked into the legend that a woman was tried and executed on the harge of infanticide. It is believed the woman was hanged even though she was innocent.
In Pure Spirit
Do you believe in a Halloween ghost that appears just in time to ensure customers of the pub get good wine?
Have you been to the Court Oak pub in Harborne? Did you sense anything odd about the building while you stayed there?
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