Spooky shadows and scary footsteps

Westbury is one of the most haunted towns in west Wiltshire with tales of a dead American serviceman and housekeepers causing chaos in pub cellars. Running the 10th annual ghost walk on Wednesday night was councillor Michelle Slade.

She said: 'Westbury has its fair share of spooky folk tales and historic buildings plagued with ghouls and ghosts. Scary stories include a spooky housekeeper who ties up ornamental rabbits with a phone lead and leaves the beer taps on at the White Rabbit pub in Edward Street.

Round the corner there are reported sightings of a monk terrifying regulars at The Angel Inn by walking through walls.

But the most disturbing tale is Benjamin the black US serviceman killed while out drinking in the town during the Second World War.

Cllr Slade said: 'Benjamin haunts the cadet centre in West End. He was stationed here during the Second World War but killed by other soldiers after a heated argument, we are not sure if he was shot or hanged.'

'Young cadets still hear his footsteps and see his shadows and the American army even sent a letter to the town apologising for the incident.'

In the cemetery residents claim to be able to see the devil haunting the grave of 18th century witch Elizabeth Burton.

And the US army had to brick up a room in the now demolished Fonteville House on the High Street because of footsteps and shadows. Cllr Slade said: 'Even these brave soldiers couldn't take the strange goings on.'

The 10th annual Westbury ghost walk was held in aid of West Wiltshire Portage Service for children with disabilities.

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