The Hammersmith Ghost: From Haunting to Murder

TLDRA ghost haunting in Hammersmith 200 years ago escalated into a murder case when a vigilante mistook an innocent man for the ghost. The ghost sightings caused panic in the village and armed patrols were set up to catch the culprit. Francis Smith, fueled by alcohol, took matters into his own hands and tragically killed Thomas Millwood, who was mistaken for the ghost.

Key insights

👻A ghost haunt in Hammersmith turned into a murder case 200 years ago.

😱The ghost sightings caused fear and panic in the village, leading to armed patrols to catch the culprit.

🍺Francis Smith, fueled by alcohol, mistook an innocent man for the ghost and tragically killed him.

👥The case highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the tragic consequences that can arise.

⚖️The incident led to discussions about the responsibility of individuals in ensuring public safety and the consequences of acting without proper evidence.

Q&A

What was the Hammersmith Ghost?

The Hammersmith Ghost was a tall specter covered in a white shroud that terrorized the village of Hammersmith, London, over 200 years ago.

Why did the ghost sightings cause panic?

The ghost would accost, harass, and sometimes attack travelers out late at night, causing fear and anxiety among the villagers.

Who mistook an innocent man for the ghost?

Francis Smith, a vigilante fueled by alcohol, mistook Thomas Millwood, a bricklayer dressed in all white, for the Hammersmith Ghost and tragically killed him.

What were the consequences of the incident?

The incident highlighted the dangers of vigilante justice and sparked discussions about individual responsibility in ensuring public safety and the importance of acting with proper evidence.

What was the outcome of the murder case?

Francis Smith was arrested and tried for the murder of Thomas Millwood. He was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to one year in prison.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the Hammersmith ghost haunting.

06:11Description of the ghost's encounters with villagers.

09:59Mistaken identity of Thomas Millwood as the ghost.

10:44Francis Smith's resolution to catch the ghost.

12:07Tragic incident of Francis Smith killing Thomas Millwood.