By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Observer published on 28th November 1863 told the true tale of a waggon thought to be haunted, when it was in fact just a bird catching a free ride.
A HAUNTED WAGGON.
On the evening of our last County Court, the 19th inst., one of our carriers between Freshwater and Newport, namely Rashley, visited the Castle-inn as his last house of call upon leaving our town; and, after remaining there some time regaling himself with is County Court passengers with the landlords double X, they proceeded on their journey.
Upon arriving in Shalfleet, they halted at the Mew-inn; after having a few more “drains” and a little gossip, they returned to the waggon, when they heard a cock crow, which was soon repeated, and the sounds appeared to come from the bed of the waggon amongst the luggage, it was searched, but no bird was there. They drove on, and still was the crowing heard several times before reaching Freshwater.
Upon the waggon, arriving at its destination another search was made for the bird; but, as nothing of the kind could be found, it was considered that the vehicle was haunted. However, on the following morning a cock was seen strutting about the carrier’s yard, which was soon identified as one that had been sold from Freshwater to Mr. Mursell, of the Castle-inn, Newport.
Upon a close investigation of the waggon, it was discovered, by certain marks, that he obtained his ride on the axletree, where it appeared he had taken up his abode to roost for the night in the Castle-inn. The villagers say that the bird saw the word Freshwater on the waggon, and sought the above means of returning to its native home.