By Isle of Wight Observer
This curious tale appeared in the Isle of Wight Observer of 28th November 1863. In those days carriers and their passengers often broke their journeys with stops at inns along the way – there were no ‘drink driving’ rules. Spelling conventions were also different – “waggon” with a double ‘g’ was the usual form until the turn of the 20th century.
A HAUNTED WAGGON. – On the evening of our last County Court, the 19th inst., one of our carriers between Freshwater and Newport, named Rashley, visited the Castle-inn as his last house of call upon leaving our town; and, after remaining there some time regaling himself with his County Court passengers with landlord’s double X, they proceeded on their journey. Upon arrival at Shalfleet, they halted at the New-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 appearing 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.