The Bell Tower Ghost

The Bell Tower Ghost is a spirit associated with church towers, abbey bellfries, and old clock towers. He or she is often said to be a former bell-ringer who died in the tower—by accident, illness, or violence—and who returns to pull the ropes or to be seen at the top of the stairs when the bells have not been rung by any living hand.

Sounds and Sightings

Witnesses report bells ringing at odd hours, footsteps on the tower stairs, and a figure in the belfry. The ghost is sometimes described as protective—warning of fire or danger—or as bound to repeat a single act, such as ringing a death knell that was never completed.

Stories

See “The Bell Tower Curse” for a tale inspired by this figure. For more on haunted places, see Haunted Places.