To this day, there is talk of many ghosts and spiritual entities that haunt the streets and historic Georgian buildings of Armagh.
Most well-known, perhaps, is the Green Lady of Vicar’s Hill. Her chilling tale tends to make a reappearance around this time of the year, to send shivers up the spines of trick-or-treating boys and girls.
There are a few lesser known spirits too who are said to have lingered long after their bodies were buried.
One such spirit is rumoured to haunt the halls of Armagh’s world famous Observatory.
According to the writings of Armagh historian – and first curator of Armagh County Museum – TGF Paterson, the first Director of the Observatory was James Archibald Hamilton… but he, however, is not the ghost said to wander the building.
Instead, it’s said to be that of his successor Rev Dr William Davenport.
Writing in the Armachiana Paterson said: “The first and second directors of each observatory [including Dunsink] were in Holy Orders. Both observatories are credited with a ghost and in each case the reputed spirit is said to be the second astronomer.
“Personally, I have not seen the Armagh ghost nor do I know of any person who has had that particular experience.”
In jest, he adds: “If the spirit is still around when the planetarium is built [it was not completed until 1968] it may prove an additional attraction especially if by mathematical calculations it can be made to appear at stated times.
“Tradition tells us that it has always been a quiet kind of ghost – it has never been known to clank chains, emit blood-curdling groans or carry its head in its arms – it walks instead in sober attire gazing at the heavens and refusing to talk to anybody.”
According to Irish ghost stories website ‘Spirited Isle’, Rev Davenport was somewhat of a tragic figure. And – while this part of the tale won’t be safe for little ears – according to the site it is believed that he passed away by suicide in 1823 on the grounds of the Observatory.
Reportedly, an astronomer and physicist by the name of Dr Eric Mervyn Lindsay – who served as a Director of the facility for 37 years – actually had an encounter with the spirit of one who formerly held his title.
According to a colleague of Dr Lindsay’s he once recalled a night where he was working late, “engrossed in his task” when he gradually became aware of a “presence” in the room.
Apparently, the more he tried to ignore it, the more it “pressed upon him” until eventually he had to leave.
Dr Lindsay reportedly never worked in the building beyond 11.30pm ever again.
