Many years ago I and my young daughter were looking for a place to rent. I was in the middle of my postgraduate studies and she was about to start her second year in the Mittelschule. After a long, fruitless search, we found that woman who gave us the keys of her late ex-husband’s apartment and asked for a very modest rent. The man died in September, and we got the keys the following July. The apartment was stripped almost empty, but if we really needed anything, we could ship some stuff from our own home, so I agreed and we moved in.
The worst piece of furniture was an old bed. I timidly inquired whether the old man died in there, but was told that it happened in the next room and his bed was dumped. Needless to say, we made that room a non-living zone.
The said bed didn’t look like the one in the picture, but it was still very old, so I though I would use this image to create some suspense, since the story is actually scary and difficult to believe.
That first night nothing happened – or so I think. I arranged for a children’s bed to be delivered, and until then my daughter and I shared the old wreck. It was our second night in the place. My daughter was already asleep when I switched off the light and joined her. Trying to be quiet, I covered myself with a woolen spread and the same second I heard distinct heavy footsteps coming from the kitchen. I stopped breathing. The footsteps walked into the room and my hair stood on end. I was waiting, breathless – I would fight hard to protect my daughter. The footsteps never stopped and went straight to the next room. I didn’t move. After a minute or so the footsteps made it back and disappeared in the kitchen exactly the same way they came. Here is the path.
I was listening for the door to unlock, but there was no sound. Being completely shattered I fell asleep.
The following day was a torture. I already realized that my visitor didn’t belong to this world, but this realization didn’t give me a clue how to stop him from coming. Besides, I was not sure he wouldn’t venture to our bed to say hello one night. I discussed the situation with my friend, and she suggested lighting a candle in church. The candle didn’t help.
For the rest of the summer, every single night he was there shortly before midnight. I was so grateful that my daughter was always sound asleep by that time. I have never looked at him – I was not sure if he liked attention.
But I did talk to him – after a month or so. “For God’s sake, I would tell him in a hushed voice, why are you walking here instead of resting in peace? You are a grown up man, shame on you! Don’t you know I have a 8 year old child here, and you can scare her! What are you looking for here? Just let me know and I will take to your grave whatever stuff you need.”
He kept coming until his one year anniversary, and I kept giving out to him for that. Then he just stopped coming, and that was it.
Some mysteries can be explained though, like the ones in the books of Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle
These pictures were taken in the Sherlock Holmes Museum in London, England. It opened in 1990 and is situated in Baker Street, bearing the number 221 B, as per books, although it lies between numbers 237 and 241. The Georgian town house was formerly used as a boarding house from 1860 to 1936, which covers the period of 1881 to 1904 when Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson were reported to have resided there as tenants of Mrs Hudson. The museum is run by the Sherlock Holmes Society of England, a non-profit organisation. I guess they actually have some profit since the tickets are overpriced, but it is not that I am complaining – the museum was a #1 item on my London list.
This is the monster from The Hound of the Baskervilles.
The Red-Headed League
A criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty
I read all the Sherlock Holmes books when I was a young teenager. People read a lot at that time. Not that I am a hardcore Sherlock fan, but I enjoyed reading the novels way before I saw my first movie: for that, I consider myself lucky. And I did want to visit the museum because I love the idea of the monuments and museums dedicated to the fictional characters.
It is why the reviews in the Trip Adviser upset me. Especially one like this:
“I think it’s interesting if you’re a big fan and know all the stories. If you’re not (like me) you’ll learn nothing.”
For Goodness sake! Sorry you learned nothing, man.
But there was one review that I loved. A very long one, and I want to quote a part of it here, because I couldn’t say it better myself:
“…I’m sorry that you probably live in a world where people insist that Sherlock Holmes is not real. I invite you to live in my world instead, my friend. Because in my world, people can fall from waterfalls and 15 story buildings and live to solve crime another day. In my world empty hearses are not creepy precursors to post apocalyptic zombie films. In my world one landlord can be both Mrs. Hudson, AND Mrs. Turner, because the hell with continuity! The difference between fiction and real life is that fiction has to make sense, and when did Sherlock Holmes ever make sense? Never! If that’s not confirmation, I don’t know what is.
Anyway, they’ll try to tell you this is a “museum”, but whatever. You know that the great detective and his dear friend Doctor Watson have just stepped out on a consultation at Scotland Yard. And don’t you ever forget it.”
Bless you, young lady.
I want to share some soundtracks to the different Sherlock Holmes movies. Which of the soundtracks is your favorite?
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1985), Granada Television, starred Jeremy Brett and David Burke/Edward Hardwicke. Composer Patrick Gowers.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1979-1986), Lenfilm, starred Vasily Livanov and Vitaly Solomin. Composer Vladimir Dashkevich.
BBC Sherlock (TV series) 2010. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Composers David Arnold and Michael Price. This is actually a cover, but I think it is brilliant – Sherlock Medley on Violin – Taryn Harbridge
And this one is from the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movie, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Composer Hans Zimmer
The living room and all the familiar items are on display – you can sit in the chairs, put on the hats and even play the violin if you wish.
The maid is real.
If you don’t mind wax figures, Madame Tussauds museum is some 10 minutes walk from here.
And you know what? There are people who still write to the famous Detective. Blessed readers – I am sure that most of them are readers.
So, that’s the story. Some mysteries still remain unsolved…
The Rocky Road to Dublin by The Dubliners – this song was used in the Sherlock movie.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Making memories 
What a story. I can imagine your relief when he finally left for good. I love that photo of the crows in the bare tree.
Thank you so much. Yes, it was a relief, but also a disappointment in myself – I should have looked at him, at least. Now I don’t even know was he visible or not!
Okay, now that is a ghost story! Yikes. I got spooked reading it! Thanks for sharing it. Wow. I would have been too scared to stay there. Phew!
The thing is that I had already had some experience with magic a few years before the events. I don’t know if I am going to share that, lets just say – the ghosts didn’t scare me much since. I wouldn’t like them jump out of my closet, but otherwise I give them room to exist.
I think you have to share now! Can’t leave me hanging!!!
Oh I shouldn’t have started… It involves other people, and it is a too long story. If I outlive all involved, I might write a novel. Just for you: magic exists, people are not always what they seem, good people might bear dark secrets.
Hugs! 🙂
I am so intrigued. I guess sans story I will take your word in magic and people. Looking forward to the novel! 🙂
🙂
I loved your article. When I was in London, I never made it to the museum. I would have enjoyed it. I hope there will be a next time. Thanks.
Thank you for your comment, Suzanne. I loved the museum. Hope you make it there one day. Wax Figures are just 10 minutes walk from there too, and they have a new display dedicated to the history of London. It is quite amazing.
We weren’t too far from the museum but we were so tired from taking buses and trains the whole day. We stayed in a hotel on the opposite side of the water from Buckingham Palace. We spent a lot of time on public transportation. Their trains are 100 times worse than New York City. I was pushed and prodded. People didn’t walk around me but through me. If I go back, I refuse to take another city train or bus.
Haha, I know exactly what you are talking about 🙂 It was my second visit; the first one was a pure shock.
A fun post, Inese. You never cease to amaze me.
Sheri – thank you for stopping by! 🙂
Wow~ You are so brave!!! I’d be out within a week!!!
I personally had experiences with ghosts.., or should I say, spirits, so I can relate to your experience. The reason why ‘he’ stopped coming to his old home, perhaps he reincarnated?!!!
Vivienne X
Thank you for your comment Vivienne! He stopped coming exactly after his 1 year anniversary. Probably moved on, finally. I don’t think he was reincarnated though. He was not ready spiritually – too attached to the earthly things. Way to learn 🙂
Inese
I’ve had some creepy experiences with ghosts too in my mum and dad’s house in Edinburgh. Love Sherlock Holmes – thanks for sharing found this a very interesting post.
Edinburgh! I took a ghost tour in Edinburgh so I can relate 🙂 I think I have a blog post about Edinburgh somewhere… My favorite city.
Thank you for stopping by!
I grew up in Edinburgh but must confess I’ve never been on the ghost tour must remedy that one day. Yes, it’s one of my favourite cities too. I visit often. 😉
We went to a graveyard and catacombs. Pretty cool experience, our guide was very knowledgeable.
How beautiful!
Thank you! 🙂
What a story! You are so brave, If that happens to me then I think I will move out soon 🙂
Oh I love Sherlock Holmes stories too! I don’t like the new TV series about those modern Sherlock Holmes though – just weird and it feels like forgetting the originality of Sherlock Holmes..I guess I am bit old fashioned that way..
Thank you for your comment, Indah! You are right, I should have moved out. I can guess the reason of the low rent she asked 🙂 Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything else close to my daughter’s school, and by that time I already had at least two big encounters with paranormal, so that a rogue ghost wouldn’t make a difference 🙂
Another great read 🙂
About the Sherlock Holmes’ songs, I can’t decide between the first and the third one… (Oh! And the last one, of course) Which is your favorite?
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I love the first and the second ones – I think both are conveying the spirit 🙂 Russian actor Vasily Livanov became an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, and of course Jeremy Brett is Holmes himself in my opinion 🙂
It has to be the Jeremy Brett version. Maybe because I remember seeing it waaaay back when 🙂
And I loved (hmmm, not the right word!) your personal ghost story. So glad after the anniversary he was finally outta there.
I cannot believe all the items in that house. Looks like a very thorough portrait of the pair.
These are not all the items. They have Dr Watson’s room, Ms Hudson’s room and even a bathroom, and some more rooms I already forget about – it was a good couple of years ago. You just know you are in the book when you are there 🙂
I was lucky the ghost minded his own business.
It was my first experience with paranormal. Now when I have lived long enough nothing can surprise me anymore.
Great story! Love anything Sherlock! Love all the photos! 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Linda! He is one of the most noble characters in history! 🙂
A amazing blog. Made mty night to read and the violin was outstanding. Added her to my favorite.
Thank you! Glad you love the great Detective 🙂 This violin cover is amazing – I have never heard it before.
The violin is my favorite sound. She made the violin come alive and you are welcome. The artwork and tale was very good.
Thank you for your kind comment! Have a wonderful week!
You are welcome. Have fun and be safe.
Another interesting blog! Definitely scary! I too read the Sherlock Holmes stories. We have a series in the US called Elementary which is loosely based on the Sherlock Holmes character and not too bad.
Thank you! I have to google Elementary to check out the soundtrack for the show. “Elementary, Watson” was a very popular phrase in my school back in the 1970s 🙂