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 
Fabulous story and scary. I’ve never visited Sherlock Holmes museum but now I think I should. 🙂
Thank you Olga! It was some story 🙂 Do go to the museum. The ticket is 15 pounds which is wickedly expensive for such a short visit, but some places just have to be seen 🙂
You shared your ghost story Inese 🙂 It must have been terrifying for you at the time, I’m glad that he hopefully finally found his peace. And great pics of Sherlock Holmes – I’m torn by the music – I like most of them!
Thank you Andrea! Yes, I finally shared one of the stories 🙂 I was afraid he’d scare my daughter. As to myself, I am sure I would look at him after a night or two. I am very curious 🙂
Glad you loved the music. Great memories! Some fictional characters are more important in our life than the real ones 🙂
It’s a mystery that sherlock would have loved to solved ! haha ! I love Sherlock holmes, and I also read all the books when I was a teenager 🙂 It was so so enjoyable. I also love the TV show sherlock, it’s quite clever and pleasant to watch 🙂 Better than the films.
Thank you for your comment! I too love the shows – you can enjoy the story slowly and with more detail you remember from reading the books. Yet for those unfamiliar with the books a movie would do just fine 🙂
This show is just for everyone, that’s why it’s so great ! People who read the books can find some references, but other people can also enjoy themselves. Great, great show ! 🙂
Yes, I too vote for the show 🙂 The theme music will sit in my head forever. We wouldn’t miss a single episode 🙂 The same was with Nikita – these two shows were watched religiously 🙂
I don’t know Nikita, what kind of show is it ?
It is La Femme Nikita, USA/Canada, the 1990s, based on the French film Nikita by Luc Besson. About a girl that was recruited to a secret organisation. Great stuff.
Oh I see !
Yikes, scary story. And then, as you say, just plain annoying. I really like the first two clips of music for Sherlock.
Thank you for your comment! Glad you like the music. When I hear these familiar tunes I always smile 🙂 Sherlock Holmes connects me with my youth.
Jeremy Brett was best for me Inese. You might like this post of mine: http://derrickjknight.com/2012/08/07/would-you-believe-it/
Wow, Derrick, thank you for sharing the link! It took me years to start sharing my story. Such stories don’t give one much credit, do they ? 😉
I am really glad that everyone who commented on this loves Sherlock Holmes. My idea was to share and compare the music, because it is a great tribute to the beloved Detective. The actors’ work was brilliant in all these movies. Jeremy Brett didn’t play Sherlock. He was him 🙂
Hello Inese,
Thanks for the interesting post. Always good to be able to look back on a ‘ghost’ encounter like that to remind us all that we understand very little about the ‘world’ around us…in spite of what we might think.
Re the music, whilst I’m a Hans Zimmer fan, I think I preferred the violin
based piece, which I hadn’t heard before. Always look forward to your well researched pieces,
BW
Julian
Thank you for your comment! Music is a big part of a good movie, especially Sherlock Holmes being a fine musician himself 🙂
My Dad used to read us in middle elementary school age Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Inese. Your ghost sounds like you were nervous more due to your daughter than its haunting you. I am smiling at a comment you made about wanting to guide it to the light. I have a strong belief this is possible.
My favorite Sherlock is Benedict Cumberbach in the BBC episodes. I liked Robert Downey, Jr. with Jude Law as his Watson. I watch Elementary with Jonny Lee Miller and like Lucy Lui. This post was fun and my favorite Sherlock story is the Speckled Band. It is a tricky story until you find out how the person was killed. I don’t think this crime could be carried out, currently due to the entry into a locked room. Outdated method but I always remember the way I felt when my Dad asked us to think about it before he read the story’s ending the following night.
Thank you so much for your comment! The ghost was apparently attached to the place where he died, and couldn’t move on – may be because they took his bed to the dumpster. He didn’t have any interest in us – he didn’t know us.
I am so glad you love Sherlock. Speckled band was sort of a horror story for me – I am afraid of all the sleeky wriggling creatures 🙂
I love the music to the movies – all of it. It seems that each composer is fond of the famous Detective 🙂
Thank you again! Have a lovely weekend!
Whew … what an adventure … this has been a pleasant and enjoyable read … very well done and thank you 🙂
Thank you for stopping by! It is the first time that I share this story with such a huge audience 🙂 I waited some fifteen years before I shared it with my daughter. Thank you again!
Huge fan. Love Brett and Johnny Miller…Robert Downey Jr. too. Great post.
Thank you for your comment! Really glad there are so many fans of my favorite man 🙂
I LOVE your ghost story. How terrifying. I grew up on ghost stories and my father and his family claim to have seen and heard the banshee many times.
There are a few more paranormal stories and I will share them one day. All of them are true.
Speaking of banshee – I was sure I heard one and I even prepared to die, but… I mastered some courage to look outside, and it was a howling fox standing there right behind my window.
Hahahaha. Did you piss yourself? I would have.
I just though – if I hear this, I am going to die. I was mortified. Then I thought – if I am going to die I want to see the banshee. Good thinking.
Thank your for the tour of 221B Baker Street (aka the Sherlock Holmes Museum)! I have read and reread the Holmes stories many times. Something will remind me of one of the stories and I’ll have to read it again. I never saw any of the movies but I’ve enjoyed the BBC’s Sherlock series a lot!
Thank you for your comment, Ann! I wish every fictional character of such influence had their museum…
I loved this! At least now I feel like I have sort of been there. Read all the books and love all the movies, no matter who plays the characters. Thanks for a lovely tour! ❤
Thank you for your comment! It is a special place, and I hope you will visit it one day. It is like visiting an old friend 🙂
Oh my! Scary stuff indeed!!! I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
Ah, after two months it simply becomes annoying. I told my daughter this story years later 🙂
I liked the first composition by Patrick Gowers. I read The Red-headed League and I enjoyed it. But I’ve to admit to haven’t explored more about the universe of the detective. Perhaps because I like so much fantasy I was more attracted to Chesterton and his stories with Father Brown.
Your story is really scary, it was quite interesting to read and I find curious that it seems when we read mystery tales or novel life gives us a mystery we cannot fathom.
Thank you for your comment! I really like it that each composer added a touch of the era, some violin, and some smile :). All composers agreed on the fact that the famous Detective was a heroic figure, even some sort of the royalty, and you can hear it all in their music – different, but undoubtedly written for one and the same character.
My story is still haunting me 🙂 It was a fun time with many amusing happenings… After we returned home our life changed dramatically, and there was no fun anymore.
Inese, I do love Sherlock. What a fun and charming post! Well… except for your unwanted visitor. Glad he finally lost interest. I’ve had good results using the words “Move on into Light. You have work to do elsewhere,” as everyone has a purpose, so to speak.
Mega hugs my friend. 🙂
Thank you for your comment, Teagan! I think he was confused serving his first year up there 🙂 At that time I was a devotee of Theosophy, and I was lecturing him and coaching him to the light, but nothing worked. Thankfully it only lasted some 2-3 months. I regret not seeing him. If I were on my own, I would dare to face him. Well, if he was visible at all.
Hugs!!!
Sounds frightening but I am so glad you spoke to him! I bet it helped you both.
Thank you Cindy! I started speaking to him only after a good couple of weeks when I knew that he was harmless ( at least towards us, the people he didn’t know). And he was truly annoying – because of him I had to go to bed earlier, and I had to make sure my daughter was asleep by the time of his appearance. Well, I even don’t know if he was visible – I never dared to look at him. So many questions are left unanswered…
I love the Jeremy Brett versions…..
Too real, wasn’t he? I too love these series. Thank you for your comment!
😀
A lot to digest.
Thank you
Thank you for stopping by!
By strange chance the next street next to me was the home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle lived after graduating from University.
It has a statue of a unicorn at one end. I like to shot odd glints of light and reflections, when i walk along it. Reminds me of his beliefs and interests.
Large parts of the neighborhood are unchanged since his day. When you walk about the misty streets at night, past the pubs and theater, wonder how much a similar walk through the city effected Doyle and his imagination.
Thank you for sharing this! A unicorn! The best places in the world are those that never change 🙂
OK, now that I know that it is there, it is now also my #1 spot to visit in London. I too read all the stories when I was young and for a time WAS a fanatic. I love the Jeremy Brett versions, they were very accurate. But I also like the Robert Downey Jr versions (awfully good fun) and even love the new versions from the BBC (Cumberback) and the US (Johnny Miller.) The US version is interesting. Johnny Miller is actually very much to the original Holmes character and I love the idea of a female Watson. What great memories these stories are…
Thank you so much for your comment! I am so glad someone else (except my own daughter) shares my love for the books. I too like all the movies and the great music to them – I shared these videos because of my favorite soundtracks. Each movie just adds to the image of our favorite man:) Thank you again!
Wonderful ghost story…. So intriguing… You totally caught my attention, dear Inese… I also liked the photographs!!!. Great post, my friend. Happy weekend ahead & best wishes, Aquileana ⭐
Thank you for stopping by, dear friend! Things happen! 🙂
Have a lovely weekend, enjoy yourself! Hugs! Inese