Stevenson’s asked for all reports relating to “ghost sightings, UFO sightings, alleged paranormal activity and reports of witches and witchcraft.”
He told The Lincolnite he’s working on a feature for the magazine highlighting “modern” ghost sightings, rather than much regaled tales of old.
Lincolnshire’s most famous “witching” came from “The Belvoir Witches”, Margaret, Philippa and Joan Flower, in the 17th century.
These three women, a mother and her two daughters, worked as servants for the Earl and Countess of Rutland at Belvoir Castle.
The Earl’s son died and other family members fell ill. He accused the women of being witches and causing these illnesses.
Following their arrests, they were examined and “confessions” extracted.
Joan, the mother, died in prison while trying to protest her innocence. The other two were burnt at the stake at Lincoln Castle on March 11th, 1618.
Nottinghamshire Police revealed, following a similar request by Stevenson, that from 2004-2010 there had been reports of:
34 ghost sightings
16 witch-related incidents
46 incidents of witchcraft
19 UFO sightings
It added the clarification that “the sightings include incidents where the person could have a mental health problem”.
A response from Lincolnshire Police is due in the next couple of weeks.
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Amended plans for Sleaford’s Market Place will be recommended for approval next week, despite continued concerns from residents and businesses.
North Kesteven District Council was forced back to the drawing board on its £1 million proposal to transform the area and “reshape the town’s heart” at last month’s planning committee. Now, the plans are back up for approval on Tuesday.
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