The Annual Return of Juliet Tewsley: A Mini-Essay

     Located on the banks of England’s Great Ouse river, the Old Ferry Boat Inn is rumored to be among the nation’s oldest hostelries, with alcohol supposedly being served at this location as early as 560 C.E., yet the establishment’s fame spawns from an event which allegedly occurred over five-hundred years later. On March 17, 1078, the young Juliet Tewsley was jilted by her lover and, overcome with sorrow, hanged herself. Upon discovering her body, the grieving paramour cut down Juliet and buried her where she died, marking the grave with a granite block over which the Old Ferry Boat Inn was later built.[1] Since her death, Juliet reportedly returns to the world of the living each year on the anniversary of her hanging, which has spawned a festive tradition at the inn as locals and tourists gather each year on March 17 for a party awaiting Juliet’s arrival and the potential to witness her ethereal presence.[2]

Works Referenced

Jones, Richard. Haunted Britain and Ireland. New York: Barnes and Noble, 2002.
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[1] Jones, 82.
[2] Jones, 82-83.