Telling scary stories at sleepovers, during Halloween parties, or just learning about history always leads to a good ghost story or two. The fact is that ghost stories never get old and there have even been instances of concrete evidence of real ghosts . Listed below are some of the world's most famous photographs of ghosts. The famous line, "a picture is worth a thousand words" really sums up the information behind these famous ghost photographs.
His Favorite Chair, Lord Combermere - In 1891 Lord Combermere was struck by a horse and died. Just days after his death, this photograph was shot of a transparent Lord Combermere sitting in his favorite chair.
Mabel Chinnery's deceased mother – Mrs. Mabel Chinnery had visited her mother’s grave in 1958. Soon after visiting the grave site, she snapped this photo of her husband while sitting in their vehicle, later spotting her deceased mother sitting in the backseat.
The "fire girl" ghost - Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, England burned down to the ground. While the smoke was still settling, local resident Tony O'Rahilly snapped a shot of the town hall later to find a little girl standing in the charred, still smokey building.
Ghost at Tombstone Boothill Graveyard – In Tombstone, Arizona, Terry Ike Clanton took a picture of his friend dressed like a western cowboy. In the background, there is a man sitting in the meadow that was not there at the time the picture was taken.
The tulip staircase - In 1966, Revered Ralph Hardy was snapping shots of this picturesque staircase known as the tulip staircase located at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, New England. The Revered was later reviewing his snapshots when he saw a monk like figure scaling the steps holding onto the railing.
Ghost of Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Chicago - Known as the "The Madonna of Bachelor's Grove Cemetery" this woman-like figure was photographed in 1991 sitting sadly on a tombstone.
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall - Known as the "Brown lady" spotted in Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England in 1926; it was agreed by many that the woman-like figure resembled that of a former owner named Dorothy Walpole said to have worn similar clothing according to her era.
Woman witch of the Joshua Ward house – Located in Massachusetts, the Joshua Ward house is said to be one of the most haunted locations in the U.S. The “woman witch” is said to be one of the many ghosts seen in the house taunting visitors.
Grandpa ghost – The woman in the photo was roughly in her 90’s and had long been a widow. The man behind her in the photo is said to be her deceased husband.
The ghost of Freddy Jackson - During World War I in 1919, Freddy Jackson, an airplane mechanic was spotted in this photo but was already deceased.
The Newby Church Monk – In North Yorkshire, England in 1963 the Reverend K. F. Lord took this photo discovering what appears to be a monk in prayer. Many have claimed that the authenticity of the photo has yet to be disproved.
Mrs. Andrews' grave ghost – In 1947, Mrs. Andrews went to the graveyard of her 17 year old daughters’ tombstone and took a photo. After the film was developed a baby appeared to be staring at Mrs. Andrews as she took the photo.
London's St. Botolph's Church Ghost – Located in London, St. Botolph’s Church had a professional photographer take interior shots of the church. Once the film was developed there was a woman located on the balcony that the photographer claims was not there during the actual shot.
Railroad crossing ghost in San Antonio, Texas – Once the site of a horrific accident where several children were killed, the railroad crossing is now the site of many claims of paranormal activity. It is said that many people have car trouble on the railroad crossing tracks causing their cars to stall out. People claim to see small children move the car out of harms way.
Car accident guardian angel ghost – The scene investigator was taking shots of the horrific accident. Once the film was developed an angelic figure was seen in the photo.
Grim reaper ghost in the sky – Taken in 1916, the grim reaper like apparition in the clouds seems to be looking doing on a town that is about to be hit by a severe storm.
Levitating brick at Borley Rectory, England – In 1944, Life Magazine was going to publish an expose of the Borley Rectory. The professional photographer took this photo of a floating brick. The Borley Rectory is known to be one of the most haunted locations in the world.
Eastry Church in Kent, England of ghost in pew - Taken in 1956, it is thought this ghostly figure is of a priest sitting in his church pews for prayer.
Amityville ghost boy – The horrific murders of an Amityville family included a small boy. Through investigations, thousands of photos were documented and one photo revealed a small boy looking directly at the camera.
Ghost of Jane Simor, third wife to King Henry VI – Taken in 2003, this apparition is said to be that of Jane Simor, the third wife of King Henry VI. She had died during childbirth and is said to often be seen in the doorway displayed. This is certainly no re-enactor in costume.
Robed monk in Hull House of Chicago – The Hull House, located in Chicago has had numerous reports of a “robed like” figures crossing paths with visitors.
Mary Todd Lincoln with deceased Abraham Lincoln – Mary Todd Lincoln, deeply into practicing spiritualism was said to be in communication with her deceased husband, Abraham Lincoln. This photograph was taken of Mary Todd with a clear ghost-like figure of Abraham himself standing behind his wife.
Men of the ocean – James Courtney and Michael Meehan were cleaning the oil tanker of their ship on the S.S. Watertown when their shipmates said they were last seen. After their deaths, many of their shipmates reported seeing their faces appear in the ocean waves. One crew member decided to carry a camera while on deck and snapped this shot of his crew mates. Once the shot was taken, he locked the camera up for validity purposes until on dry land.
Toys R Us ghost – This particular Toys R Us located in California had a paranormal investigation team come and investigate using infrared cameras. There is a man leaning against the wall that was not present during the time of the investigation.
Reverand Charles Cook ghost girlfriend – This photo was taken of the Reverend Cook. While the film was being developed the Reverend's ex-girlfriend from many years previous who was deceased started to appear in the photo. The symbols of a heart, flower, and star were all significant to the Reverend during their courtship.
Article written by Janice D. McDonald