Wherever there are legends there are ghosts. In this book Roy Christian has made an interesting and varied selection from the rich sources at his disposal in England, Wales and Scotland. Within a few miles of his home in Derbyshire he has found tales of mystery surrounding Haddon Hall, the Chesterfield crooked spire, the Halter Devil chapel at Mugginton, Swarkeston Bridge, Dale Abbey and the village of Findern.
He deals only with legends specifically connected with places, and all the 'scenes' mentioned in this book may be visited by the public. (He does not guarantee, however, that the ghosts will be visible every time.) He has collected a number of varied and up-to-date photographs of subjects made famous by ghosts or legends.
Mr Christian makes no claim to give the final word on such controversial themes as the site of King Arthur's court, the number of ghosts at Hampton Court or the origin of the mistletoe bough stories, but he does disclose new and so far unpublished material on some lesser-known legends and ghosts.
Ghosts and Legends is not a scholarly treatise on the irrational subconscious that inspired these tales. They are told as stories and the reader is left to draw his own conclusions. This book offers a fascinating insight into one more aspect of the rich folk-heritage of Britain.