This photo, taken of the altar at the 'Skelton-cum-Newby Church of Christ the Consoler' in 1963, created a sensation when published. It was found in many books detailing the paranormal throughout the 1980's.
The figure of a 'monk' standing to the right of the altar was not present when Reverend K. F. Lords took the photo.
The Church had no stories or experiences of the paranormal, and to date no one has been able to explain who the figure may be.
The figure of a 'monk' standing to the right of the altar was not present when Reverend K. F. Lords took the photo.
The Church had no stories or experiences of the paranormal, and to date no one has been able to explain who the figure may be.
A Creepy Ghost Monk
The Ghost Monk of Newby church. The photo you see here was taken by Reverend K.F. Lords in 1963. The focus of the picture was the altar in the Church of Christ the Consoler found in Skelton-cum-Newby in North Yorkshire, England.
At the time the Reverend had seen nothing out of the ordinary but, upon processing, the photos showed a curious and frightening extra. A hooded/cowled monk like figure is clearly visible (though a little transparent) standing to the right of the altar.
The figures arms seem to be folded together in a typical 'monk-like' pose and its long robes clearly cover the feet and drape over the step it is standing on.
But most intriguing of all is the long cloth facemask that occludes the figures face except for two eye holes. It is this mask that gives it the air of something one may see in a horror movie (it is often referred to as a 'Scream' mask).
Understandably the Reverend was shocked to see the figure in his photo.
At the time the Reverend had seen nothing out of the ordinary but, upon processing, the photos showed a curious and frightening extra. A hooded/cowled monk like figure is clearly visible (though a little transparent) standing to the right of the altar.
The figures arms seem to be folded together in a typical 'monk-like' pose and its long robes clearly cover the feet and drape over the step it is standing on.
But most intriguing of all is the long cloth facemask that occludes the figures face except for two eye holes. It is this mask that gives it the air of something one may see in a horror movie (it is often referred to as a 'Scream' mask).
Understandably the Reverend was shocked to see the figure in his photo.
A History
Church of Christ the Consoler. There has never been stories of paranormal events that have taken place within the church. At the time the photo was taken the church had not yet seen a century of existance. Actually the reason why the church was built is interesting in itself.
In April 1870 Frederick Vyner, son in law to the 1st Marquess of Ripon (essentially a nobleman of hereditary rank... aka a very important person) and several other important Italian and British tourists were travelling through Greece when they were ambushed and abducted by Greek Brigands.
On the 11th of April a large ransom was demanded for the release of the diplomats, lords, councilmen and other people of note including Frederick
In April 1870 Frederick Vyner, son in law to the 1st Marquess of Ripon (essentially a nobleman of hereditary rank... aka a very important person) and several other important Italian and British tourists were travelling through Greece when they were ambushed and abducted by Greek Brigands.
On the 11th of April a large ransom was demanded for the release of the diplomats, lords, councilmen and other people of note including Frederick
Interior of the church. Although some of the funds were gathered and paid to the brigands a failed rescue attempt saw Frederick and two of his companions murdered. Fredericks mother saw to it that the remainder of the ransom that had been raised would be used to construct two churches in memory of her son; The Church of Christ the Consoler in Newby (upon her own land) and the near identical St Mary's Church at Studley Royal (on Fredericks sisters land).
Fredericks last written words while held in captivity were "we must trust to God that we may die bravely as Englishmen should do."
Construction of the Newby Church began in 1871 and was complete by 1876 making it a not very old church by English standards. It is also doubtful that due to its age (or lack thereof) that any monks would have taken up residence within the church or its grounds.
Fredericks last written words while held in captivity were "we must trust to God that we may die bravely as Englishmen should do."
Construction of the Newby Church began in 1871 and was complete by 1876 making it a not very old church by English standards. It is also doubtful that due to its age (or lack thereof) that any monks would have taken up residence within the church or its grounds.
No 'Proof' of Fraud
A close up of the frightening visage. As for the photo itself, straight away people will say it's just a double exposure. It certainly looks like one with the near uniformity in the transparency.
However over the years groups of experts, some times independant and sometimes hired by larger entities (the BBC for example), have taken a close look and can not find proof that a double exposure is at play here. These same analysts have spotted and proven frauds before but the Newby photo seems to have them stumped.
Could it be that this example of a 'too good to be true' and 'looks totally dodgy' photo taken by a Reverend of the church in 1963 is the real deal?
However over the years groups of experts, some times independant and sometimes hired by larger entities (the BBC for example), have taken a close look and can not find proof that a double exposure is at play here. These same analysts have spotted and proven frauds before but the Newby photo seems to have them stumped.
Could it be that this example of a 'too good to be true' and 'looks totally dodgy' photo taken by a Reverend of the church in 1963 is the real deal?
Ashley Hall 2012
RSS Feed
