Isabella Mueller Baroness of Stainton le Vale
Imagine taking a leisurely stroll through Newcastle upon Tyne. The sun is shining, the Quayside glitters in the light, and everything seems perfect—until you discover the Long Staircase, which leads down into the valley, bright and shady. This staircase has a dark history that can make your hair stand on end. As you make your way down to the waterfront, you may feel more than just the atmosphere of the place. You may sense the presence of a ghost. One such ghost is that of Henry Hardwick. The story tells us that he was a somewhat unfortunate fellow who tried to escape naval life. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side. Instead, he was attacked by a notorious press gang – remember, this wasn’t like a harmless teenage prank, but something that could be quite dangerous in 19th-century Newcastle. This gang didn’t exactly care about the rules, and they certainly had no intention of letting anyone who got in their way live. Legend has it that Henry Hardwick was killed at this very spot next to The Cooperage pub. The details are gruesome: the gang removed his eyeballs – a gruesome image that makes your blood run cold. And now, it is said, his ghost still wanders up and down the Long Stairs, often described as eyeless, seeking revenge or perhaps simply peace. A scary thought as you take your steps up the stairs, isn’t it? The interesting thing about this story is that it perpetuates the idea of the unknown. With every step you take, you might feel like someone or something is behind you. Maybe it’s just the wind or your imagination—or maybe it really is Hardwick’s ghost wandering the city, searching for answers that can never be given to him. The Long Staircase and its history are not only part of local folklore, but also a reminder that the past still lives on in the present. Every time someone walks down these steps, they are reminded that history is not just made up of moving numbers, but also of tragic fates that linger in the shadows. So, the next time you’re in Newcastle, stop by the Long Staircase. It may look innocent at first glance, but secrets lurk beneath the surface. Who knows, you might even feel a cool breeze or hear a whisper in the wind as you descend the stairs. Remember, the truth is often stranger than fiction—especially in places like this.
