Meeting Henry

by Diane Perry (United States of America)

Making a local connection United Kingdom

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Run! Watch your step. Cautious not to stumble on the narrow, unlit path, meandering past stone homes built side by side. An excited voice carried with the breeze exclaims, “keep going”. My hands hold a white cotton sleeping gown, slightly up and away from my line of site. I am running. Steep cliffs flank either side of this tiny picturesque village in North Yorkshire. Getting here was a journey of abbey remnants, massive stone monasteries, medieval castles, gothic churches, and, English countryside. Each small town and village displayed incredibly unique architecture styles and details with mesmerizing history that resonates a soulfulness for lingering cultural heritage. I believe it was in York that we decided to do a ghost photo series. Pre-twilight, a magical and perfect setting for this shoot. As the sky transitions from the light of day to the dark of night, a hint of fog dances through the air. The sea breeze brings a cool dampness; dusk sets in. I stop running when I hear a soft, confident voice, "Perfect". A welcomed warm shawl is wrapped around my shoulders. Leaving the maze of tiny cobblestone paths, we walk towards the prominently placed, Beach House. The last house at the bottom of a steep, narrow, one way road with a tight double-bend. Our drive down from cliff top to sea was very slow as our eyes absorbed the impressive 16th century architecture flanking either side of the street. The end of the road meets the sea where small row boats are pulled onto the shore. No car park here; that’s at the top, Bay Bank. Robin Hood’s Bay, an old fishing village, was originally part of the Whitby settlement in the Bronze Age. Rocks in the sea surprised and stranded many sailing ships looking for shelter. The locals use small, simple wooden boats with fishing nets, oars and washed out colors. Beach House, believed to date from 1680 has exposed stone, old beams, wood-panelling, stained glass, commanding views out to sea, clawfoot tub, creaking wood floors on all 3 levels, and, is a short walk across the street to The Bay Hotel for tonight’s diner. Savoring the perfectly cooked fish sandwich was easy as we excitedly talked about the photo shoot earlier and shared visions of lighting a fire in the wood mantled fireplace to try out the new ghost camera. I have always been inspired by architecture, proportions mixed with the right design elements. I appreciate Beach House. Each room set around the center staircase is decorated to capture the image of the 1600's and picture worthy. With fire blazing, the new ghost camera is set up on tripod. Two pictures, one with just the fire, one with me in front of the fire. Can’t wait to develop this film. It’s been a long day, time for a good night’s sleep. Awakening to nature calls, I open the bedroom door. My eyes do a double take. There, in the hall, on the other side of the center staircase, are seaman’s eyes greeting me. An old sailor man, comfortable in his environment, with deep crevasses of life lines, white hair, a sailors hat, and, well worn clothing, a historical look that says, "I have sailed many ocean seas". We gazed at each other. I’m in the presence of a ghost. My senses take hold. I slam the door shut, awaken my friend in frantic excitement from a deep sleep. Meeting a ghost in the hallway took awhile to sink in. Curious of my encounter, we walked into the hall but my ghost was gone. Time to depart this other part of the world where the coastline of England holds many stories. Thanking my English friend for the stay, I ask if anyone has seen a ghost. He quickly responds, "Ah, you met Henry". Henry is a well known ghost in Robin Hood’s Bay. He lived in this house and frequented the Bay Hotel. I’m thankful for my ghost encounter. If it ever happens again, I hope I can speak and not run.