> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Lichfield rare book expert uncovers manuscript detailing mysterious haunting
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-rare-book-expert-uncovers-manuscript-detailing-mysterious-haunting/
- Published: 2024-10-23T06:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-10-19T11:48:11.000Z
- Description: A Lichfield books expert has uncovered a manuscript telling a spine-chilling tale of a mysterious haunting in Staffordshire more than 230 years ago.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:53, News

A LICHFIELD books expert has uncovered a manuscript telling a spine-chilling tale of a mysterious haunting in Staffordshire more than 230 years ago.

The account of a ghost at Seighford Hall was spotted by Jim Spencer from Rare Book Auctions.

It was found in a box of old papers relating to the Whitby family of Shugborough and tells the story of how Francis Eld was sat in a room with his daughter in 1785 when he experienced a cloud or vapour and the voice of his dead mother.

Jim said:

> “It was quite eerie discovering these papers during the run-up to Halloween.   
>  
> “The word ‘visitation’ just caught my eye and as soon as I realised they were talking about a ghost, I genuinely couldn’t read quickly enough – my eyes were racing ahead of my brain.” 

The handwritten account comes with correspondence between the Rev Thomas Whitby and statement from Francis Eld’s servant.

Jim said:

> “The fact that Mr Eld’s experience was documented and discussed by members of the clergy, as well as a servant’s testimony, underlines how greatly he was affected by the incident.  
>  
> “This is the part of the job I enjoy most, unpicking the history of an object and telling its story.”

The papers will be sold at auction in November and are expected to fetch between £300 and £500.