...The Cock Lane or Stockwell Ghost...

This is a tale of terror without truth - an imaginary tale of horrors

At a premises in Cock Lane, Stockwell near London (1762 or 1772), certain knockings were heard, which Mr Parsons, the owner, declared proceeded from the ghost of a certain Mrs Kent, who (he wished people to suppose) had been murdered by her husband.

All London was agog with this story; but it was found out that the knockings were produced by one Anne Robinson, a servant girl employed by Parsons, made by her rapping on a board which she took with her into bed.

Parsons was condemned to stand in the pillory.