Brian Haughton

Biography:

Brian Haughton is an author and researcher on the subjects of prehistoric archaeology, ancient sacred places and supernatural folklore. Haughton long ago fell for the lure of the ancient and the supernatural, initially inspired by visiting the Neolithic chambered tombs of the Cotswold Hills in England and by reading the chilling tales of Edgar Allan Poe, Sheridan Le Fanu and M.R. James.

Past Shows:

	Ghost Story Themes & Origins
	Monday October 13, 2008

Appearing during the middle two hours, researcher of supernatural folklore, Brian Haughton discussed his work discovering the origins of the most popular ghost and paranormal stories. He explained that his research revealed that tales of hauntings are remarkable similar, regardless of location or culture, "I was looking at ghost stories from across the world and the same types kept coming up." He detailed such recurring themes as "white ladies," phantom battles, poltergeists, and headless horsemen. He traced one ghost story back to the Roman period and a writer by the name of Pliny the Younger. Pliny had recounted a tale of a house haunted by a ghost rattling chains. This spirit eventually lead a philosopher to its unmarked grave, where a body wrapped in chains was unearthed. Upon being given a proper burial, the hauntings by the ghost ceased. Haughton observed that this same general story has been repeatedly told ever since, "This kind of ghost, certainly up the 19th centur ... More
Host: George Noory