Ghost Hill

 

   Following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, in October 1685, which ordered the destruction of Huguenot Churches and the closing of Huguenot Schools in France, it is estimated that as many as 900,000 French Calvinists fled their homeland. 

The Huguenots were skilled craftsmen, and were noted for silversmithing, cabinet making, and watchmaking, among other things. Because of these talents, they were usually well off, although they did have to leave much of their wealth behind when they left France.

For many Huguenots, Jersey appeared to be an ideal bolt hole – it was close at hand and the population spoke French. Consequently, St.Aubin became their first landfall after leaving France.

Just a short distance up Mount Arthur lived a man who seemed particularly welcoming to these poor refugees. He would wait at the quayside, ready to meet the boats crowded with Huguenots, who were desperately searching for a new life where they could pursue their religion without fear.

At the quay, he would welcome them warmly, saying that he thought that they were being treated very badly in France and that he agreed with their beliefs. He would say that they must have had an arduous journey and how tired they must be, and he would offer them a meal and a place to rest for the night, saying that they could find somewhere more permanent the following day.

They were exhausted after the sea voyage and, thinking they had found an ally sent by God, gratefully took up his offer. At his home, he gave them food and drink and looked after them in a very generous way. After having eaten, they retired to bed and soon fell into a deep sleep.

After an hour or so, when he felt confident that they were lost in their dreams, their host crept in and cut their throats, and stole their belongings.

The terrified screams of his victims rang out the length of Mount Arthur, putting the fear of God into his neighbours. Even when this monster died, the screams continued to echo around the area. When the ‘House of Death’, as it was known, was pulled down, some said the screams stopped, when another house was built on the site the screams started again until that house was also demolished. It is believed by some, however, that even the destruction of the houses was not enough to give the victims the rest they deserved. Unnerving screams of anguish are still heard carried by the wind and ghostly, bloodstained apparitions have been seen wandering the hill. Poor souls are condemned to wander there forever.