The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral: M.R. James Ghost Story

The Archdeacon's Ascent and Predecessor's Demise

• 💡 The story begins with the obituary of Dr. John Benwell Haynes, Archdeacon of Barchester, who died tragically on February 26th.
• 📌 Haynes's predecessor, Archdeacon Pney, also died suspiciously after a fall on the stairs, attributed to a missing stair rod and the carelessness of his maid, Jane.
• ✅ Dr. Haynes, known for his considerable ability and zeal, was installed as Archdeacon, inheriting a disorganized office which he diligently reformed over three years.

The Mysterious Choir Stalls

• 🔍 Haynes developed a sudden enthusiasm for the cathedral's fabric, particularly the choir stalls, which featured curious, grotesque carvings.
• 🎭 His own Archdeacon's stall included figures of a crouching cat, a horned royal figure of Tartarian origin, and a muffled figure of death holding a halter.
• 🌳 Research revealed the carvings were by John Austin and made from the wood of the "hanging oak," a tree known for human bones found at its roots and local pagan traditions.

Dr. Haynes's Disturbing Experiences

• ⚠️ After his sister Leticia left, Haynes began to experience unsettling phenomena, including a feeling of rough fur on the carved cat and hearing distinct whispers.
• 👻 He noted a persistent "movement without sound" in his house and was startled by wet lips whispering into his ear during sleep.
• 🐈 One night, he awoke to find himself at the top of the stairs, encountering a large, wild cat on the steps, which he suspected was not the kitchen cat.

Blackmail, Decline, and Tragic End

• ✉️ A blackmail letter from Jane Lee, Pney's former maid, demanded £40, implying Haynes's complicity in Pney's death and threatening exposure.
• 📉 Haynes's mental state deteriorated, marked by increasing prayers and ejaculations in his diary, though he obstinately clung to his post.
• 💀 He died on February 26th, mirroring Pney's death, found on the staircase with a fractured spine and unrecognizable facial injuries inflicted by a "savage animal."

The Unveiling of the Charm

• 📜 A curator later discovered a crumpled paper inside a fragment of the carved figure, written by John Austin in 1699.
• 🔮 The paper contained a charm or spell, warning that anyone with a "bloody hand" who touched the carving would be "fetched away," especially on a "night of February."
• 🔥 The original carved figure was eventually burned because it was deemed too ugly and frightened children.