Unseen Hand Tugs at Cameraman's Coat in Derry Hall; Workmen Report Same

DERRY/LONDONDERRY — A cameraman who returned to St Columb's Hall in Derry/Londonderry to record extra footage felt something repeatedly tugging at his coat, according to an account published by Spooky Isles. He assumed a workman was playing a prank.

The workmen, when asked, said they had felt the same thing. Guide David Douglas, who heard the story through a heritage project at the building, did not witness the incident himself.

Mr Douglas runs Derrie Danders Walking and Audio Tours and counts the Legend of Stumpies Brae among his favourites, a tale he remembers from childhood. By the story, a couple murdered a tall travelling pedlar for his money, found him too long for his suitcase, and cut off his legs at the knees. His ghost, with its shortened legs, is said to have earned the name Stumpie.

Mr Douglas also names the area around Pump Street and London Street as a focus for paranormal investigators, suggesting its reputation may be tied to the city's violent past, including the Siege of Derry of 1688-89. He believes most locals do not know a ghost is associated with the Guildhall, and he declines to give away the tale in the interview.

He founded the business in October 2018, aiming for tours that are historically accurate and politically neutral, grounded in documented events as well as ghost stories. The VoiceMap audio publisher approached him during the 2020 lockdown, and a recorded walk through the walled city's dark and haunted history is now among the offerings.