The Blacksmith's Ghost

By Crusader1307

 Our Tale takes place in Lincolnshire, England in the year 1710 - a local Blacksmith named Solomon Fenner was well known and respected. He had served as a soldier in several wars and afterwards – became a Blacksmith (a trade He had learned as a Boy). He was moderately successful. He went to Church and although not rich, gave to the poor. A strong and robust Man, Solomon decided one day that His life needed the company of a good woman. He set His eyes on a local beauty – Rebecca Petitt.

Rebecca came from a wealthy Family. Her Father envisioned a match for His daughter that would benefit His ''pockets'' rather than enrich His daughter's pleasure and happiness. Despite this, Solomon went to The Petitt Home and formally asked Rebecca's Father for permission to ''court'' Her. The Father was so enraged by this ''poor Blacksmith's'' offer, that He had His Servants throw poor Solomon out of the house. This humiliated Solomon, who ''swore revenge''.

All in Town knew of The Father's rather excessive lifestyle – especially on weekends. He was found of gambling and drinking and it was not uncommon for Him to stumble home on a Friday or Saturday night. Solomon lay in wait in a nearby alley for the drunk Father to totter home. Seeing him, Solomon took His Blacksmithing Hammer and proceeded to bash The Father's brains out! Immediately sorrowful of His deed, Solomon went to a nearby house and awoke the Resident's. Crying, he confessed His crime. The Residents went for The Authorities.

In a very quick trial, Solomon was found guilty of murder and sentenced to be hung and gibbeted. Accepting His fate, Solomon's main concern was for His ''immortal soul''. The execution was carried out. Flash forward several Centuries............

Around the location of the crime, people over the centuries have reported being approached by a ''shadowy figure of a large Man, dressed as if from another century''. Carrying a ''bloody hammer'' the Man's eyes are blood red (as if He was crying tears of blood). He states '' He means them no harm'' and then relates ''His Tale''. He finishes with a warning for them to ''cherish their life and do no harm''. Of course, this is a local legend..........................