A recent re-igniting of literary small and independent press publishing is represented by zine-like publications Hellebore, Fiddler’s Green, Weird Walk, Ignota Books’s Spells: 21st-Century Occult Poetry (2018) and Camp Books’s poster Sigils For Queers (2019). Speaking about their lifestyle, Kymmi added: "We love it and the girls love it and the girls aren't scared, they want to do it. If they didn't want to do it we'd respect that too but why should they be scared?"

These are just two biggies in a firmament of shows, films, and even computer games obsessing on the supernatural. Culture always reflects society’s concerns: our hopes, fears, and dreams.

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Perhaps, most of all, he represents something within us, that part of ourselves which is unknowable and uncontrollable.

New technology and new scientific theories are also seen as contributing to this interwar spook boom. Radio, TV and the telephone changed how our ancestors viewed the world. Einstein opened up the universe to dizzying possibilities, and Freud did the same with our inner world. Science and technology put "reality" into flux.From first editions of classic 18th and 19th century texts to 21st century interpretations, Senate House Library’s collections are strong in representations of gothic and supernatural literature. The subject is broad-ranging and intersects with studies of medicine, psychology and cultural memory. Manchester’s Albert Hall is a favourite ‘haunt’ * ahem * among our students. But have you heard of the mischievous poltergeist said to stalk the popular music venue? The library’s modern collections, much of which is on open access, are also rich in reprinted primary gothic and supernatural literature, many secondary works on the themes, and also first editions from the latter half of the 19thcentury onwards. a 1572 English translation of Ludwig Lavater's De Spectris, Lemuribus et Magnis atque Insolitis Fragoribus (Opens in new window) on ghosts and spirits Since the arrival of The Harry Price Library, the Library has continued to acquire archive collections on related subjects. Among these are the papers of psychical investigator and anthropologist Eric Dingwall. The papers include his extensive and wide-ranging scrapbooks, records of the Society for the Study of Supernormal Pictures, prints and slides of psychic and anthropological photographs and Dingwall’s kit of essentials for investigations.

The Library’s collections are rich with contemporary material on these subjects. These include publications of the Society of Psychical Research, spiritualist journals and pamphlets, investigations of mediums and cuttings and offprints from the popular press. A major retrospective of Serbian artist Marina Abramović, currently running at the Royal Academy, showcases an artist whose fascination with shamanism and astrology informs her work. Next year brings a landmark show at Tate Modern dedicated to performance artist Yoko Ono, much of whose work is inspired by spirituality and mysticism.

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One of the best known sightings was made by a monk at Chester Cathedral. He reported seeing the Devil peering into the Cathedral through one of the windows. When he relayed this ghastly tale to the Abbot, who was charged with protecting the holy building, the monk was instructed to arrange for a curving of the Devil in chains to be placed in the Cathedral, so the diabolic creature would be aware of the fate that would confront him, should he ever breach the sanctity of the Cathedral. At Lamb Gallery in London, Surrealism and Witchcraft opens this month, showcasing work by 11 female artists. Lucinda Bellm, Lamb’s founder and director, says surrealism is enduringly relevant. “The tumultuous first half of the 20th century set the stage for the emergence of surrealism,” says Bellm.

The Library’s collections in parapsychology and the paranormal began with the deposit of psychical investigator and author Harry Price’s collection of books and papers in the late 1930s. The Harry Price Library of Magical Literature has grown since then and includes over 13,0000 items on psychical research and parapsychology, the occult, spiritualism, the paranormal, the unexplained, phenomena, magic and witchcraft. Whether it's celebrating people, sharing issues or discussing latest news, our newsletter covers all things Wirral. All upcoming public events are going ahead as planned and you can find more information on our events blog Another tragic and mysterious story is of a young baby who died after falling from a table in the upper bar area, which was said to have occurred sometime in the 1800's. The pub closed in 2019, and has remained derelict ever since. Six-year-old Pebble said: "We like doing ghost hunting because it's really fun and it's not even one bit scary."

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They will then continue their charity drive in Kingsmead in Northwich from around 7pm, before heading on to Middlewich. Signing up is free and it only takes a minute for you to get the biggest stories, sent straight to your inbox. Now that discussions around feminism, gender, and power dynamics are increasingly vital, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate female artists who draw inspiration from surrealism.”