The Ghostly Sailors of the Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is synonymous with Greenwich and stands as an iconic symbol of the area’s rich maritime history. Originally built in 1869 for the Jock Willis Shipping Line, the ship has had a vibrant history that includes voyages to China and Australia, encounters with deadly storms, and years of standing silent sentinel in her final dry dock. But with such a storied past, it’s not surprising that tales of the paranormal have begun to accumulate. According to local folklore, the ship is said to be haunted by the spirits of long-deceased sailors. One of the most frequently reported apparitions is a figure shrouded in a dark long coat, often seen near the ship’s wheel on the main deck. This figure is believed to be that of Captain George Moodie, the ship’s first master, trying to navigate his ethereal crew through the spectral seas of the afterlife. Another tale speaks of the ghost of a young sailor who fell from the rigging to an unfortunate death. Apparitions of this tragic figure have reportedly been seen falling from the ship, disappearing just before hitting the ground. The stories became so well-known and frequent, that in the 1970s, a night watchman refused to work alone in the ship. Today, these tales have become an integral part of the Cutty Sark’s identity and continue to captivate locals and tourists alike, reminding everyone of the ship’s prosperity, tragedy and enduring legacy.

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