best english ghost stories

I would recommend 'The Monkey's Paw'. It's a relatively short and straightforward story, yet it's full of suspense and horror. The basic concept of a magical paw that grants wishes but with a terrible price is easy to understand, making it a great choice for those new to English ghost stories.

Some excellent English ghost stories include 'The Signal - Man' by Charles Dickens. Dickens was a master of creating atmosphere, and this story is no exception. It has a sense of impending doom. 'The Great God Pan' by Arthur Machen is another. It delves into the darker aspects of the supernatural and the unknown. 'Thrawn Janet' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also worth mentioning. It combines elements of Scottish folklore with a spooky narrative that keeps readers on edge.

One classic is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a very eerie story about a governess who believes the children she's taking care of are being haunted by the ghosts of their former servants. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw' by W.W. Jacobs. A family comes into possession of a magical monkey's paw that can grant wishes, but with terrifying consequences. And 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which features the iconic vampire Count Dracula who is often associated with the undead and ghost - like qualities.

One characteristic is the use of spooky settings like old mansions, graveyards, or abandoned places. For example, in 'The Woman in Black', the old Eel Marsh House adds to the overall sense of dread. Another is the presence of mysterious or unexplained phenomena. In 'The Turn of the Screw', the strange behavior of the children is left somewhat ambiguous. Also, they often play on human fears such as the fear of the unknown, death, and the afterlife.

Then there's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. This is a very imaginative and surreal story. It takes the reader on a journey through a strange world with all kinds of odd characters and situations, which has made it a favorite among both children and adults for its unique charm.

Victorian ghost stories often had a moral undertone. They were influenced by the Victorian society's strict moral code. For example, a ghost might appear to punish someone for immoral behavior. English ghost stories, on the other hand, are more general and can cover a wider range of themes and time periods. They may not always have that moral lesson. Some English ghost stories are just about spooky encounters without a deeper meaning related to morality.

Often, they are set in old, spooky locations like castles or old manors. For example, in 'The Canterville Ghost', the setting of the old castle adds to the overall eerie atmosphere. They also tend to have elements of the supernatural that defy explanation. In 'Dracula', the vampire's abilities are beyond normal human understanding.

One common theme is revenge. Ghosts often come back to seek revenge for some wrong that was done to them in life. Another theme is the idea of unfinished business. They might have some task or relationship that was left unresolved when they died.

Well, 'Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad' by M. R. James is another. A professor on a Christmas - time holiday by the sea discovers an old whistle in a graveyard. When he blows it, he is haunted by a strange apparition. The story plays on the fear of the unknown and the power of the supernatural. The cold, desolate seaside setting during the Christmas period adds to the overall sense of unease and spookiness.

One popular English ghost story is 'The Woman in Black'. It tells the tale of a mysterious woman dressed in black who haunts a small town. Her appearance is often associated with death and misfortune. Another is 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens. The ghost of Jacob Marley and the three spirits that visit Ebenezer Scrooge are quite well - known. There's also 'The Monkey's Paw' which has a rather dark and spooky plot involving a mummified monkey's paw that grants wishes but with a horrible cost.