Exorcism for Headless Ghost:
Part 2 – Exorcism.
A headless ghost haunting the London head office of Coutts
and Co. bank was claimed to be identified by Eddie Burks. The ghost was often
seen during the day and sometimes in the evening. In the presence of the
apparition, the temperature would change, and electrical devices would
malfunction.
Thomas Howard (1536 – 1572) 4th Duke of Norfolk,
was a second cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. He was involved in a plot to overthrow
Queen Elizabeth I in favour of Mary Stuart, the daughter of King James V of
Scotland. Mary’s husband, King Francis II of France died, and Mary returned to
Scotland where she became Mary, Queen of Scots.
Queen Elizabeth suggested Howard as a possible husband for Mary, but Mary chose
someone else. Her husband was murdered shortly after the wedding. Elizabeth
appointed Howard to investigate the murder. Howard discovered Mary was
complicit in the murder. Mary’s advisors encouraged a union between Howard and
Mary to stop his investigation. Howard agreed as he believed Elizabeth would be
pleased.[1]
Elizabeth, however, decided that a union
between Howard and Mary would be dangerous for her, so in 1569, she had Mary
imprisoned. She had Howard arrested and detained in the Tower of London. Howard
was later released, but with the stipulation that he would not be involved in
any plots with Mary against Queen Elizabeth.[2]
A plot was envisioned to kidnap Elizabeth
and place Mary on the throne. In 1571, Queen Elizabeth was made aware of the
plot, and the fact that Howard had been sending money to Mary’s supporters in
Scotland. Howard, who was not part of the kidnap plot, was named as the head of
it by Mary. He was arrested and again placed in the Tower of London. On June 2,
1572, at age 37, Thomas Howard was beheaded.[3]
Eddie Burks was able to persuade the spirit that the time
had come for him to depart the earthly realm. On 15th November 1993, an
exorcism was conducted, and a congregation that included the present Duke and
Duchess of Norfolk and the Earl and Countess of Arundel gathered at the nearby
Catholic church.[4]
They prayed for the repose of Thomas Howard’s soul.[5] Burks claimed to assist
the ghost in resolving his bitterness. The ghost’s daughter (in spirit) appeared and
took Howard’s hand. They moved into the light together.[6]
On leaving the service the present Duke was asked by a
reporter if he was glad that his ancestor was finally at rest. “Actually” came
the reply “I don’t believe in ghosts.”
Despite the exorcism, Thomas Howard's ghost visited Burks on
occasion. Howard’s ghost returned to give his thanks for his releasement. He
was now in a beautiful place with his daughter. On June 2, 1994, the
anniversary of his execution, Howard came again and said he still felt sad
about his execution but knew he could let go of those emotions.
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2024
[1]
Robert Stedall, ‘Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk,’ Mary Queen of
Scots.net,
https://www.maryqueenofscots.net/peoplelist/thomas-howard-4th-duke-norfolk/.
[2] Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia.
"Thomas Howard, 4th duke of Norfolk." Encyclopedia
Britannica, (29 May, 2023). https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Howard-4th-duke-of-Norfolk.
[3]
‘Queen’s Bank: Haunting of Coutts & Co.,’ Occult World, (2023), https://occult-world.com/queens-bank-haunting-of-coutts-co/.
[4] 'Exorcism for headless ghost', The
Canberra Times, (15 November 1993), p. 7.
[5]
Esther Oxford, ‘Execution victim finds peace after 400 years,’ Independent,
(1993),
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/execution-victim-finds-peace-after-400-years-1504569.html.
[6]
‘Newspaper: Psychic ‘departs’ London Ghost,’ Tampa Bay Times, (1993).
