Lincoln ghost dog story lives on after almost 150 years

The stuffed dog on display at Lincoln Castle is an arresting sight for visitors, but the story behind it is stranger than even they can imagine.

It is of an unnamed lurcher who died almost 150 years ago, yet regulars at the nearby Strugglers Inn still claim to feel his presence.

The pub stands yards away from the walls of the castle, which is hosting “spooky stories or eerie tales” this Halloween in its former Victorian prison.

It is also where the dog’s owner, William Clarke was executed in 1877 after being convicted of murdering a gamekeeper who interrupted his poaching.

Clarke was a regular at The Strugglers Inn, and it was there where he had his final drink before he was executed.

Now, almost 150 years later, drinkers still report feeling a dog passing in their midst and scratching at the door.

The bar staff are sceptical, saying those who make the claims have probably had one too many.