Derry Halloween - The tale of the Ferguson Street Knocks

Some years ago, a mother was in hospital quite ill.
By Madeline McCully
Published 29th Oct 2015, 06:09 BST
The death of a parent was once heralded by three death knocks on the door of a house in Ferguson Street. The house has since been demolished.The death of a parent was once heralded by three death knocks on the door of a house in Ferguson Street. The house has since been demolished.
The death of a parent was once heralded by three death knocks on the door of a house in Ferguson Street. The house has since been demolished.

The hospital advised that the family, who were away, should come home. When they did, their mother seemed to recover a little and the family had hopes that she would be out of hospital soon. They were very attentive, visiting the hospital and being supportive to each other.

One night when the mother was sleeping peacefully, the nurse said that they should go home and rest and that she would phone if there was a change, although she did not expect that there would be.

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They were glad to hear some good news and when they arrived home they gathered in the living room. Just as they were about to go to bed, three loud knocks came to the window.

The daughter nearest looked out but saw no one. Another three knocks sounded on the door and one of the sons went out to answer it. When he opened it there was no one there either. He went outside but the street was empty. Shortly afterwards a policeman came to tell the family that their mother had passed away.

The family were aware that the knocks came at the precise time of their mother’s death.