Scotsman’s Hill at Manly (New South Wales, Australia) is not far from village centre. On this hill there use to be a cottage hospital and situated a few blocks below it was St Andrews Church which still stands. It is a glorious example of Romanesque Revival Style with Celtic influence which is rarely found in Australia. This area is not only known because of the church’s beauty but also because of one lonely old ghost that patrols the street.

In 1901 the ghost was first sighted between the hospital and the church and it was reported in the newspaper (see newspaper pressing below). The apparition only shows itself to women and children. It has been said by locals that over the years the ghost has also appeared where the hospital use to be located & also seen entering the columbarium behind the church.

Is she the ghost of one of the matrons from the cottage hospital? Apparently the Matron would stand in front of the cottage hospital and look caringly out over her beloved Manly Village. Perhaps this apparition is her spirit that is still concerned for the well being of Manly’s people and she enters the church columbarium as a place where she can rest her weary soul.

Words by Karen Norsa of Karen’s Historic Walks
Photo courtesy of Karen’s Historic Walks

Karen is a tour guide and a local of the Northern Beaches of New South Wales, Australia.
For more information on the variety of history, ghostly or sinister tours available, visit Karen online at:
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