Busby's stoop chair

Sign for the Busby Stoop - geograph.org.uk - 2147526

Busby's Stoop Chair is a notorious object said to be cursed, with a history that has intrigued and alarmed people for over two centuries. The chair is named after Thomas Busby, who was convicted of murder in the early 18th century and subsequently executed. According to legend, Busby cursed the chair prior to his execution, proclaiming that death would come swiftly to anyone who dared sit in it. Over the years, the chair has been linked to a series of unfortunate events and deaths, leading to its reputation as a cursed object.

History

The story of Busby's Stoop Chair originates from North Yorkshire, England, where Thomas Busby was involved in the murder of his father-in-law, Daniel Auty, in 1702. The crime was reportedly committed over a dispute related to Busby's criminal activities. Following his arrest, Busby was tried and found guilty of murder. It is said that on his way to the gallows, Busby cursed a favorite chair in the inn he frequented, warning that death would befall anyone who sat in it.

The Curse

The legend of the curse began to take shape as various individuals who sat in the chair reportedly met untimely deaths. These incidents ranged from accidents and sudden illnesses to fatalities during World War II when airmen from a nearby base sat in the chair. The accumulation of these tragic events contributed to the chair's fearsome reputation.

Preservation and Public Interest

Due to the chair's notorious history, it was eventually donated to the Thirsk Museum in North Yorkshire, where it was hung on a wall to prevent further use. The museum took this precautionary measure to ensure no one else could sit in the chair, thereby avoiding the alleged curse. The chair continues to attract attention from both tourists and paranormal enthusiasts, fascinated by its macabre history and the legend of the curse.

In Popular Culture

Busby's Stoop Chair has been featured in various media, including television programs, books, and online articles, often highlighted in discussions about cursed objects and paranormal phenomena. Its story taps into the universal themes of superstition, fate, and the supernatural, making it a subject of enduring fascination.

See Also

• Cursed objects
• Paranormal phenomena
• Thirsk Museum