The Haunted Harrow

Almost everyone in Campbelltown would be familiar with the story of Fisher's Ghost. Not many however would be familiar with "The Harrow"- the pub where John Farley ran to 'in great fright' to break the news of his ghostly tale. The Harrow therefore played an important part in Campbelltown's history. This is why I was fascinated by a discovery I made on Trove last week of an article from the Australasian Chronicle in 1841, just 15 years after the Fisher's Ghost legend was born. It appears that The Harrow became well known for other ghostly experiences other than those related to Fisher.

The Chronicle describes a letter written to the editor about "great alarm and sensation" in the village arising from strange experiences in the old pub.The letter explains that "...some unusual noises were heard, at unreasonable hours, in an old house occupied by Messrs. Shields and Patrick, in which is conducted the butchering business. These parties have been obliged to leave the premises every night, in consequence of the rumbling noises heard all over the building, and take shelter in adjoining houses." It went on to describe how a man named Baker had once lived there but had to vacate the premises because of the hauntings. The letter further stated that "I have often heard him say he could not get one night's rest in a week from the rattling and tumbling heard aloft when the serial beings were conducting their midnight orgies." I love the language.

The old Harrow actually survived for approximately another 118 years. It was built probably in 1822. Prominent businessman and ex-convict John Patrick owned the license shortly after the Fisher's Ghost experience. David Patrick researched the pub's history extensively and managed to pinpoint its exact location. He wrote an article in Grist Mills in November 1998 outlining his results. After John Patrick's ownership, the building would be used for various shops including a general store owned by the Graham Brothers in 1896, a fruit shop for G. Packer in 1915, C.W. Parker's Store in the 1920s and Romalis' Fish and Chip shop and café. It disappeared without trace after this. It is now the site of the Campbelltown City Centre in Queen Street, directly opposite Lithgow Street.

 

The Harrow became C.W. Parker's Store. This photograph was taken by Tom Swann in 1920. (Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society)

 

 

 

Written by Andrew Allen

Sources:

 

Australasian Chronicle Saturday 27 November 1841, page 2

 

PATRICK, David

The Harrow: the Fisher's Ghost Pub

In Grist Mills 11 (3), November 1998

 

Locations from the Fisher's Ghost Legend

There is regular debate about where the main events of the Fisher's Ghost story happened. I have therefore attempted to make this clearer using resources held in the local studies section at the H.J. Daley Library and the opinions of various local historical experts from the area.

Where was Fisher's Ghost spotted?

Local farmer John Farley claimed he saw the apparition of Frederick Fisher in October, 1826. Opinions are divided about the exact location where the ghost appeared. The general consensus is that Fisher's Ghost was sited on the corner of Queen and Dumaresq streets in the centre of town. In the early days of Campbelltown a natural water way flowed down Dumaresq Street and passed through today's Queen Street. Evidence of this water way came to light when the remains of a corduroy bridge were located near where the entrance to the car park behind the eastern side of Queen Street and running off Dumaresq Street is located. It is believed there was another bridge approximately where Queen Street is located between the 7 Eleven and Subway today. It is that bridge that most local historians believe was the bridge that Farley saw Fisher's ghost.

The location for this bridge was in the vicinity of Worrall's farm in 1826. It was adjacent to Fisher's horse paddock.

The Queen and Dumaresq location is further supported by the story that Fisher pointed in a south westerly direction. This would mean he pointed towards the place where it is proven that his body was found.

Another piece of evidence supporting this location was that the pub that Farley ran into after spotting Fisher, The Harrow, was located only a short distance from this bridge. If the ghost was seen where today's Fisher's Ghost Bridge is then Farley would have passed a number of inns before reaching the Harrow and relaying his amazing claim. Why wouldn't he have stopped at the first one?

There are some who firmly believe that the apparition did appear where today's Fisher's Ghost Creek is. Adding support to this belief is that Worrall would not have had to travel as far to bury Fisher's body. A problem with the argument for this spot though is that there was no bridge in 1826 and the legend does have Fisher sitting on a bridge (some stories have him on a fence though).

The above photograph shows how Fisher's Ghost Creek Bridge looked in the past. The date is unknown but judging by the vehicles is probably 1950s.


Where did Worrell bury the body?

In 1981, members of the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society went in search of the location where Fisher's battered body had been buried. They used a copy of an 1826 hand-coloured plan of the scene of the crime and a surveyor's chain. From this they were able to pinpoint the location as the place where Fisher's Ghost Creek flows under the railway line. A plaque on the Namut Children's Early Learning Centre indicates that the centre is near the location of where Gilbert or Namut discovered the body.

Marking the approximate burial site of Frederick Fisher at Fisher's Ghost Creek next to the railway line. (Rod Fowler Collection, Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society)


Where was the pub that Farley told his story?

Research undertaken by David Patrick revealed that the Harrow Inn was located on the western side of Queen Street almost directly opposite Lithgow Street. It was probably built in 1822. The building housed various commercial premises over many years and was demolished around 1959.


Where is Frederick Fisher buried? 

Fisher was buried in an unmarked grave in St Peter's Cemetery. Despite his brother living in the country and being well off, no headstone was paid for. Burial records for the cemetery prove that he was buried there but the location is unknown. There have been numerous claims on the whereabouts over the years but the truth is nobody knows where the exact location is.


Where was Worrall's House?

The man who murdered Fred Fisher, George Worrall, had his house located exactly where today's town hall is. His property bordered Fisher's. The land that Fisher owned is now part of Campbelltown Mall.


Written by Andrew Allen

Sources:

FOWLER, Verlie
Colonial Days in Campbelltown: The Legend of Fisher's Ghost, 1991

The Harrow: the Fisher's Ghost Pub
In Grist Mills Vol. 11, No. 3 pp 46-62

Interview with Marie Holmes 30.10.12