The Durham Toll House

Name: The Durham Toll House
Price: 12.77 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780244739546

✍️ Kev Fletcher

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$12.77

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historical look at the evil Durham Toll House and Victor Schafer's fate

Fletcher investigates the legacy of a specific toll house built in 1798. The work focuses on the transition of power from Freemasons to other hosts, all of whom suffered negative outcomes. A significant portion addresses Victor Schafer, his gypsy nomad followers, and their eventual betrayal for thirty pieces of silver. The narrative challenges the historical record regarding Schafer's death by highlighting the disappearance of his body. This approach encourages skepticism toward established witness accounts.

Key Themes

Durham Toll House Victor Schafer Freemasons

Literary Context

The book examines a structure built in Durham in 1798. It explores the influence of Freemasons and gypsy nomads during this specific historical period. The narrative focuses on local legends surrounding Victor Schafer and the consequences faced by those who controlled the site.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Ramsey Campbell · Dacre Stoker · Peter Haining

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Lulu.com 📅 2018 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780244739546

📝 Description: The Durham Toll House

Kev Fletcher presents a historical account centered on the Durham Toll House, constructed in 1798. The narrative traces the structure's lineage from its origins with the Freemasons through various subsequent owners who faced dire consequences. This evolution suggests the location held malevolent properties that influenced those who controlled it. The text details the arrival of Victor Schafer and his group of gypsy nomads, marking a descent into deeper darkness. Fletcher examines how Schafer’s disciples operated within this environment until they accepted thirty pieces of silver to hang him from the gallows. The author questions the reliability of witnesses who claimed to have seen Schafer dead, noting that his body vanished shortly after. This disappearance leaves open the possibility that those reports were fabricated. Readers interested in local Durham history and the specific era of 1798 will find value in this examination of occult traditions and Freemasonic connections. The book suits those who prefer factual analysis of supernatural claims over fictional narratives. It may not appeal to readers seeking modern horror fiction or those uninterested in early nineteenth-century European esoteric practices.

💎 Our verdict on The Durham Toll House

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Kev Fletcher delivers a focused historical account that traces the Durham Toll House’s lineage from its Masonic origins through various owners facing dire consequences. The narrative effectively highlights the descent into darkness via Victor Schafer and his followers, questioning the reliability of witnesses who claimed to have seen his death. This approach encourages readers to consider the possibility of fabricated reports surrounding his body's disappearance. The book suits those preferring factual analysis of supernatural claims over fiction. It successfully challenges historical records while maintaining a tone of scholarly inquiry into occult traditions. For readers uninterested in early nineteenth-century esoteric practices, this may feel too niche, but it stands as a solid contribution to the study of haunted locations and their enduring legacy.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers interested in the specific intersection of local Durham history and occult traditions will find this examination compelling. It offers a factual analysis of supernatural claims, appealing to those who prefer historical investigation over fictional narratives. The text provides value for enthusiasts of early nineteenth-century European esoteric practices and Freemasonic connections. By challenging established witness accounts regarding Victor Schafer’s fate, it invites skepticism toward recorded history. Those seeking modern horror fiction may find less appeal here, but fans of dark non-fiction will appreciate the detailed exploration of malevolent properties and historical lineage associated with the toll house.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Kev Fletcher delivers a focused historical account that traces the Durham Toll House’s lineage from its Masonic origins through various owners facing dire consequences. The narrative effectively highlights the descent into darkness via Victor Schafer and his followers, questioning the reliability of witnesses who claimed to have seen his death. This approach encourages readers to consider the possibility of fabricated reports surrounding his body's disappearance. The book suits those preferring factual analysis of supernatural claims over fiction. It successfully challenges historical records while maintaining a tone of scholarly inquiry into occult traditions. For readers uninterested in early nineteenth-century esoteric practices, this may feel too niche, but it stands as a solid contribution to the study of haunted locations and their enduring legacy.