To celebrate Culture Night last Friday, 19 September, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences hosted ‘Gibbet Hill: Bram Stoker’s Silent Story Speaks Again'.

As part of this special event RCSI Honorary Professor Brian Cleary, shared how he uncovered ‘Gibbet Hill’, a long-lost ghost story by Bram Stoker, author of the classic novel, Dracula.

After an extensive search of the British Newspaper Archive, Professor Cleary discovered an edition of the Dublin Daily Express, published on 17 December 1890, which advertised its ‘Christmas Supplement’. Within the supplement lay Stoker’s undocumented ghost story ‘Gibbet Hill’, which had been left undiscovered for over a century.

It is believed that, before his death, Bram Stoker had intended to release three volumes of short stories. While one was published posthumously by his wife, Florence Stoker, the other two never appeared. Professor Cleary believes that ‘Gibbet Hill’ is one of these unpublished works.

The discovery of ‘Gibbet Hill’ culminated in the creation of a unique book which was launched in October 2024. Professor Cleary was joined by renowned Stoker biographer Paul Murray and visual artist Paul McKinley for a panel discussion.

Together, they shared insights into their contributions to the book and explored the significance of this remarkable rediscovery.