Form 8. English Ghost Stories

Говоря о британских обычаях и традициях в 8 классе, можно затронуть тему привидений.
Предлагаю небольшой текст и задание к нему.

Vocabulary
ghost — привидение
castle — замок
haunted – населённый привидениями
the Tower of London –Лондонский Тауэр
dungeon — темница
execute – казнить
however –однако
ought to be – должен быть
supporter – сторонник
within days – в течение нескольких дней
had her head cut – отрубили голову
wander – бродить
to be reputed – иметь репутацию
headless horseman – всадник без головы
spinette — спинет (музыкальный инструмент)
empty — пустой

English Ghost Stories

Do ghosts really exist? There are lots of people who say that they do; and I am one of them.

Many of Britain’s ancient castles have ghosts. One of the most famous «haunted castles» in England is actually the Tower of London.

During the Tower’s long history, many men and women were thrown into its dark dungeons, or executed outside its gates! Among the most famous was Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England in the year 1554.

Jane was just 17 when she became Queen, on July 9th 1554; however, at the same time another woman, Mary, thought that she ought to be Queen. Mary’s supporters were stronger than Jane’s, and within days Jane was sent to the Tower of London. On 19th July poor Jane had her head cut outside the Tower!

Казнь Леди Джейн

Since then, it is said that the ghost of Lady Jane Grey wanders through the rooms and corridors of the Tower of London.

Other ghosts are not so famous.

The village of Prestbury, in Gloucestershire, is reputed to be one of the most haunted villages in England.

Many villagers have heard — and some say they have seen — the «headless horseman» who rides through the village on December 31st! People say that he was a soldier who fought in the English Civil War, in the 17th century.

In the same village, in an old cottage, there is a ghost known as the «spinette player«. Sometimes at night, people hear the sound of someone playing this old musical instrument. The music always comes from a room that is empty.

These are just some of Britain’s well-known ghosts; but there are lots of less-known ghosts too.

Answer the questions
1. Do British people believe in ghosts?
2. What is the most haunted British castle?
3. What was the Tower famous for?
4. What happened to Lady Jane Grey in 1554?
5. Whose ghost is said to wander through the rooms and corridors of the Tower of London?
6. What is the most haunted village in Britain?
7. What are the two famous ghosts of the village?