The Night Climber

Whipplesnaith -Night Climber

The Whipplesnaith ghost doesn't commemorate any single individual, but rather embodies the collective spirit of Cambridge's night climbers – those students who, for over a century, have scaled the university's spires, towers, and facades under cover of darkness. While the tradition dates back to the 1890s, it was immortalized in 1937 with the publication of "The Night Climbers of Cambridge" under the pseudonym "Whipplesnaith," a name that has since become synonymous with this clandestine pursuit.

Unlike other ghosts in our collection, Whipplesnaith is said to be particularly active. Owners report that this ghost sometimes appears to change position overnight, invariably found facing windows or turned toward views of rooftops and spires. Some collectors swear their Whipplesnaith always orients itself toward Cambridge when placed far from the city, as if drawn to the gothic skyline it once scaled. The silver-grey face seems to absorb and reflect moonlight, occasionally appearing to glow faintly on clear nights. During May Week or examination periods – traditional times for night climbing – owners claim to sense an increased restlessness in the ghost, as if part of its essence yearns to join contemporary climbers on their nocturnal adventures.

The legendary status of "The Night Climbers of Cambridge," republished in 2007 to the delight of new generations of Cambridge students, has only enhanced Whipplesnaith's mystique. This ghost serves as both a tribute to a beloved Cambridge tradition and a subtle encouragement to those who seek adventure beyond the conventional paths. Collectors note that this piece pairs particularly well with rooftop-level views or placed beside photographs of Cambridge's gothic skyline – a reminder that the city's true character is revealed to those brave enough to see it from perspectives few dare to seek.

Every ghost is hand-made and unique - yours will be similar to the image shown but will vary in intensity and amount of streaking or other markings making it just as beautiful, but different.