he 19thC Cornish Parson Polkinghorne of St Ives was well–known for his exorcism of the ghost 'Wild Harris' of Kenegie, whose ghost visits a new owner of the Harris mansion.

Another famous exorcist of olden days was Parson Polkinghorne, of St Ives, whose laying of the ghost of 'Wild Harris', of Kenegie, forms one of the most interesting stories in Mr Bottrell's valuable collection of Cornish folk–tales. The details of how this turbulent spirit, who had long defied the powers of all the other clergy of the district, was at length laid to rest within the ancient ramparts on the adjoining hill of Castle–an–Dinas, form a story too long for retelling here. It is one, however, which should be read by all who wish to know for themselves the ways and means employed by these old–time spirit–quellers, and the extraordinary adventures which not infrequently fell to their lot.

It would seem doubtful, however, if Parson Polkinghorne, for all his skill, was entirely successful in ridding the Harris mansion of the more than one turbulent spirit which formerly haunted it. Although their actual names must be withheld, there are persons still living who can confirm this. About forty years ago the Harris property passed into the hands of another well–known Cornish family, which was represented at that time by two ladies. The elder of these had retired to her bedroom one evening when her sister was much alarmed by suddenly hearing her terrified cries for help. Hastening to her room she anxiously inquired the cause of her distress. It was some time before the other became sufficiently composed to speak, but at length she stated that on being about to get into bed she had suddenly perceived the face of a man outlined upon her pillow. Of this extraordinary story the younger sister appeared somewhat sceptical, and accordingly the other took up a pencil and proceeded to sketch the face which she had seen. So convincingly was this done that the writer's informant, who had seen the drawing, had no more doubt than had the two ladies that the face was that of 'Wild Harris', whose portrait remains for comparison with it to this day.

Why a ghost would make an impression of its face on a woman's pillow is is questionable. Perhaps it was to confirm that the ghost was indeed active again?