Bram Stoker story discovered in Dublin after 130 years

Amateur historian Brian Cleary has unearthed a lost short story by Bram Stoker, famous for writing 'Dracula'. The story was found while Cleary was doing research on Stoker in the Irish National Library in 2023.

The piece entitled 'Gibbet Hill' was originally featured in the 1890 Christmas supplement of the Dublin Daily. After the story was first printed, it disappeared and remained undocumented until now.

"I was just astounded, flabbergasted," Cleary told AFP after finding the story in 2023, "I read the words Gibbet Hill and I knew that wasn't a Bram Stoker story that I had ever heard of in any of the biographies or bibliographies."

And the biggest question, Cleary said, was: "What on earth do I do with it?"

Cleary contacted several Stoker biographers and experts, who  confirmed that the piece was indeed Stoker's work.

Cleary has shared plans to publish the story, including artwork from Paul McKinley. The proceeds from the publishing will go to the Charlotte Stoker Fund for hearing loss.

Director of the National Library of Ireland recalls getting the call from Cleary about his discovery, "I have a special memory of Brian’s call saying, 'I’ve found something extraordinary in your newspaper archives - you won’t believe it" she said.

"There are truly world-important discoveries waiting to be found through accessing our vast collections and Brian’s astonishing amateur detective work is a perfect example."

The first public reading of 'Gibbet Hill' will take place next Saturday as part of Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival 2024.