Hidden Bram Stoker Story Unearthed in NLI’s Archives by Amateur Researcher

The story, “Gibbet Hill,” was uncovered by Stoker enthusiast Brian Cleary, who found this gem in an 1890 Christmas supplement of the Daily Express Dublin Edition. The story  was unknown even to Stoker biographers and literary scholars for over 130 years.

This remarkable find highlights the power of the NLI’s collections and its potential for passionate researchers — including those who work in the academic sphere — to make world-important discoveries.

Brian Cleary’s journey began when he spent time in the NLI indulging his passion for Bram Stoker’s work after suffering sudden hearing loss and undergoing cochlear implant surgery. During his research, Brian uncovered “Gibbet Hill,” which is a short story completely absent from any existing Stoker bibliography. This discovery will now take centre stage at the Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival, where it will be presented to the public for the first time. 

Dr. Audrey Whitty, Director of the NLI, said about the discovery:

“As Director of the National Library of Ireland, a special memory is Brian’s recent call saying, ‘I’ve found something extraordinary in your newspaper archives—you won’t believe it.’ The National Library of Ireland’s unique collections, safeguarding over 12 million items, are at the heart of everything we do. 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.”

You can read a full digital version of the full supplement in which the story appeared in our catalogue.