10 Most Terrifying Ghost Stories For Christmas

The Treasure of Abbot Thomas is classic M. R. James and has perhaps one of the most terrifying endings of all the adaptations. An arrogant reverend, Justin Somerton, who ironically takes great pleasure in debunking fraudulent psychics, decides to investigate the legend of buried treasure belonging to the Abbot Thomas in question - a 15th century monk, whom escaped being burnt as a heretic by "being carried off by the Devil." Aided by his young friend and scholar Peter, the pair begin to unravel a series of clues that may lead to buried gold.

Unfortunately for the greedy theologian, Abbot Thomas has conjured a guardian to watch over the spoils of alchemy, and before long we find ourselves led down dank subterranean tunnels in the dead of night. As Justin crawls through the flooded passage, the tension mounts and before long, he is pursued by a "thing of darkness, a thing of slime."

Unlike the modern revivals, the original entries from the '70s were played with absolute conviction. There is nothing remotely tongue-in-cheek about The Treasure of Abbot Thomas, it's a very serious affair! The weird soundtrack just adds to the flavour, a strange mix of falsetto singing and off-beat rhythms lends a decidedly trippy atmosphere to the story.

As for Justin, his fate is short and swift. Left alone, convalescing in a wheel chair, his nerves shattered from the night in the tunnel, the reverend is approached by a hooded figure - the Abbot has come to claim his treasure.