You do know it's just a story and never actually happened though, it was a scam to bring in tourists.
No record of it before the early 19th century, looks like the landlord of a pub got the idea from similar stories in France and Germany. Sorry to burst your bubble but because you've been scammed I'd go back there and burn the place down, let me know if you want to borrow one of my guns.
[thread drift] Hey Sue, in your new avatar are you doing your finest Dave angel impression ? i appreciate the young-uns may need to google it - try you tube [/thread drift]