haunted london
Chances of bumping into an apparition are high in London, in fact, it simply swirls with spirits. It has to be said that even though they lack a physical body they certainly don’t lack imagination. So while it’s to be expected that they strut their stuff in houses old and new, they also haunt restaurants, hospitals, pubs, alleyways, police stations and even a bed. Spooky theatres? Yes, of course! Ghostly hotels? Absolutely. A haunted bank? That too. (see image credits by hovering cursor over images)
If you go to the Victoria and Albert Museum in Knightsbridge you might get up close and marvel at The Great Bed of Ware’s immense girth and vast depths. The bed, dating to around 1590, is massive even by today’s standards and it's heavy too, weighing 641kg (almost 101st). Not only was the bed famous for its size but also for the fact it was haunted. Those who tried to sleep in it were kept awake by ' pinching, nipping and scratching that went on all night long'. People became scared and refused to sleep in it. Who was the ghost involved? Many believe it was that of old Fosbrooke, furious that the hoi polloi was using his bed. (Phantom fits of pique, maybe?)
Aldwych tube station was built on the site of an old theatre, the Royal Strand, which stood here until 1905. Although no longer used as an underground station its well preserved interior means it has featured in films while the station facade is also a venue for exhibitions.
Its proximity to many West End theatres led to the running of special late night theatre trains gaining it the unofficial title of the Theatre Line. During WW 2, its tunnels were used as air raid shelters and to store treasures, including the Elgin Marbles, from the British Museum. It was re-opened after the war but finally closed in 1994 when the cost of refurbishing the lifts was deemed uneconomic.
The station, which has reverted to its former name of the ‘Strand’ is haunted by an actress who once trod the boards in the theatre which stood here. Over the years, station workers claim to have seen her agitated presence late at night, wandering the deserted platforms and eerie, stygian tunnels. One of those who has seen and felt her appearances says they are preceded by an ‘inexplicable atmosphere of oppression.’ Others have reported the feeling of being followed by a ‘nameless being’.
Its proximity to many West End theatres led to the running of special late night theatre trains gaining it the unofficial title of the Theatre Line. During WW 2, its tunnels were used as air raid shelters and to store treasures, including the Elgin Marbles, from the British Museum. It was re-opened after the war but finally closed in 1994 when the cost of refurbishing the lifts was deemed uneconomic.
The station, which has reverted to its former name of the ‘Strand’ is haunted by an actress who once trod the boards in the theatre which stood here. Over the years, station workers claim to have seen her agitated presence late at night, wandering the deserted platforms and eerie, stygian tunnels. One of those who has seen and felt her appearances says they are preceded by an ‘inexplicable atmosphere of oppression.’ Others have reported the feeling of being followed by a ‘nameless being’.
Strand Station now mainly used for films or exhibitions image copyright Mike Pickup
Who was the headless phantom exorcised from the bank vaults?
Why did a theatre prop cause bone chilling fear?
Where have two people have been frightened to death – literally?
When did a spectre appear to a Prime Minster?
If you don't know but would like to find out, the answers, together with a whole lot more are in my books, Paranormal London (Amberley publishing) and Haunted West End (The History Press)
See MY BOOKS page for more information on these and the other books I've written
They're on sale at Waterstones and also other bookshops.
In the mood for more ghosts? There are plenty in York - go on, click here to have a look and click here for lots of Scottish spooks
Why did a theatre prop cause bone chilling fear?
Where have two people have been frightened to death – literally?
When did a spectre appear to a Prime Minster?
If you don't know but would like to find out, the answers, together with a whole lot more are in my books, Paranormal London (Amberley publishing) and Haunted West End (The History Press)
See MY BOOKS page for more information on these and the other books I've written
They're on sale at Waterstones and also other bookshops.
In the mood for more ghosts? There are plenty in York - go on, click here to have a look and click here for lots of Scottish spooks