London’s Haunted History
With the vast, macabre history of London, it is no surprise that there are a number of buildings and areas that are the subject of paranormal mysteries
With infamous murders from serial killers such as Jack the Ripper to those executed in the Tower of London, London’s past is a hotbed for souls who were felled there.
There is a whole industry in London dedicated to touring haunted places with walking tours and bus tours to explore the world of the paranormal.
You can go on the tours offered but if you find yourself walking around London, you will find that every few pubs you come across have a story to tell about their building’s history and the ghosts that haunt them to this day.
Famous ghosts
Stories of Dick Turpin’s exploits as one of the most notorious Highwaymen of the 18th Century has seen his spirit linked with a number of places from London to York. Even though he died in York, ghost sightings of this particular character have been spotted throughout London in his various hideouts and drinking establishments.
Annie Chapman and Catherine Eddowes, two of the victims of Jack the Ripper, are said to still haunt the streets of London where they died.
Sir Walter Raleigh, originally considered a hero and supposed favourite of the monarchy, is one of the highest-profile executions in the Tower of London having been charged with treason. His ghost has been spotted on numerous occasions by guards keeping watch over the tower at night.
Haunted locations
The Tower of London, the site of so many executions like this, is a place filled with a history of death. For over 800 years, it was used as a prison where people were often executed too. The fact that a huge building now stands mostly empty at night is enough to send chills down your spine. Spirituality.
Like the Tower of London, Epping Forest has a connection with death.
A woodland is so dense that it was a good spot to be used for many improper burials. Not only is it the site of a Dick Turpin hideout but it is also the site of Roman battles and where Norman invaders occupied.
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane has two particularly well-known ghost sightings. Joseph Grimaldi was a popular figure who performed as a clown for years even in ill health. His ghost has been seen there since but more disturbingly people have reported a disembodied floating head which ties into a story that he wished to be beheaded upon burial.
Another performer is a ghost simply known as The Man in Grey, often seen limping. As indicated by his title, not much is actually known about his story. Unlike most ghosts, this apparition is usually seen in the daytime wandering around the theatre before disappearing behind a wall.
Cemeteries are a commonplace for reported ghost sightings with Hyde Park and Highgate Cemetery being two of the main ones in London. To add to the intrigue, not only do people think Highgate Cemetery is haunted by a regular soul, some believe a vampire takes residence there.
Share this page