Haunted London

London's past is full of conflict, power struggles and tragedy. A city that has stood for nearly two thousand years has seen plenty of death, drama and upheaval. It follows that many of its oldest buildings and streets have gathered ghost stories along the way. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these tales are woven into the fabric of the capital and offer an unusual way to explore its history.

Ghosts in Government Buildings

Some of Britain's most recognisable institutions have their own reported hauntings. Number 10 Downing Street, home to prime ministers since the 1730s, is one such location. Staff members over the years have claimed to see a woman in fine period dress walking through the Pillared Room. This elegant space is used for formal receptions and the signing of international agreements. No one has ever identified who this figure might be, and accounts remain vague on the details of her appearance beyond her clothing.

The sightings are not frequent, but they have persisted across different decades. Whether these reports reflect genuine paranormal activity or simply the effect of working late in an old, atmospheric building is open to interpretation.

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The Black Nun of the Bank of England

The Bank of England on Threadneedle Street has its own long-standing ghost story. The figure most often reported is known as the Black Nun, though she was not a nun at all. Her name was Sarah Whitehead, and she lived in London during the early 1800s.

Sarah's brother, Philip Whitehead, worked as a clerk at the bank. In 1812, he was convicted of forgery and executed. The shock of his arrest and death had a profound effect on Sarah. According to accounts from the time, she refused to accept what had happened to him. For years afterwards, she would appear at the bank's entrance dressed in black mourning clothes, asking staff if they had seen her brother.

Her visits continued for decades until her own death. The black and white outfit she wore resembled a nun's habit, which is how she came to be known by that name. Since then, people have reported seeing a woman matching her description in and around the bank, particularly in the old burial ground that once existed on the site. The Bank of England itself acknowledges the story as part of its history, though it makes no claims about whether the ghost is real.

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The Tower of London and Its Many Spirits

No article about haunted London would be complete without mentioning the Tower of London. As a former prison, place of execution and site of political intrigue, it has accumulated more ghost stories than almost anywhere else in the city.

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was beheaded at the Tower in 1536. Her ghost is said to appear near the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where her remains are buried. Guards and visitors have reported seeing a headless figure in Tudor dress, though such accounts are difficult to verify.

Other reported sightings include the two young princes, Edward V and his brother Richard, who disappeared in 1483 and are widely believed to have been murdered within the Tower walls. Figures resembling children in period clothing have been described by some visitors over the years.

The Yeoman Warders who live and work at the Tower are often asked about these stories. Most are happy to share the tales, though they tend to remain neutral on whether they have experienced anything themselves.

Other Reported Hauntings Across the City

London has dozens of other locations with ghost stories attached. The Theatre Royal on Drury Lane is said to be haunted by a figure known as the Man in Grey, who appears in 18th century clothing and walks through the upper circle before vanishing into a wall. Actors and staff have reported seeing him, usually during daytime rehearsals rather than evening performances.

Highgate Cemetery in north London is another site with a reputation for the supernatural. Opened in 1839, it became overgrown and neglected during the 20th century, which only added to its eerie atmosphere. Reports of strange figures and unexplained sounds have circulated for decades, though the cemetery is now well maintained by the Friends of Highgate Cemetery and open for guided tours.

The London Underground also has its share of ghost stories. Abandoned stations such as Aldwych and British Museum have been linked to reports of unusual noises and sightings. These stories may owe something to the unsettling quiet of disused platforms and tunnels.

If you are interested in exploring these locations, many are open to the public or offer organised tours. Historic Royal Palaces manages the Tower of London and provides visitor information on its website. Ghost walks run regularly across central London and can be a good way to learn about local history in an engaging format.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Haunted Location Finder lets you search for reported haunted sites near a UK postcode or town. Try it now →