Skip to main content

Veiled Woman of Chessel Court

Chessel Court, Edinburgh, Edinburgh Apparition Victorian

Chessel Court in Edinburgh's Old Town has a reputation for being haunted by the Veiled Woman, a ghostly figure clad in a black dress. This eerie apparition is thought to be the spirit of a woman who took her own life many years ago. Residents have reported strange occurrences, including heavy breathing outside bedroom doors and unexplained movements in the night. One account from 1986 tells of a resident feeling something climb over their bed as they lay in it, a chilling experience that left them shaken.

The history of Chessel Court is intertwined with a darker tale. The original building on this site was allegedly set alight to conceal the murder of its beautiful owner. The plan worked, and several new buildings were constructed in its place. However, when a fire broke out and destroyed these newer premises, the murdered woman was seen in the flames, screaming 'Once burnt, twice burnt, the third times I'll scare you all!' This haunting prophecy seems to have come true, as the Veiled Woman continues to be seen and experienced by those who live and visit Chessel Court.

Historical Context

The original building on the site was destroyed by fire to conceal a murder, and subsequent fires have led to reports of paranormal activity.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Apartment Building
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Residence
Date / Era
1986
Postcode Area
EH8

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.3 mi

The Bearded Hospital Ghost

Unknown hospital, Edinburgh

In the heart of Edinburgh, a mysterious hospital is said to be haunted by the ghost of a bearded man. This hairy figure with mad-looking eyes is believed to be the spirit of a former doctor who met a tragic end on the very site where he once worked. According to reports, the doctor was killed by a colleague in a fit of jealousy over a woman. Now, his restless spirit is said to roam the wards, particularly in Ward D, where he is often spotted by visitors and staff.

Hospital Twentieth century
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

The Gnomey Ghost Apparition

5 Rothesay Place, Edinburgh

Rothesay Place in Edinburgh is home to a most unusual phantom, known as Gnomey. This ghostly apparition appeared shortly after the family who lived there purchased some furniture that had belonged to a recently deceased sailor. The story goes that the sailor, also known as Merry Jack Tar, had a strong attachment to his belongings and this prevented him from moving on. The family was understandably startled by the sudden appearance of this mischievous spirit.

Private Residence Post-War
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

Rutland Place Ghostly Tools

Rutland Place church, Edinburgh

Rutland Place church in Edinburgh has been the site of some strange occurrences. As workmen began converting the building into a public house in March 2010, they reported all sorts of bizarre happenings. Tools would go missing, and strange shadows were seen moving around the site at night. Footsteps echoed through empty parts of the building, sending shivers down the spines of even the most hardened workers. It's little wonder they refused to work on site after dark.

Church Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.4 mi

The White Lady of Corstorphine

Corstorphine Sycamore Tree, Edinburgh

Corstorphine Hill is home to a legendary ghost, a white lady with a sword, whose story has been etched into local folklore. They say she was a scorned lover who, in a fit of rage, slew her unfaithful partner with his own sword. Now, her spirit is said to haunt the spot where the gruesome deed took place. Only the stump of the sycamore tree remains, a haunting reminder of the tragic events that unfolded here.

Woods Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.5 mi

Johnny One Arm Haunting

Dalry area, Edinburgh

In the heart of Edinburgh's Dalry area, particularly around West End Place, a gruesome ghost has been terrorising locals for centuries. The spirit, known as Johnny One Arm, is said to roam the streets with a bloody stump where his arm should have been, letting out blood-curdling screams and cackles. This terrifying apparition was believed to be the ghost of John Chiesly, whose life was marked by a horrific crime. For 300 years, residents and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of this one-armed spectre.

Residential Area Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.8 mi

Headless Woman Ghost Edinburgh

Site of the Gillespie Hospital, Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Gillespie Hospital site has a dark history that's said to be haunted by the ghost of a headless woman carrying a small child. Before the hospital was built, a mansion stood on this land, and it was here that the headless lady and her child were reportedly seen. The story goes that when the mansion was demolished, the bodies of the woman and child were found concealed beneath the floorboards, a gruesome discovery that has led to numerous sightings of their restless spirits.

Hospital Site Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Chessel Court