The Footless Figure of Portsmouth
Imagine standing alone on a deserted platform at Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station, the only sound being the creaking of old signs and the distant hum of the city waking up. It's a scene that's played out countless times over the years, but on one fateful morning in January 2016, a commuter's solitary wait turned into a terrifying encounter. As the clock ticked towards 05:30, a figure clad in a 1940s suit materialised at the opposite end of the platform. The man's face was a blank, devoid of any features, and his body seemed to be... incomplete, as if he was missing something fundamental. Yet, it was what happened next that sent shivers down the commuter's spine - the figure began to walk towards him, its feet somehow not being there, but still moving with a purpose that was hard to ignore.
Digging into the past of Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station, it's clear that this isn't the first time the location has been associated with the unexplained. While the 2016 sighting is one of the most vivid and recent accounts, railway stations like this one often have a rich history that can sometimes bleed into the present. The commuter who witnessed the footless figure was understandably shaken, refusing to return to the station and instead opting for a different route to work. Their account, though informal, adds to a growing body of reports that suggest Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station might be a hotspot for paranormal activity. Without further evidence or witness accounts, it's difficult to say what the presence of this figure might mean, but it's certainly a story that has captured the imagination of those interested in the paranormal.
Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station has been in operation since the 19th century, serving as a key transport link for the city.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Portsmouth Church Dark Figure
St Ann's Church, Portsmouth
St Ann's Church in Portsmouth has been the site of a curious sighting. A member of the chaplaincy team caught two fleeting glimpses of a dark figure standing on the balcony, gazing out over the edge as if watching them. The figure was described as curious and unthreatening. What's intriguing is that the witness had worked in the building many times before without incident, which suggests that this sighting was an unusual occurrence.
Portsmouth Ghostly Nun Figure
St Agatha's church, Portsmouth
St Agatha's church in Portsmouth has a reputation for being haunted by a ghostly figure. The story began back in the 1950s when the church was being used for storage. Rumours started circulating about a mysterious presence on the site. Although there's no evidence to suggest that the church was ever a nunnery, local legend has it that ghostly nuns have been spotted in the area. The exact nature of these apparitions remains unclear, but they seem to have left a lasting impression on those who claim to have seen them.
The Generous Ghost of Apsley House
Apsley House Public House, Southsea
Apsley House Public House in Southsea has a resident ghost nicknamed 'Reedy' who has been known to play a trick on thirsty patrons. In October 2009, reports surfaced of a ghostly presence that seemed to have a fondness for topping up half-empty glasses of beer. It was as if Reedy had a mischievous streak and enjoyed surprising customers with an extra inch of their favourite pint. The phenomenon was observed on multiple occasions, leaving many to wonder if the ghostly landlord was still looking out for his pub's patrons, even in the afterlife.
Ghostly Mother of St Mary's
St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth
St Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth is said to be haunted by the spirit of a distraught mother. This ghostly woman, often seen wandering the hospital corridors in a dressing gown, is believed to be searching for her baby who sadly died in the hospital back in 1969. The circumstances of the baby's death remain a mystery, but it's thought that the mother's grief and trauma may have imprinted her spirit on the location, causing her to relive the tragedy over and over.
Gosport Barracks Ghost Shooting
Forton Barracks, Gosport
Forton Barracks in Gosport was once a hub of military activity, but it's now a site with a dark history that's left an indelible mark. In January 1899, a marine stationed there was found guilty of unlawfully shooting another man, claiming he'd been unnerved by ghost stories circulating among the troops. It started with a guard reporting a strange incident - a dog seemed to leap over a wall, and when he followed, he found the dog's footprints mysteriously changed into human prints that led into a nearby creek. This eerie occurrence, coupled with tales of a French officer's spirit said to haunt the site, evidently rattled the marines.
Jack the Painter's Gibbet Haunting
Blockhouse Point, Gosport
Blockhouse Point in Gosport is home to a rather unsettling piece of history. They say that on certain evenings, you can still hear the eerie squeaking of rusted chains. These aren't just any chains, but the ones that held the body of Jack, a man known as Jack the Painter. He was hanged for a rather reckless crime - setting fire to the ropeworks in Portsmouth. His body was left hanging in a gibbet for many years, a grim warning to others. The gibbet's chains have long since rusted, but their creaking sound still echoes through the area, a chilling reminder of Jack's fate.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Portsmouth & Southsea Train Station
The Union Inn
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Chichester Inn
Chichester, West Sussex
The Royal Hotel
Purfleet, Essex
The Royal Hotel
Ventnor, Isle of Wight