Dick Turpin's Ghostly Apparition
Wash Lane in South Mimms is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dick Turpin, the infamous English highwayman. This rural lane, surrounded by rolling hills and countryside, is where Turpin's spectral presence has been reported, sending shivers down the spines of locals and travellers alike. Imagine walking down this quiet lane, the only sound being the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of traffic, when suddenly you catch a glimpse of a ghostly figure on horseback. It's a spine-tingling thought, and one that's been etched in the minds of those who claim to have seen Turpin's ghostly apparition.
The legend of Dick Turpin's haunting in Wash Lane dates back to the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. Turpin, a notorious highwayman, was known for his exploits on the roads and byways of England, and it's possible that his ghostly presence is a manifestation of his restless spirit. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity, the stories of Turpin's ghost have become an integral part of local folklore, with many people claiming to have seen or experienced strange occurrences in the area. The fact that these sightings have been reported over the years suggests that there may be some truth to the legend, or at the very least, a fascinating story that's worth exploring.
Dick Turpin was a notorious English highwayman who operated in the 18th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Bridge Creature
Bridge along Wash Lane, South Mimms
Wash Lane Bridge in South Mimms has been the site of a bizarre and unexplained encounter. A man crossing the bridge one evening watched in amazement as a human-like creature rose from the ground and leapt over the bridge, vanishing into the mist. The witness was so startled that he fled the scene, leaving behind only his testimony to this strange event. The creature was described as man-like, but details of its appearance are sadly lacking. The incident is said to have taken place sometime in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, a time when such sightings were often attributed to folklore and myth.
The Flagging Figure of South Mimms
Unnamed road in the area, South Mimms
In the sleepy Hertfordshire village of South Mimms, a most peculiar and intriguing haunting has been reported. It's said that on a spring evening in 1935, several motorists and a vicar on his bike encountered a mysterious figure standing on the roadside, flagging down travellers with a familiar gesture. The surprising thing was that this apparition vanished into thin air just seconds later, leaving those who witnessed it utterly bewildered. This bizarre incident has become known as the Flagging Figure of South Mimms, and its connection to the area's history of paranormal activity is undeniable.
Praying Man of South Mimms
Church and vicarage, South Mimms
In the quaint village of South Mimms, Hertfordshire, a mystifying apparition has been witnessed within the local church and vicarage. The ghostly figure, known as the Praying Man, was seen standing up from a prayerful position and walking through a closed door leading to the vestry. This inexplicable event took place in the 1920s, leaving the churchgoers and the Reverend Allen Hay bewildered. The reverend also reported strange occurrences at the vicarage, where he would often wake up at 3am feeling a presence, which he believed to be friendly.
The Old Lady of Potters Bar
The Old Manor Public House, Potters Bar
The Old Manor Public House in Potters Bar is home to a rather intriguing haunting. A phantom elderly lady is said to make her presence known by walking through the restaurant area, her ghostly form seemingly at ease in this historic setting. Staff have reported a strange atmosphere in the area after closing time, which could suggest that this lady is not one to rush off into the afterlife. The staircase nearby is also said to be haunted, but by a very different kind of spirit - a playful little girl who delights in causing a ruckus.
Mysterious Large Cat Sighting
Station Road, Welham Green
Welham Green's woods have long been a place of quiet contemplation for locals, but one evening in 2007, a peaceful walk turned into a shocking encounter. Andrew Hollings, out strolling with his dog, was startled by a massive cat emerging from the trees. The creature was enormous, reportedly the size of a Labrador or Alsatian, with a long tail that seemed to gleam in the fading light. As it slowly emerged from the woodland, Hollings must have felt his heart racing with a mix of fear and fascination.
Elstree Big Brother Ghost
Elstree, Borehamwood
Elstree, a small village in Hertfordshire, is home to the infamous Big Brother house, a location of reality TV fame that has also captured the attention of paranormal enthusiasts. A few strange reports have emerged from this television hotspot, including sightings that have left residents and visitors alike scratching their heads. Among these, a phantom monkey was reportedly seen on the ceiling, a plate was observed moving on its own, and a ghostly figure was spotted by Imogen, although this last sighting could have been misidentified as another housemate.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wash Lane

The Brocket Arms
Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire

Cromwell Hotel
Stevenage, Hertfordshire

The Green Man
Harlow, Essex

Fox Connaught
Newham, London