Clapham Common Phantom Attacker
Clapham Common, SW11
Clapham Common was the scene of a bizarre and terrifying encounter back in October 1837. Mary Stevens was making her way through the area, heading towards Lavender Hill, when she was suddenly attacked by a figure with corpse-like clawed hands. The assailant ripped at her clothing, causing Mary to scream, which in turn sent the figure fleeing. The commotion attracted the attention of others in the area, but despite a search, no one was found. What's interesting is that this wasn't an isolated incident - the following day, in the same neighbourhood, the same figure - who would later become notorious as Spring Heeled Jack - jumped out in front of a coach, causing it to crash. The figure's escape over a tall wall only added to the mystique of this elusive and menacing character.