Skip to main content

The Bloodstained Actress

Old Vic, SE1, London Apparition Victorian

The Old Vic on Waterloo Road has been a hub for theatrical performances for centuries, but it's also home to a rather unsettling ghostly presence. A woman with bloodied hands has been spotted multiple times within the theatre's walls. Her appearance is always marked by a sense of eeriness, and it's little wonder why - those bloodstained hands are a sight to behold. Some believe she was an actress who used fake blood for a Shakespearian play, but that doesn't necessarily explain the fear and unease she inspires in those who see her.

Delving into the history of The Old Vic, it's clear that the theatre has a rich and varied past. Dating back to 1819, it's hosted countless productions over the years, including many Shakespearean plays. It's possible that the ghostly actress is connected to one of these performances, perhaps using the fake blood as part of her role. While we can't say for certain, what we do know is that multiple witnesses have reported seeing her, and her presence remains a popular topic of discussion among paranormal enthusiasts.

Historical Context

The Old Vic has been a prominent theatre in London since 1819

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Theatre
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
SE1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.2 mi

The Lost Child of Czar Bar

Czar Bar, SE1

Deep in the heart of London's SE1, the Czar Bar stands as a testament to the city's rich history. But it's not just the bar's ornate facade that draws in visitors - it's the eerie presence of a lost child. This little ghost has been heard moving around the building, her cries and calls for her mother echoing through the empty halls. Some say she sounds terrified, not of the darkness, but of her own mother. The child's plaintive wails have been a fixture of the bar for decades, leaving many to wonder what tragic events led to her untimely demise.

Historic Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Slamming Doors of Waterloo

Site of Waterloo Necropolis Railway, SE1

The site of the old Waterloo Necropolis Railway has a chilling reputation. Now home to a training school, some staff members are reluctant to work in 'A' block after dark. They claim that classroom and other doors slam shut on their own, creating an unsettling atmosphere. This strange phenomenon has been occurring since 1990, leaving many to wonder if the site's history is to blame. The Necropolis Railway was a Victorian-era railway line that served a cemetery, and it's possible that the restless spirits of those buried there are still active.

Former Railway Site, now Training School Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Merry Children's Ghostly Gathering

Courtts Bank, WC2

Courtts Bank in London's WC2 area was once a bustling hub for toy sellers and buyers, a place filled with laughter and excitement. And on one special day of the year, Christmas Day, that joy seems to linger. For a brief moment, the sounds of happy children can be heard echoing through the location, a heartwarming and intriguing phenomenon that has been reported by multiple witnesses. It's as if the spirits of yesteryear's youngsters have returned to relive fond memories of Christmases past.

Former Market Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

The Reflection Ghost

Bakerloo line, SE17

Deep in the London Underground, on the Bakerloo line, lies a phenomenon that has left many passengers scratching their heads. At Elephant & Castle station, and other stops along the line, some travellers claim to have seen a ghostly reflection. While travelling northbound, they'll catch a glimpse of someone sitting next to them, but when they turn to look, there's no one there. It's as if a spectral commuter has momentarily joined them, only to vanish into thin air.

Railway Station Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Greencoat Boy Ghost

Greencoat Boy Public House, SW1

The Greencoat Boy Public House in London is home to a rather poignant ghost story. This former hospital was once a refuge for children who had lost their fathers during wartime in the seventeenth century. It's said that one of these young souls still roams the bar area, leaving patrons to wonder about the history behind this restless spirit. The atmosphere is certainly intriguing, especially considering the pub's rich and varied past.

Public House Seventeenth century
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.3 mi

Brixton Poltergeist Haunting

Unidentified terraced house, SW9

In the heart of Brixton, London, a most unsettling poltergeist haunting took place at a terraced house in the SW9 postcode area back in the 1950s. The events began in November 1954 and continued sporadically until March 1955. It was a time of great disturbance for the Brindle family, who lived in the house. They were subjected to inexplicable destruction, which started with the kitchen being ransacked while they watched in helpless horror. Neighbours reported seeing a picture fall from the wall and curtains drop from the rail, adding to the mystery and terror of the situation.

Private Residence Post-War
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Vic