Great Armies of London
London's skies have borne witness to many an unusual sighting, but few have been as striking as the two great armies that clashed in the air west of London Bridge. On a day in March, possibly in the nineteenth century, multiple people watched in awe as these spectral forces engaged each other in a spectacular display. The battle raged across the sky, with a flame hurtling towards the city at one point, sending a shiver down the spines of those who saw it. As suddenly as it had begun, the flame fizzled out and the armies vanished into thin air.
Historical records are scarce, but it's likely that this event took place during the Victorian era, a time of great change and upheaval in London. The fact that many people witnessed this phenomenon lends credibility to the account, and it's possible that the event was documented in local newspapers or diaries of the time. While we can't pinpoint the exact date, the image of these ghostly armies locked in combat has endured, leaving us to ponder the significance of this strange and captivating event.
Possibly Victorian era, a time of great change in London
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Legless Monk Phantom
St Mary's Lane, Outer London: Havering
St Mary's Lane in Cranham, Havering, is home to a rather eerie phantom - a monk with no legs. This ghostly figure is said to float silently across the road, leaving onlookers with a chill down their spines. The monk's appearances are centred around Christmas Day, reoccurring annually, and were last reported in the 1970s. The image of this legless monk gliding across the road is a haunting one, especially during the festive season when the nights are dark and the streets are quiet.
Bermondsey Street Policeman Remark
Unknown house, SE1
Bermondsey Street in London's SE1 area has a rather unusual claim to paranormal fame. Back in 1909, a man named James Phillips found himself in court for breaking into a house that was allegedly haunted. During his trial, a judge made a remark that's often cited as a classic example of scepticism in the face of ghostly claims. The judge told Phillips he was more likely to find a policeman than a ghost. It's not clear if Phillips was deterred by the judge's words, but the comment has become a memorable footnote in the history of English hauntings.
The Two Ladies of Queen's Road
Unnamed residence, SE15
On Queen's Road in London's SE15 area, a rather intriguing incident took place around 1905. It started with a rumour that two ghostly white women had been spotted in an empty house. This was enough to spark curiosity among locals, who began gathering outside the residence after dark, hoping to catch a glimpse of the alleged apparitions. The situation soon drew the attention of the police, who arrived to disperse the crowd. It was later suggested that the whole affair might have been a hoax concocted by two young girls.
Grecian Villa Ghost
Grecian Villa, SE19
The Grecian Villa, perched on Beulah Hill in south London, is home to a rather melancholy presence. This grand villa has witnessed a tragic event that has left an indelible mark on its history. In 1846, Daniel Philpot, a stablehand, took his own life by hanging himself within the villa's walls, unable to cope with the weight of his mounting gambling debts. It's said that his spirit still lingers, a poignant reminder of the desperation that led him to such a tragic end.
Blackheath Vampire Encounter
Unidentified residence, SE3
Blackheath, a tranquil area in south-east London, was once home to a most unsettling haunting. In mid-1895, a team of eight spiritualists was summoned to a residence to investigate a presence that was preventing the local children from sleeping. The team, determined to rid the house of its unwanted guest, took a bold approach to communicate with the entity. However, their efforts were nearly derailed when one of their own became possessed, attempting to bite the ears off the landlady in a shocking display of the entity's malevolent nature.
MacDonald's Haunted Crypt Dweller
MacDonald's restaurant, SE9
This MacDonald's restaurant in south east London is home to a rather unusual ghost story. Built on the site of an old United Reformed church, the fast food establishment's basement was once a crypt, and it's here that some staff have reported encountering a mysterious entity. The details of these encounters are scarce, but it's clear that something strange is going on beneath the restaurant's busy floors.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Skies west of London Bridge

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire