Skip to main content

The Bodiless Hand of Greenwich

Greenwich Palace, SE10, London Apparition Stuart

Greenwich Palace, a former royal residence now part of the Royal Naval property, is home to one of the most enduring and intriguing ghost stories in London. The Tulip Staircase, a beautiful and historic feature of the palace, is where the famous phantom hand has been seen and photographed. This ghostly apparition has become an iconic image in the world of paranormal activity, with many books and articles featuring the photograph. While some have attempted to replicate the effect using long exposure times, the original photograph remains a chilling and unexplained phenomenon.

Built in the 17th century, the Queen's House, which includes the Tulip Staircase, has a rich history dating back to the time of Queen Anne. It's said that Admiral Byng, who was executed for treason in the 1700s, haunts the Queen Anne block of the palace. Another ghost reportedly seen in the palace bears a resemblance to Queen Elizabeth, dressed in period costume with red hair. The palace has undergone various transformations over the centuries, but its history and former royal connections may be key to understanding the reported paranormal activity.

Historical Context

Greenwich Palace was built in the 17th century, during the Stuart period.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Palace
Activity Types
Visual Photographic
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1966
Postcode Area
SE10

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.2 mi

Fort Tavern Ghost Footsteps

Fort Tavern, SE18

Fort Tavern on Sandy Hill Road has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. Footsteps have been heard many times within its walls, and people have occasionally caught a glimpse of a strange fleeting shadow. It's a curious thing, this haunting, with no apparent connection to any specific former occupant or event. The fact that it's a pub, a place where people gather to socialize and have a drink, makes it all the more intriguing that such an unusual phenomenon has been reported.

Historic Pub Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Ghost of Trafalgar Tavern

Trafalgar Tavern, SE10

The Trafalgar Tavern, a charming pub on Trafalgar Road, has been home to a mischievous ghost since at least 1997. This phantom, described as a Victorian gentleman, has been seen strolling through the upper parts of the building, leaving staff and patrons alike to wonder if they're just imagining things. But that's not all - the ghost is also blamed for moving items in the cellar, adding a touch of mystery to this already historic pub.

Historic Inn Victorian
Read Full Story
Post-Mortem Apparition 0.2 mi

Ghostly Encounter at St Mary's Lodge

St Mary's Lodge, SE10

St Mary's Lodge on Croom's Hill has a long history of reported paranormal activity. One of the most fascinating cases is that of Tom Potter, who was seen knocking on the door of the lodge back in 1866. On that particular day, Tom had walked up to the lodge looking for his mother, who had previously worked there as a maid. The new housemaid, not knowing anything about Tom's mother, simply told him she didn't know who he was talking about, and Tom walked away. What made this encounter even more remarkable was that the mistress of the house later discovered that Tom had actually died in Jamaica just two days before his visit to the lodge.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Ghostly Watchman of Cutty Sark

Cutty Sark, SE10

Perched high atop the mast of the Cutty Sark, a ghostly figure is said to keep watch over the historic ship. Anchored along the Thames in Greenwich, this phantom sailor is a longstanding rumour among locals and visitors alike. The Cutty Sark, a renowned tea clipper, has been a London landmark since its construction in 1869. It's little wonder that the spirit of a former crew member is believed to still be on board, diligently scanning the horizon for signs of danger.

Historic Ship Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Phantom Black Mastiff Hound

Spanish Galleon Public House, SE10

The Spanish Galleon Public House in Greenwich is home to a rather unusual ghostly inhabitant - a phantom black mastiff hound. This eerie canine apparition is said to roam the premises of this historic pub, leaving patrons and staff alike scratching their heads in wonder. While there's no record of the hound's origins or how it came to haunt the pub, its presence is a talking point among locals and visitors to this charming Greenwich watering hole.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Walthamstow Theatre Ghost

Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Public House, E17

The Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Public House in Walthamstow has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. It all started when a paranormal team was called in to investigate strange occurrences in the former theatre's dressing room. Staff had been reporting feeling uneasy and ill at ease, which prompted the investigation. The team began to experience unusual phenomena themselves, which led to a thorough probe into the history of the building and the possible causes of the haunting.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Greenwich Palace