Ghostly Encounter at St Mary's Lodge
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.
This remarkable case highlights the complexities of post-mortem manifestations. The event occurred on 8 September 1866, during the Victorian era, a time when spiritualism and the supernatural were of great interest to the public. Tom Potter's apparition was reportedly seen by multiple people, adding credibility to the account. The fact that Tom was searching for his mother, who had worked at the lodge, suggests a possible connection between the location and the spirit. This haunting has been documented as a post-mortem manifestation, where the spirit of the deceased appears at a location significant to them.
The Victorian era saw a surge in spiritualism and interest in the supernatural, with many reported cases of ghostly encounters and hauntings.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
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.
The Bodiless Hand of Greenwich
Greenwich Palace, SE10
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Mary's Lodge
