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Spontaneous Human Combustion

49 Auckland Street, SE11, London SHC Modern

Auckland Street in Lambeth, London, is home to a most bizarre and unexplained paranormal incident. In September 1967, the charred body of Robert Francis Bailey, a homeless man, was discovered in an empty building at number 49. What's truly remarkable about this case is that Bailey's body was still smoldering, with blue flames emanating from his remains. It appeared that he had been alive when he combusted, as his teeth were found to be dug deep into a wooden stair banister pole.

This incident occurred during a time when spontaneous human combustion, or SHC, was a topic of much debate and speculation. Bailey's case remains one of the most well-documented and intriguing examples of this phenomenon. The fact that his body was found in an empty building, with no apparent cause of death or ignition source, only adds to the mystery. While some have theorized about the possible connections between SHC and other paranormal activity, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. What is certain, however, is that Bailey's death remains a fascinating and unexplained event in the annals of paranormal history.

Historical Context

Post-war London, high levels of poverty and homelessness

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Urban Area
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Restricted Access
Date / Era
September 1967
Postcode Area
SE11

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