Imperial War Museum Hauntings
The Imperial War Museum in London's SE1 area has a reputation for paranormal activity. This site was once home to the second Bethlem Royal Hospital, which relocated from its original location. During World War II, the Women's Auxiliary Air Force took over the site, and staff reported strange occurrences at night, including ranting and screaming, and the sound of chains being rattled. These unexplained events have continued to be reported over the years, with a security guard more recently hearing shouting and screaming on the site.
Historically, the site has a complex past, having served as a hospital and a military base. The ghost of Rebecca Griffiths, who moved with the hospital when it relocated, is often cited as a possible explanation for the hauntings. While there is no concrete evidence to confirm this, the consistent reports of paranormal activity suggest that something unusual is happening here. The Imperial War Museum is now a popular tourist destination, and visitors have reported experiencing strange phenomena, adding to the site's reputation as a haunted location.
The site was used during World War II by the Women's Auxiliary Air Force.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Anne Boleyn's Thames Procession
Lambeth Palace, SE1
Lambeth Palace stands majestically on the north bank of the River Thames, its grandeur a testament to centuries of history. But amidst its splendour, a haunting procession is said to take place. The ghostly shade of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's ill-fated wife, is carried along the Thames in a barge crewed by faded grey figures. This eerie spectacle is believed to be a re-enactment of her final journey to the Tower of London, where she met her maker. The palace itself is said to echo with Anne's desperate voice, pleading and crying out for her life to be saved.
The Tube Traveller Ghost
Elephant & Castle Underground Station, SE17
Deep in the heart of London, at Elephant & Castle Underground Station, a strange phenomenon has been observed by both staff and commuters. This young woman, dressed in attire from a bygone era, boards the train's carriages on the Bakerloo line, but is never seen leaving. Her presence has been a topic of conversation among locals and visitors alike, with some speculating that she may be the spirit of a former passenger who met a tragic end.
George the Hospital Poltergeist
St Andrews Hospital, E3
St Andrews Hospital in London's East End has a fascinating, if somewhat brief, history of paranormal activity. In the mid-1970s, during a period of renovation, three workers installing new lifts reported a strange occurrence. As they worked, a shimmering white shape appeared next to them, similar to a heat haze, and then vanished just as quickly. This fleeting apparition may have been 'George', a poltergeist-like entity known to hospital staff.
The Grey Nurse of St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital, SE1
St Thomas' Hospital in London is home to a rather unsettling presence - a ghostly nurse known as the Grey Nurse. This phantom figure, clad in a grey uniform, has been spotted by numerous people, often in areas where patients are being cared for. What's particularly unnerving about this ghost is that she appears so lifelike, her facial features remarkably clear, that she's been mistaken for a real person - until she vanishes into thin air. Some reports even suggest that her legs abruptly end at the knees, adding to the eerie nature of her apparition.
Angel of the Thames Sightings
River Thames, SE1
The River Thames has long been a hub of activity in London, but in 2006, it was the site of some rather unusual sightings. At least four people reported seeing an angel hovering over the water, sparking widespread interest and debate. Some claimed the sightings dated back to 1666, the year of the Great Fire of London, while others linked them to wartime. The London Eye, a popular tourist attraction, is located nearby, and it's possible that the angel was seen in relation to this iconic landmark.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Imperial War Museum

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey