Chained Monk of Buckingham
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, is said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Chained Monk. This eerie apparition is reported to appear once a year on Christmas Day, 25 December, and is described as a monk bound in chains. The origins of this haunting are shrouded in mystery, with some claiming it predates the construction of the palace itself. The monk's appearance is a harbinger of a darker event, as the sound of a single pistol shot can occasionally be heard on the first floor, a grim reminder of a tragic event in the palace's past.
The historical context of this haunting is rooted in a tragic event from the early 20th century. The private secretary to King Edward VII, Sir Arthur Bigge, ended his life on the first floor of the palace, and it is said that the sound of his suicide by pistol shot still echoes through the corridors. While the exact connection between this event and the appearance of the Chained Monk is unclear, it is evident that both are tied to the palace's complex and often somber history. The monk's chains and the pistol shot serve as a poignant reminder of the palace's darker past.
The palace was originally built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and later acquired by King George III in 1761.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Buckingham Gate Black Mist
Buckingham Gate, SW1
Buckingham Gate in London is usually known for its grand views of the city and the palace. But on one evening in April 2020, something strange caught people's attention. A black smoke or mist was seen to suddenly appear, move across the road, and then vanish into thin air. It seemed to be heading towards the palace when it disappeared. This unusual sighting has left many wondering what it could have been.
Delphic Club Ghost Lights
Delphic Club, SW1Y
The Delphic Club, a former hotspot in the heart of London, has a peculiar claim to fame - reports of inexplicable lights. Elliott O'Donnell, a renowned paranormal investigator, decided to get to the bottom of these eerie rumours back in the 1920s. He wasn't alone in his quest; two other people joined him for a vigil to uncover the truth behind the whispers of a haunted site. Although they didn't encounter any ghostly apparitions, they did experience something odd - lights would switch themselves on, leaving the trio puzzled.
Annie Doonan's Ghostly Apparition
Second Hand City, SW7
Second Hand City in London's SW7 has a dark history that refuses to stay buried. This site was once a Methodist Chapel where tragedy struck in the form of Annie Doonan, a working girl who met her untimely demise at the hands of a client. Her body was discovered in the chapel's basement, a grim find that would set the stage for future paranormal activity. As the building changed hands and became a bustling market, staff members who arrived early in the morning began to report a phantom figure gliding down the stairs towards the basement.
The Man in Black Robes
Westminster Cathedral, SW1
Deep within the hallowed halls of Westminster Cathedral, a mysterious figure has been spotted standing by the altar. This apparent priest, clad in black robes, has been reported to fade from view when approached. The encounter took place in 1966, leaving many questions about the identity and purpose of this enigmatic apparition. Was he a former clergy member, or a spectral presence with a deeper connection to the cathedral? The truth remains elusive, but the image of the Man in Black Robes continues to captivate those drawn to the paranormal.
Ghostly Soldier of Percy Place
Percy Place, Dublin
Percy Place in Dublin is home to a rather unusual resident - a ghostly soldier believed to be a member of the Sherwood Forest regiment. This phantom figure has been spotted standing guard in the area, a poignant reminder of the heavy losses suffered by the regiment during the Battle of Mount Street Bridge, which took place just around the corner. The soldier's presence is a lasting legacy of a pivotal moment in Irish history, and those who have seen him can't help but be drawn in by his story.
Mysterious Sea Horse Monster
Off coast, West Wemyss
Off the rugged coast of West Wemyss in Lowlands, a bizarre sighting took place in July 1939 that would leave a lasting impression on a team of fishermen. They claimed to have spotted a six metre long creature with the head and mane of a horse and large, unblinking eyes. This unusual sea creature, dubbed the Sea Horse, has become a fascinating footnote in the annals of cryptozoology. The fishermen's encounter with this marine monster raises questions about the unexplored depths of our oceans and the secrets they may hold.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Buckingham Palace

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey