Skip to main content

The Red Striped Phantom

St James's Park, SW1, London Apparition Regency

St James's Park, one of London's oldest and most beautiful royal parks, has a darker side to its tranquil atmosphere. A misty figure, apparently dressed in clothing with red stripes, has been spotted wandering the park's paths, particularly around Birdcage Walk and Cockpit Steps. This entity is thought to be the wife of an officer who was brutally murdered by her husband in the early 19th century. According to legend, the husband was trying to dispose of his wife's remains in the park when he was caught. The figure has been seen by multiple people over the years, including two soldiers in 1802 who were so scared by the encounter that they abandoned their duties. In 1972, a motorist claimed to have hit a lamppost while trying to avoid a misty figure dressed in red.

Historical records suggest that the haunting may date back to the early 19th century, when a soldier's wife was murdered by her husband. The incident was widely reported at the time, and it's possible that the legend has been passed down through the years, influencing later sightings. The 1972 incident, while unverified, adds to the park's reputation as a haunted location. While the true nature of the entity remains a mystery, it's clear that St James's Park has a rich and complex history that continues to fascinate visitors to this day.

Historical Context

The park was created in 1532 and has a long history of royal use.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public Park
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1972
Postcode Area
SW1A

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.1 mi

Animated Queen Anne Statue

Queen Anne's Gate, SW1

Queen Anne's Gate in Westminster is home to a rather unusual statue of Queen Anne. Every year on August 1st, the statue comes to life and walks around the neighbourhood. This phenomenon has been occurring for some time, but it wasn't until recently that the statue was correctly identified. For years, people believed it was a statue of Bloody Mary, but a clean-up operation revealed an inscription that set the record straight.

Statue Queen Anne
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

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.

Road Georgian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.2 mi

Poltergeist Lab Investigations

National Laboratory of Psychical Research, SW7

At the National Laboratory of Psychical Research, now known as the College of Psychic Studies, a most intriguing case of paranormal activity took place back in 1928. Eight-year-old Douglas Drew was brought to the centre by Harry Price, a renowned paranormal investigator, who hoped to harness the boy's alleged poltergeist energy to shatter glass jars using an electrical current. The test unfortunately failed to produce the desired results, but it remains a fascinating example of the early 20th-century experiments into psychic phenomena.

Paranormal Research Laboratory Early 20th-century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

The Gunpowder Plot Ghost

Westminster Hall, SW1

Deep within the historic Westminster Hall in London, a strange and intriguing haunting has been reported. Dressed in traditional hat and cape, the ghost of Guy Fawkes is said to appear near one of the passageways that would have led him to his secret stash of explosives. This eerie apparition is believed to be a manifestation of the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an event that shook the very foundations of British history. As you explore the labyrinthine corridors of Westminster Hall, it's not hard to imagine the vengeful spirit of Fawkes still plotting his course.

Historic Hall Jacobean
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

Mugged Monk of Westminster

Westminster Abbey, SW1

Deep within the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, a sense of unease settles over the cloisters between 5-6pm. It's here that a tall, thin monk is said to reappear, his presence a fleeting reminder of a tragic event. The story goes that this monk was stabbed to death during a robbery, his life cut short in a moment of senseless violence. His brief return is a poignant echo of that fateful day.

Historic Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Crisis Apparition 0.2 mi

Westminster Hospital Grey Lady

Westminster Hospital, SW1

Westminster Hospital in London's SW1 area is home to a haunting presence known as the Grey Lady. This ghostly entity is said to appear just before a patient is about to pass away, often standing over their bed. The Grey Lady is categorised as a crisis manifestation, a type of ghostly apparition that materialises during times of great emotional turmoil. Her presence is a harbinger of death, and those who have witnessed her do so with a mix of fear and fascination.

Hospital Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near St James's Park