Ghost of Odeon Cinema
The Odeon cinema in Streatham has a long history of reported paranormal activity. Once known as the Streatham Astoria, this large theatre was built on the site of a grand house owned by Alfred Frederick Janes. It's said that Alfred's ghost has been roaming the cinema's corridors since his death shortly after the theatre's completion. His spirit has been spotted moving around, and on one occasion, he was even heard shouting 'I won't sell!' - a phrase that has led some to speculate about the circumstances of his death and the reason behind his restless haunting.
Built in the early 20th century, the Streatham Astoria was a popular entertainment venue in its heyday. Alfred Frederick Janes, the former owner of the land on which it was built, passed away shortly after the theatre's construction was finished. Since then, numerous people have reported strange occurrences and sightings of a ghostly figure within the cinema. While the exact nature of Alfred's connection to the site is unclear, his reported reluctance to sell his property - as evidenced by his ghostly outburst - has led some to theorize that his spirit remains tied to the location. The cinema has undergone several renovations and changes in ownership over the years, but the legend of Alfred's ghost has endured.
The Odeon cinema was built on the site of Alfred Frederick Janes' former house in the early 20th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Grey Cap Cinema Ghost
Odeon cinema, SE10
The Odeon cinema on Trafalgar Road has a rather curious ghost story attached to it. Back in the 1950s, a cinema employee would often appear to new staff members after the final evening screening. This phantom was an elderly man dressed in a grey cap and jacket, who seemed to materialise out of thin air. What's intriguing is that he only made his presence known to newcomers, perhaps suggesting a lingering attachment to the cinema.
Queen Elizabeth's Richmond Sighting
Richmond Palace, Outer London: Richmond
Richmond Palace has stood tall for centuries, its grandeur a testament to the region's rich history. It's here that a rather unusual sighting took place in 1603 - Queen Elizabeth herself was seen standing at a window, despite being on her deathbed elsewhere. This manifestation of the living has sparked debate among paranormal enthusiasts, with some believing it a genuine apparition, while others consider it a mere hallucination. Whatever the explanation, the incident has become an integral part of the palace's ghostly lore.
Scratching Old Lady Ghost
Ham House, Outer London: Twickenham
Ham House has been home to some pretty strange goings-on over the years. One of the most bizarre incidents involved a child who spotted a terrifying old woman scratching at a wall. The kid was so spooked that they cried out for help, and the ghost promptly vanished. But that wasnt the end of it - when the parents investigated the wall, they stumbled upon a secret hole that contained evidence of a 17th-century murder. Its a chilling tale that has become a famous part of Ham Houses paranormal history.
Priory Ghost Girl
Priory, NW3
Priory in Church Row is a London property with a dark history. The builder, Mr Thompson, was said to have bricked up one of his daughters within its walls, and her ghost has been spotted haunting the site. Locals claim that the girl's spirit still roams the property, searching for a way out. This tragic tale of a life cut short has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity.
The Ghost of Humphrey at Berrymead Priory
Berrymead Priory, W3
Berrymead Priory, a site with a rich history, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. Back in the day when the site was a bakery, workers would catch glimpses of a ghostly monk carrying a torch, wandering through the premises. This spectral figure became affectionately known as Humphrey. It's said that a local artist, sketching inside the building, even heard the sound of plainchant, adding to the mystique of this haunted location.
The Phantom Cavalier of Thames
Thames, Outer London: Richmond
Along the winding River Thames, a ghostly figure emerges from the water. This phantom Cavalier is said to rise out of the river in the late afternoon or early evening, then proceeds to move along local roads, vanishing without trace. The exact location of these sightings is between Richmond and Twickenham, a stretch of river famous for its natural beauty and rich history. Locals and passersby have reported catching glimpses of this elusive figure, adding to the mystique of this Thames-side ghost story.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Odeon cinema

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire