Wimbledon's Mysterious Great Darkness
Wimbledon was plunged into an inexplicable darkness on 17 April 1909, a phenomenon that would leave residents scratching their heads for years to come. For ten minutes, a strange, impenetrable gloom covered the area, causing people to stay indoors, fearful of what might be lurking in the shadows. It was as if the very fabric of daylight had been pulled away, leaving only an unsettling blackness.
Historically, this event occurred during the Victorian era, a time of great change and scientific discovery. The cause of the Great Darkness remains unknown, but it's clear that it had a significant impact on the local community. With multiple witnesses reporting the phenomenon, it's likely that the event was genuine and not simply a case of mass hysteria. The fact that people were scared enough to stay indoors suggests that the experience was deeply unsettling.
The event occurred during a time of great scientific and social change in Britain
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Wimbledon Theatre Ghost Sighting
Wimbledon Theatre, SW19
The Wimbledon Theatre, a beloved landmark on Wimbledon Broadway, is said to be haunted by the ghost of JB Mulholland, a former manager who has been spotted sitting in the boxes, watching rehearsals. It's a classic theatre ghost story, one that's been delighting and sometimes disturbing visitors for years. Mulholland's presence is often accompanied by that of a grey lady, another spectral inhabitant of the theatre, who's been known to drift through closed doors, laughing to herself.
Merton Hall Ghostly Waltz
Merton Hall, SW19
Merton Hall stands tall in the London borough of Merton, its grandeur and beauty captivating all who lay eyes on it. But beware, for this stunning country house holds a secret. A female guest once staying at the hall reported having a quick waltz with a man dressed in blue clothing. This chance encounter was later identified as Friday, a gentleman who had passed away years previously. The mysterious nature of this encounter has left many wondering about the story behind this ghostly waltz.
Wimbledon Ghost Girl
Hillside, SW19
Hillside in Wimbledon is home to a rather unsettling sighting - a young girl, probably pre-teen, who appears to walk across the gardens along the road. She moves slowly, almost as if lost in thought, and then gradually fades from view before reaching any apparent destination. This eerie apparition has been spotted at the same time every night, between 23:00h and 00:00h. It's a reoccurring sighting that has left many with more questions than answers.
The White Lady of Plough Public House
Plough Public House, SW4
Plough Public House on Clapham Common has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. It's said that a ghostly figure, a young woman dressed in white, has been spotted standing in the pub's bedrooms. Her long, raven hair cascades down her shoulders, creating an eerie sight. This apparition may be connected to a mysterious discovery made in 1970 - a secret, bricked-up room was uncovered, sparking speculation about the pub's past.
The Grey Lady of St George's
St George's Hospital, W1
St George's Hospital in London's Hyde Park Corner has been home to a rather intriguing phantom - a grey lady believed to be the ghost of a former nurse. This spectral presence was said to make its presence known to patients who were very ill, some of whom claimed to have had conversations with her. While she wasnt seen by everyone, her echoing footsteps could be heard by anyone walking the corridors. Its thought that the grey lady may have been a nurse who worked at the hospital many years ago, but details of her life and death remain a mystery.
Ghostly Padfoot of Wimbledon
Wimbledon Common, SW19
Wimbledon Common is home to a rather unsettling presence - the ghost of Jeremiah Abershaw, a man who met his demise on the gallows two hundred years ago. They say he's still roaming the common, a spectral padfoot with a taste for terror. On two separate occasions, people have spotted him wearing the tattered clothes of a convict, a grim reminder of his life of crime. And if that's not enough, some claim to have heard the sound of horse hooves pounding the ground, only to turn around and find no horse in sight.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wimbledon

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent