Ghostly Padfoot of Wimbledon
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.
It's worth noting that Jeremiah Abershaw's story begins with a life of crime, one that ultimately led to his execution. According to historical records, Abershaw was hanged for his misdeeds, but it seems his spirit didn't rest easy. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, reports began to surface of a ghostly figure matching his description. While some might interpret these sightings as mere fantasy, they remain a part of the common's folklore, with multiple witnesses corroborating the strange occurrences.
Jeremiah Abershaw was hanged for his crimes in the early 19th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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 Floating Figure of Enfield Golf Course
Golf course, Outer London: Enfield
Enfield Golf Course is said to be haunted by a rather unsettling presence - a floating figure dressed in black. This eerie entity has been known to leave witnesses traumatised, and it's easy to see why. One account from the 1960s describes the figure's face as being eaten away by maggots, making for a truly horrific sighting. The golf course, located in the outer London borough of Enfield, seems like an unlikely place for such a chilling encounter, but those who have seen the floating figure know that it's a memory that stays with them forever.
Glowing Light Entity Richmond Park
Richmond Park, Outer London: Richmond
Richmond Park was the scene of a bizarre and intriguing encounter on a February evening in 2003. Two men out for a walk were witness to a glowing ball of energy that seemed to ooze over a park wall before bouncing into the park and making its way towards a tree. The ball appeared to wipe itself against the tree trunk before taking off again, moving down the park road until it finally dissipated into thin air. But that wasnt the end of the strange events - as the light faded, both men saw a small figure standing where the ball had been. It was the shape of a young male child, but with a large head that seemed out of proportion.
Wimbledon's Mysterious Great Darkness
Wimbledon, SW19
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.
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.
The Pillar of Mist Haunting
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Roebuck Public House on Richmond Hill has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. In 1972, a guest staying at the pub woke up early in the morning to a bizarre sight - a pillar of mist was floating in the middle of his room. The mist seemed to have a life of its own, moving slowly towards the window before vanishing into thin air. What makes this encounter even more intriguing is that earlier that day, a strange man was seen walking up the staircase, but when people went to investigate, there was no sign of him anywhere.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wimbledon Common

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire