Cromwell's Warning Ghost
Apsley House, now known as the Wellington Museum, has a fascinating paranormal claim to fame. It's said that the ghost of Oliver Cromwell appeared to the Duke of Wellington, aka the Iron Duke, back in 1832. According to the story, Cromwell's spectre materialised just once, but that was enough to make a lasting impression. The ghost reportedly warned Wellington to let the 1832 Reform Bill pass through parliament, and wisely, the Duke complied. It's intriguing to think about the possible connections between these two influential historical figures, and how a spectral encounter might have influenced the course of politics.
The year 1832 was a significant one for British politics, with the Reform Bill aiming to redistribute parliamentary seats and extend voting rights. The Duke of Wellington, a prominent politician and military leader, was initially opposed to the bill. However, his encounter with Cromwell's ghost seems to have changed his mind. While we can't verify the supernatural details, it's clear that the Duke did eventually support the bill, which went on to become an important milestone in British reform. Apsley House, where this alleged encounter took place, is now a museum showcasing the life and legacy of the Duke of Wellington, and its rich history makes it a compelling destination for anyone interested in the paranormal and British politics.
The 1832 Reform Bill was a significant piece of legislation in British politics, aiming to redistribute parliamentary seats and extend voting rights.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Hyde Park Ghost Maid
Unidentified house in Hyde Park Place, W1
In the heart of London's Hyde Park Place, a mysterious encounter took place back in June 1884. A lady residing in the house was making her way up the staircase when she caught sight of a maid ascending the stairs just two steps ahead of her. The lady must have been quite taken aback when the servant suddenly vanished into thin air as she reached the top of the stairs. This bizarre incident left the witness with more questions than answers, and the identity of the ghostly maid remains a mystery to this day.
The Grenadier Public House Ghost
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The Grenadier Public House on Wilton Row is home to a restless spirit known as the Grenadier Climbing Stairs. This young trooper was killed after being caught cheating in a card game at the very pub where his ghost now roams. Every September, the Grenadier's spirit is said to reappear, walking the corridors and peeking into rooms as if searching for something or someone. His presence is a reoccurring phenomenon that has been reported by numerous patrons and staff members over the years.
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.
The Old Face Puller Haunting
Lowndes Square, SW1
Lowndes Square in Kensington has a rather unusual ghost story attached to it. An old white-haired woman has been spotted sitting in a chair along this street, making funny faces at anyone who catches her eye. It's a bizarre sighting that has left many wondering about the story behind this ghostly character. Is she a former resident of the area, or just a mischievous spirit? Whatever her origins, the Old Face Puller has become a local legend, with many people curious to know more about her.
The Hill Street Apparition
Hill Street, W1
Hill Street in London's posh Mayfair area is home to a rather infamous ghostly encounter. Back in 1779, Lord Lyttleton woke up in his home to find a woman in white standing by his bed. Some sources identify her as Mrs Amphlett, a mysterious figure who allegedly warned Lyttleton that he'd be dead within three days. What makes this encounter even more remarkable is that it seems to have been a pretty accurate prediction - Lyttleton dropped dead into his butler's arms at Pitt Place in Epsom just 72 hours later.
Admiral Tryon's Crisis Apparition
Eaton Place, W1
Eaton Place in Belgravia was the scene of a remarkable paranormal incident on 22 June 1893. On this day, the solid looking form of Admiral Tryon appeared in front of several of his wife's friends at his home. What's striking about this apparition is that it manifested at the exact moment Tryon was going down with his ship in the Mediterranean. This synchronicity has led to the event being classified as a crisis manifestation, a type of haunting where a person's spirit appears to loved ones at the moment of their death or great crisis.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Apsley House

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey