Manchester Square Mysterious Fires
At 12 Manchester Square in London, a series of bizarre and unexplained fires took place in April 1928. The home of Richard Bethell was suddenly plagued by small blazes that broke out on rugs, curtains, and sofas. It was a strange and alarming turn of events that left everyone baffled. Friends of the family suspected that spirits were at play, while the police were more inclined to think that flesh and blood arsonists were to blame. The timing of these events was particularly noteworthy, given that Bethell had recently been involved in the excavation of the tomb of Tutankhamen.
The excavation of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon, with Richard Bethell's involvement, had captured the public's imagination. It was perhaps inevitable that the mysterious fires at Bethell's home would be linked to the supposed curse of the pharaoh. The newspapers of the time certainly made the connection, and the story was widely reported. While there's no concrete evidence to support the idea of a supernatural curse, the coincidence was certainly intriguing. The incident remains one of the more unusual cases of alleged paranormal activity on record.
Early 20th-century England, post-excavation of Tutankhamen's tomb
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near 12 Manchester Square

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey