Monk Procession Ghosts
St Dunstan's Church in East Acton is home to a rather unusual and intriguing haunting. It's said that a procession of monks makes its way down the centre of the church, their golden brown figures a striking sight. The leader of the group is distinguished by a purple hood, adding a touch of colour to the otherwise sombre scene. But that's not all - another ghostly figure has been spotted, that of an old woman wearing a Second World War gas mask, who exits the church and heads off towards Lower Thames Street.
The history of St Dunstan's Church dates back to the 13th century, although the current building is largely a Victorian reconstruction. Given its long history, it's perhaps no surprise that the church has accumulated a few ghostly residents over the years. The monk procession is believed to have been seen in the mid-twentieth century, while the old woman in a gas mask is thought to be a more recent apparition. While we can only speculate about the stories behind these ghosts, it's clear that St Dunstan's Church remains a hub of paranormal activity.
St Dunstan's Church has been a place of worship since the 13th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Oliver Goldsmith's Ghostly Visage
Ye Olde Cock Tavern, EC4
Ye Olde Cock Tavern on Fleet Street has been a London landmark for centuries, and it's here that a rather unusual ghostly encounter took place in 1984. A young woman working at the tavern was standing at the back of the building, near the door, when she was startled by the appearance of a disembodied head - none other than Oliver Goldsmith, the famous Irish author and poet. The head was smiling, and the woman's scream was audible to everyone in the bar. It's not hard to imagine the shock and surprise of such an unexpected apparition.
The Phantom Hackney Passenger
Corner of Water Lane and Fleet Street, EC4
On a dark and spooky evening, a Hackney carriage driver picked up a mysterious passenger at the corner of Water Lane and Fleet Street. The passenger wanted to be taken to Lower Church Yard but as soon as he got into the carriage, the horses refused to budge. It was as if they sensed something was off about this passenger. When the driver asked him to leave, the passenger transformed into a terrifying bear with flaming eyes. The driver must have been shocked because the bear vanished in a flash, leaving him shaken.
The White Woman of Temple Church
Temple Church, EC4
Temple Church in London is home to a haunting legend that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. A white female phantom is said to hover over the graves of the fallen knights on the site, her ghostly presence a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who once worshipped and fought here. This eerie apparition has been a topic of fascination for locals and visitors alike, with many trying to catch a glimpse of her ethereal form.
Phantom Staircase Footsteps
Bell Yard, WC2
Bell Yard in London is home to a building with a rather unusual reputation. It's said that phantom footsteps echo through the staircase, seemingly heading towards the legal chambers. This haunting manifestation has been noted for some time, with the famous author Charles Dickens even mentioning it in his novel Bleak House. The building's history and layout may well contribute to the eerie atmosphere that allows these ghostly footsteps to make themselves known.
Phantom Lawyer of Temple Bar
Temple Bar, EC4
Temple Bar in London's heart is where you'll find this spectral sighting. Imagine strolling through the lanes late at night, paperwork tucked under your arm, and suddenly you catch a glimpse of a man dressed in a full gown and wig, striding purposefully along. That's what some late-working commuters have reported seeing - a ghostly lawyer, complete with all the trappings of his profession, yet eerily, he's not quite of this world.
The Fruity Poltergeist
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, WC2
Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street is home to a rather mischievous poltergeist. This pub has been entertaining patrons with paranormal activity for years, and one of the most intriguing phenomena is the movement of the fruit machine. It's said that the poltergeist, affectionately known as 'Fruity', has a penchant for tampering with the machine, much to the delight and sometimes dismay of customers.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Dunstan's Church
Fox Connaught
Newham, London
The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent
The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire
Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey