Skip to main content

The Man in the Wide Brimmed Hat

Old Burlington, W4, London Apparition Victorian

Old Burlington on Church Street is a place where the past lingers, and one of its most intriguing residents is a man dressed in a black cloak and wide brimmed hat, affectionately nicknamed Percy. This former public house has a reputation for paranormal activity, with Percy being the star of the show. His presence is a gentle one, and those who have spotted him seem to be enchanted by his old-fashioned charm.

Built during the Victorian era, Old Burlington has seen its fair share of comings and goings over the years. It's likely that Percy was a regular during the pub's heyday, and his attachment to the place has endured long after it stopped serving pints. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or circumstances of his death, multiple witnesses have reported catching glimpses of him, adding credibility to the claim that Percy is a genuine haunting manifestation.

Historical Context

Victorian-era public house

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Public House
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
W4

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0 mi

The Motley Gentleman's Ghost Dog

The Motley Gentleman's Club, W2

The Motley Gentleman's Club in London's W2 was once home to a rather unusual ghostly inhabitant. A large mongrel with a shaggy yellow coat, affectionately nicknamed 'Old Yella', was said to haunt the club's staircase. One member, mistaking the creature for a real dog, tried to tap it with a stick - but the stick passed right through, and the entity vanished into thin air. This bizarre encounter took place in the early twentieth century, leaving behind a fascinating tale of paranormal activity.

Historic Gentleman's Club Edwardian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Vine Street Police Ghost

Former Vine Street Police Station, W1

The Former Vine Street Police Station in London's W1 has a long history of paranormal activity, but one ghost stands out from the rest - that of a sergeant who took his own life in a cell back in the nineteenth century. Workers at the site have reported strange occurrences and sightings of this officer of the law, who seems to be keeping a watchful eye on them. It's said that his presence is a reminder of the tragic events that took place within these walls, and his spirit remains restless to this day.

Former Police Station Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

Faraday's Ghostly Presence

Royal Institution, W1

The Royal Institution on Albemarle Street has been home to some of the most renowned scientific minds in history, and it's here that the spirit of Michael Faraday is said to reside. This legendary chemist and physicist, famous for his groundbreaking work on electromagnetic induction, has been felt by several scientists while in the main lecture hall. It's a place where the boundaries between science and the paranormal seem to blur, leaving many to wonder if Faraday's ghostly presence still lingers, inspiring future generations of scientists.

Historic Educational Institution Victorian
Read Full Story
Crisis Apparition 0.1 mi

Ghostly Soldier Sighting

Albemarle Street, W1

Albemarle Street in London's West End has witnessed its fair share of comings and goings over the years but one particular encounter has left a lasting impression on those who experienced it. In the 1960s two friends were making their way back from a night out when they spotted their old friend George walking towards them. At first they thought George was on leave from the army but as he drew closer they noticed something was off - his face was grey and dead. The friends stopped and let George continue walking, not knowing what to make of the situation. It wasn't until weeks later that they found out George had died fighting in New Zealand.

Street Modern
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

The Whistling Gentleman of Kingly Court

Kingly Court, W1

Deep in the heart of London's shopping district, Kingly Court is home to a rather peculiar ghost. This eighteenth century gent is often spotted walking in circles, whistling a tune that's been described as, well, not particularly good. Dressed in period attire, he's a curious sight, and one that's been reported by multiple witnesses over the years. His antics are harmless, but they do add to the area's rich history and mystique.

Shopping Centre Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.2 mi

The Waiting Gentleman of Berkeley Square

53 Berkeley Square, W1

Tucked away in the heart of London's Mayfair district, 53 Berkeley Square is a grand townhouse with a rich history and a resident ghost. Locals whisper about the melancholy figure of an old man seen gazing out of the window, his eyes fixed on some distant point. It's said that this gentleman's daughter eloped many years ago, and he's been waiting for her return ever since. His presence is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and loss.

Private Residence Georgian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Old Burlington