Dancing Wig Poltergeist
Kensington Market was once the scene of a bizarre and unexplained incident that has become a footnote in London's paranormal history. On 26 August 1968, Patsy Dorett, a stallholder at the market, reported that six wigs on a shelf suddenly flew into the air and danced around. This strange event was not an isolated occurrence, as it followed two months of reported disturbances caused by a poltergeist in the area. The wigs' aerial dance was captured in a newspaper report, providing a tangible record of the incident.
The Dancing Wig poltergeist was part of a larger pattern of unexplained events that plagued Kensington Market. For two months prior to the wig incident, stallholders and customers experienced a range of disturbances that could not be explained. The market itself has a long history, dating back to the 19th century, and has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Unfortunately, the site was demolished in 2001, which means that visitors can only rely on historical accounts and records to piece together the events that took place there. The poltergeist activity, though limited to a short period, left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.
Kensington Market operated from the 19th century until its demolition in 2001
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Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Little Girl in Petticoat
Kensington Church Street, W8
Kensington Church Street is home to a charming but eerie presence - a little girl in a long petticoat and pinafore. She has been spotted by numerous people, and one witness even thought she resembled Alice in Wonderland. The girl is said to haunt a house along this picturesque street, which is lined with beautiful old buildings and bustling with activity during the day. But as the sun sets, the atmosphere changes, and the little girl's presence is felt.
Royal Ghosts of Kensington
Kensington Palace, W8
Kensington Palace, a favourite royal residence for centuries, is said to be haunted by the ghost of George II. He's often seen gazing out of a palace window, intently watching the weathervane as if waiting for a message from Hanover. This monarch's restless spirit is not alone; another ghostly presence, believed to be Sophia, aunt of Queen Victoria, is known to operate an old spinning wheel in the dead of night. A third entity, a man dressed in breeches, is reportedly seen strolling around the courtyard, adding to the palace's rich history of paranormal activity.
Lady Diana Rich's Ominous Fetch
Holland House, W11
Holland House, a grand mansion in London's Holland Park, has a long history of paranormal activity. One of the most intriguing accounts is that of Lady Diana Rich, who in 1658 encountered her 'fetch', a double that appears as a warning of impending death. According to reports, Lady Diana met her fetch while walking the grounds of the estate, and she died within a month. This eerie encounter has been repeated by two other women who lived in the building, who also recalled similar experiences prior to their own deaths.
Ghostly Carriage of Bayswater
Bayswater Road, W2
Bayswater Road, a stretch of highway near the sprawling Hyde Park, is said to be haunted by the ghostly apparition of a nineteenth century coach and horses. This phantom carriage is reportedly still seen running along this section of road, its presence a chilling reminder of a bygone era. Alongside the coach, another ghostly figure has been spotted - a shadowy woman clad in shabby clothing, her face a deathly pale complexion that sends shivers down the spines of those who claim to have seen her.
The Wronged Earl's Protest
Holland Park, W8
Holland Park in London's W8 is home to a rather disgruntled ghost. The story goes that the Earl of Holland was executed by General Fairfax, and as a thank you for his troubles, Fairfax was given the building that now stands within the park. The Earl wasn't exactly thrilled with this arrangement, and his spirit has been protesting the injustice ever since. They say his ghostly presence is a manifestation of his continued discontent.
Churchill's Ghostly Station Appearance
Queensway Station, Outer London: Queensway
Queensway Station on the Central Line is a bustling hub of activity, but in the 1980s, it was the site of a rather unusual sighting. A ghostly apparition, believed to be that of Sir Winston Churchill, was reportedly seen waiting on the platform by passengers and staff. Churchill, of course, had lived quite close to the station, and it's possible that his spirit was drawn back to this familiar spot. The station's busy atmosphere hasn't changed much since then, but the memory of that ghostly encounter has become a fascinating footnote in its history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Kensington Market

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent