Phantom Magpie Haunting
Great Russell Street in London's heart is home to a most unusual haunting. Every morning between 02:00h and 03:00h, residents are startled by a phantom magpie tapping on their window. The bird then manifests inside, perching on a floating stick that seems to defy gravity. The moment a sound is made, both the magpie and the stick vanish into thin air. This bizarre phenomenon has left many a homeowner scratching their heads, wondering if they're dreaming or if something more inexplicable is at play.
Historical records for this stretch of Great Russell Street reveal a mix of old and new buildings, with some dating back to the Victorian era. While there's no clear connection between the magpie haunting and any specific historical event or former resident, it's possible that the bird's appearance is linked to local folklore or a past tragedy. Witnesses describe the magpie as a visual apparition, with no audible sounds reported prior to its manifestation. The fact that the bird and stick disappear immediately upon making a sound suggests a sensitive, perhaps anxious entity.
The street has a mix of old and new buildings, with some dating back to the Victorian era.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Egyptian Princess Haunting
British Museum Station, WC1
Deep beneath the streets of London, at British Museum Station, a mournful presence is said to roam the abandoned tunnels. This is the haunting of an Egyptian Princess, connected to the infamous 'curse' of Amen-Ra's tomb. Late at night, her sorrowful wails and screams echo through the deserted passageways, a chilling reminder of a life cut short. Some claim that her restless spirit has been heard further afield, in the tunnels near Holborn station, a possible indication that her spirit is not confined to one specific location.
British Museum Mummy Haunting
British Museum, WC1
Deep within the British Museum's vast collections, a rather unsettling tale unfolds. The story begins with a haunted mummy case, said to be accompanied by a trail of mysterious deaths and suicides - thirteen in total. They say that this ancient relic, now housed in one of London's most revered institutions, was responsible for unleashing a torrent of paranormal activity. As well as the traditional curse associated with such artefacts, witnesses reported poltergeist-like behaviour and the apparition of a female figure. It's little wonder that this eerie presence has captured the imagination of visitors and staff alike.
London Beer Flood Ghost
Dominion Theatre, W1
The Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road is home to a rather unusual ghost. Built partly on the site of the old Meux and Company Brewery, it's no surprise that the theatre has a dark history. In 1814, a tragic accident at the brewery released a staggering 1.5 million litres of beer, destroying homes and claiming several lives. It's said that a teenage victim of this disaster still haunts the theatre, and if you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse or sound of this mischievous spirit.
Cromwell's Ghostly Return
Wig and Pen Club, WC2
The Wig and Pen Club on The Strand in London is a place with a rich history and a few ghostly residents. One of the most famous is Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, who is said to haunt the bar. According to legend, Cromwell is searching for his head, which was once displayed on a spike nearby after his execution in 1658. This rather gruesome fate was a common practice at the time, and it's said that Cromwell's spirit still roams the club, hoping to find his missing cranium.
The End of Days Clergyman
Grange Blooms Hotel, WC1
Deep in the heart of London, the Grange Blooms Hotel stands as a testament to the city's rich history. It's here that the ghost of Dr John Cumming, a Scottish clergyman, is said to roam. Cumming was known for his fiery sermons, which predicted the End of Days would take place between 1848 and 1867. It's little wonder then that his spirit may still linger, waiting for the apocalypse to arrive. Guests and staff have reported strange occurrences, which some attribute to Cumming's restless presence.
Egyptian Princess Ghost
Holborn tube station, WC2
Deep in the tunnels of Holborn tube station, a mournful presence is said to linger. This is the reported haunt of an Egyptian Princess, whose ghostly screams were first heard in the late twentieth century. The story goes that when the British Museum underground station closed in 1933, the Princess's restless spirit didn't rest, but instead continued to make its presence known in the tunnels that connect to Holborn. It's a strange and intriguing tale that has captured the imagination of many, and one that remains a popular ghost story among London's paranormal enthusiasts.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Residence along Great Russell Street

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey