Cromwell's Ghostly Return
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.
Historically, The Wig and Pen Club has been a gentlemen's club since its inception, providing a space for lawyers and other professionals to socialise. It's no surprise then that another ghost is said to haunt the building - that of a lawyer who took his own life in the 1800s. The fact that Cromwell's head was displayed near the club's location for a period of time adds a layer of complexity to the haunting. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity, the club's long history and associations make it a fascinating spot for those interested in the supernatural.
The Wig and Pen Club was established as a gentlemen's club for lawyers and professionals.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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.
Jenny's Tragic Murder
Jenny's Hole, WC2
Jenny's Hole in Adelphi, London, is a spot where the past seems to collide with the present in a chilling way. This area has borne witness to a horrific crime that took place back in 1875. A young prostitute named Jenny was brutally murdered here, her life cut short in a violent and senseless act. It's said that the sounds of her final moments still echo through the streets - blood-curdling screams and the sound of a fierce struggle, followed by an unsettling silence. Some claim to have seen a faint apparition, a rag-covered body that seems to materialise out of thin air.
Phantom Magpie Haunting
Residence along Great Russell Street, WC1
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.
Holborn Library Ghostly Apparition
Holborn Library, EC1
Deep in the heart of London, Holborn Library stands as a hub of knowledge and learning. Yet, amidst the musty scent of old books and whispered conversations, a sense of unease settles over some visitors. An archivist, using a mirror in the third-floor bathroom, caught a glimpse of a person walking behind her, only to turn and find nobody there. This unsettling encounter is just one of several bizarre incidents that have led to whispers of a ghostly presence within the library's walls.
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.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wig and Pen Club

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey