The Vanishing Woman of Bow Street
Bow Street Magistrates' Court, a former hub of justice in London's heart, has a peculiar reputation for paranormal activity. This unassuming building was said to be haunted by a woman who would suddenly vanish when seen. Her appearances were reportedly brief and bewildering, leaving witnesses scratching their heads. The court's history as a bustling centre for law and order stretches back centuries, but it was in the 1970s that reports of the ghostly woman began to surface.
Interestingly, the Bow Street Magistrates' Court has been out of operation since 2006, its functions relocated to a new facility. Yet, the legend of the vanishing woman persists. Although there's no concrete evidence linking her to a specific era or event, it's tempting to speculate that she might be connected to the court's long history of processing countless cases. Whatever her story, the woman's ghostly appearances have become an integral part of the court's folklore, attracting those fascinated by London's paranormal underbelly.
The Bow Street Magistrates' Court operated from 1887 to 2006.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Floating Candle Ghost
33 Harewood Square, NW1
At 33 Harewood Square in London's NW1 area, a rather bizarre and intriguing haunting took place back in May 1851. A couple lying in bed were startled to see two candle flames hovering over them. The situation turned even stranger when the male witness tried to grab the flames, only to find they transformed into liquid, running over the bed and eventually fading away to nothing.
Anne Yeats Haunting
Unnamed residence, WC1
Cartwright Gardens in London's WC1 area has a dark history dating back to 1884. It was then known as Burton Crescent. A tragic event took place in one of the flats, where Anne Yeats' body was discovered in the back room. Her killer was never caught, leaving behind a legacy of sorrow and unrest. Locals claim that the flat became haunted, with reports of paranormal activity. Interestingly, the haunting seemed to subside when the area was renamed Cartwright Gardens.
Ghostly Footsteps of Great James Street
Unidentified residence, WC1
Great James Street in London's WC1 area is home to a rather intriguing haunting. A flat along this road has been said to be haunted by the unexplained sounds of footsteps. It's not just the creaks and groans of an old building that can be heard here, but actual footsteps that seem to come from nowhere and go nowhere. On occasion, a male figure dressed in evening wear has been seen, his face covered with a white handkerchief. The atmosphere is certainly unsettling, and one can't help but wonder who this ghostly gentleman might be and what his story is.
Bentham's Ghostly Procession
University College, WC1
Deep within the corridors of University College London, a peculiar presence is said to roam. Jeremy Bentham, the institution's founder, is believed to haunt the halls he once walked during life. His trusty walking cane, affectionately named Dapple, was a constant companion in life and apparently remains so in death. Those who claim to have encountered Bentham's ghost report hearing or seeing him stroll through the college's corridors after dark, cane in hand.
Lizzie Church Haunting
University College Hospital, WC1
University College Hospital on Gower Street in London has a haunting tale linked to a tragic event. Lizzie Church, a young woman, accidentally gave her lover a fatal morphine overdose when he was a patient here. Years later, her ghostly presence was noticed by hospital staff. They reported that just before morphine injections were administered, Lizzie's apparition would appear as a reminder to be careful. This eerie warning seemed to be a manifestation of her guilt over the tragic incident.
Cursed Portrait of Marcus Beck
University College Hospital, WC1
University College Hospital in London has a dark history surrounding a portrait of Marcus Beck. This painting was believed to be cursed, causing people who fell asleep under it to become ill and in some cases, die. The hospital staff took precautions, ensuring the shutters were closed at night to prevent any untimely deaths. But what was it about this portrait that sparked such fear and superstition?
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bow Street Magistrates' Court
Fox Connaught
Newham, London
The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent
The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire
Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey