The Vicar of Ratcliff Cross
Ratcliff Wharf, a once bustling riverside area in East London, is home to a rather unusual ghost story. The tale of the Vicar of Ratcliff Cross has been doing the rounds for decades, with many claiming to have spotted the spectral figure of a vicar sporting a walking cane. But here's the thing - the whole story was actually fabricated by a paranormal investigator in 1972 as a bit of an experiment. He wanted to see if people would come forward with their own experiences of the vicar's ghostly apparitions. And come forward they did, with several authors even mentioning the case in their works without questioning its validity.
So what do we know about the origins of this ghost story? Well, it's said that around two hundred years ago, the Vicar of Ratcliff Cross was a bit of a nasty piece of work. Apparently, he'd murder rich visitors to his church in order to get his hands on their cash. Fast forward to the 1970s, and the vicar's allegedly still roaming the riverside area, albeit in a more benign manner. He's said to make fleeting appearances to locals and visitors alike, always sporting his trusty walking cane. While we can't say for certain whether or not the vicar's ghost is actually out there, it's clear that his legend has captured the imaginations of many.
The area around Ratcliff Wharf has a long history dating back to the 18th century, when it was a major hub for trade and commerce.
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Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mischievous Court Ghost
Stepney Magistrate's Court, E1
Stepney Magistrate's Court in London's East End was once home to a troublesome spirit known as Mrs Browne. This former matron was said to have been responsible for all sorts of mischief back in 1976. It seems she had a bit of a temper, and her antics included throwing items around and knocking trays of food from people's hands. The court has since been demolished, but the legend of Mrs Browne lives on.
The Cavalier of George Tavern
George Tavern, EC4
Deep in the heart of London's financial district, the George Tavern has stood the test of time, its ancient walls bearing witness to countless tales of love, loss, and laughter. But amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, a more sinister presence lurks in the shadows. Staff at this historic pub have reported strange sightings in the cellar, where a ghostly figure, dubbed the Cavalier, has been spotted on multiple occasions. This fleeting apparition tends to appear when employees are changing the gas for the beer, leaving many to wonder if the spirit is somehow connected to the pub's rich history.
Crieff Poltergeist Shop Haunting
Undisclosed general store in the town, Crieff
In the heart of Crieff, a small town in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, a mischievous poltergeist has been causing quite a stir. This restless spirit has been active for nearly twenty years, making its presence known by pushing items off shelves when no one is around, opening and closing doors, and flicking light switches on and off. The locals have grown accustomed to the strange occurrences, but it still manages to surprise and intrigue anyone who visits the shop.
The Unlucky Cat of Whitechapel
88 Newark Street, E1
Tucked away on Newark Street in Whitechapel, a rather unsettling presence was felt by a family who lived at this address back in the 1950s. They described the atmosphere in their home as thoroughly suppressive, and it seemed their lives were plagued by terrible luck. Their children were particularly sensitive to the vibe, and they would often report seeing a phantom cat lurking about. The mother, understandably, became quite fearful and refused to enter certain rooms in the house, as if she sensed something was off.
Ghostly Voices in Spitalfields
Property along Gower's Walk, E1
Gower's Walk in Spitalfields is a hub of paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained sounds. In the evenings and overnight, people onsite have reported seeing shadowy figures lurking in the corridors, accompanied by a cacophony of adult and child voices screaming, talking, and laughing. The eerie atmosphere is palpable, leaving many to wonder if the area's rich history is to blame for these unsettling occurrences.
The Hanging Boy of Durward Street
Former wicker cane warehouse, E1
On Durward Street in London's East End, a chilling encounter took place back in December 1974. A man working at a former wicker cane warehouse, which had previously been a board school, stumbled upon a ghostly apparition. The phantom was that of a young boy, eerily suspended from a cord attached to a hook on the ceiling. The witness was understandably shaken by this bizarre sighting, which remains one of the most inexplicable in London's paranormal history.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ratcliff Wharf
