Ghostly Pub Regulars
The Black Swan Public House on Bow Road has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. It's said that during a Zeppelin raid in the First World War, many people lost their lives here, and now they seem to be returning to finish what they started - their pints, that is. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, including sightings of ghostly apparitions. The atmosphere can be quite lively, with reports of unexplained noises and movements.
Historical records show that a Zeppelin raid caused significant damage and loss of life in this area during World War I. The Black Swan, being a popular gathering spot, was likely a hub of activity that night. Two particularly active spirits said to haunt the pub are Cissie and Sylvia Reynolds, daughters of the landlord. Their presence, along with that of the other wartime victims, is thought to be responsible for the reported paranormal activity. While details of their stories are scarce, it's clear that their connection to the pub and its history is a driving force behind the hauntings.
The area was heavily bombed during World War I, with a significant number of civilian casualties.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Key Carrier Haunting
Catherine House, SE10
Catherine House on Blackheath Road is home to a most intriguing phantom, known as the Key Carrier. This ghostly woman, dressed in dark brown clothing, has been seen making her way down the staircase, clasping a set of keys in her hand. Her ethereal form vanishes when she reaches the former butler's pantry, leaving observers with a lasting impression of a life long past. The Key Carrier's appearances are shrouded in mystery, with no specific date or time recorded for her visits.
Disapproving Public House Poltergeist
Driver's Arms Public House, E3
The Driver's Arms Public House in London's E3 area had a reputation for being one of the most unusual hauntings in the city. It's said that a mischievous poltergeist was responsible for a spate of strange occurrences back in 1979. According to reports, the ghost was attributed to a Victorian tenant who didn't take kindly to women drinking at the pub. This disgruntled spirit was said to cause all sorts of trouble, from unexplained noises to objects moving on their own. The pub was demolished in 19080 and the street no longer exists.
Blairgowrie Phantom Hound
A93 north of the town, Blairgowrie
On the A93 north of Blairgowrie, a sense of unease settles over drivers and passengers alike, for it's here that the Large Hound is said to roam. This phantom dog, described as huge, patrols the road, its presence making normal dogs nervous and horses shy. The locals know to keep their wits about them when travelling this stretch, as an encounter with the hound can be unsettling. Some say if you stare into its eyes three times, you'll meet a grisly end. It's a legend that has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder if there's truth behind the tale.
Fordell Tree Ghost
Tree close to a mill, Fordell
Deep in the woods near Fordell, a notorious spirit known as Jock is said to haunt a tree close to an old mill. The story goes that Jock's employer, a miller, had taken drastic action to protect his family from marauding soldiers. After the miller fled, the soldiers found Jock and hanged him from a nearby tree. Now, locals claim that Jock's ghostly form can be seen swinging from the branches after nightfall, a chilling sight for anyone who stumbles upon the spot.
Mysterious Hairy Creature Sighting
Love Lane area, E18
In the quiet London suburb of Woodford Bridge, a bizarre encounter took place in November 2008. Local resident Irene Dainty claimed to have seen a strange, four-foot-tall, hairy creature with large feet and animal-like eyes near her home in the Love Lane area. The creature reportedly made a swift exit, jumping over the wall of the nearby Three Jolly Wheelers public house. This peculiar sighting has left many wondering about the existence of unknown creatures lurking in the shadows of our everyday world.
Sutton House White Lady
Sutton House, E2
Sutton House in London's East End is home to a phantom woman, or possibly multiple women, known as the White Lady. This ghostly presence isn't solitary; she's often accompanied by the unsettling sound of a wailing hound and disembodied voices that seem to emanate from empty rooms. The haunting manifestations here have been reported from the late twentieth century, leaving many to wonder about the history and identity of these restless spirits.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Black Swan Public House

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Green Man
Harlow, Essex