Chick Lane Ghostly Apparition
Chick Lane, a street in London's EC1 area, has a dark history that dates back to the 18th century. It's said that the ghost of a young woman, Anne Naylor, haunts this spot. Anne was brutally murdered by her former employers, a mother and daughter, after she tried to escape their clutches. Her sister, who went searching for her, was also killed and the bodies were dumped in Chick Lane. This gruesome crime led to a flurry of paranormal sightings in the area, with many reporting a pale white woman wandering the streets.
The crimes took place pre-1768, a time when London's streets were often shrouded in mystery and fear. The daughter of the murderous duo eventually confessed to the crimes, and both she and her mother were executed in 1768. Since then, locals have reported numerous sightings of Anne's ghostly apparition. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the hauntings, the legend of Anne Naylor has become an integral part of London's paranormal folklore. The street, now renamed West Street, was demolished in the 1940s and 50s, but the memories of Anne's tragic fate and the reported hauntings live on.
18th century London crime and punishment
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Tayport's Buried Treasure Legend
Tower Hill, Tayport
Tower Hill in Tayport is a spot shrouded in mystery and local legend. They say that somewhere around the summit of this hill, a chest of gold lies buried, waiting to be discovered. The story has been passed down through generations, sparking the imagination of many and fuelling the dreams of treasure hunters. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the tale has become an integral part of the area's folklore, drawing in curious visitors and enthusiasts of the paranormal.
Victorian Lady of Detention
House of Detention, EC1
The House of Detention on Sans Walk in London's EC1 area has a long history of reported paranormal activity. This eerie building has been the site of numerous sightings of a lady in a Victorian dress, seen walking around the remaining structure. Alongside her ghostly apparition, phantom footsteps and the soft crying of a lost child have also been reported, adding to the sense of unease and mystery surrounding this location.
King William Tunnel Silhouette
King William Tunnel, EC3
Deep beneath the bustling streets of London, in the disused King William Tunnel near London Bridge, a chilling photograph has captured the essence of a paranormal presence. The image, taken by a photographer in the 1990s, appears to show a silhouetted figure standing alone in the tunnel, despite there being no one else present at the time. This eerie snapshot has sparked interest in the tunnel's history and the story behind the ghostly apparition.
The Floating Cinema Ghost
Tower Cinema, SE15
The Tower Cinema in Peckham, London, was once the site of some pretty strange occurrences. Staff and workers reported encountering a ghostly figure that floated about 3.3 metres off the ground. It was a bizarre sighting that left many wondering what was going on. The cinema itself is now long gone, replaced by a car park, but the legend of the floating ghost lives on.
Sir Walter Raleigh's Ghost
Tower of London: 7 Tower Green, EC3
Deep within the Tower of London, a legendary figure is said to roam the corridors of 7 Tower Green, the former residence of Sir Walter Raleigh. This charismatic courtier and explorer is reputed to haunt the Beefeater home, where he is often heard walking through the building. Locals and visitors alike have reported strange occurrences, adding to the mystique of this iconic historical figure. As one of England's most infamous characters, Sir Walter Raleigh's ghostly presence is a fascinating addition to the Tower of London's rich history.
Becket's Phantom Procession
Tower of London: Traitor's Gate, EC3
Deep within the Tower of London, near Traitor's Gate, a chilling apparition has been witnessed. The ghost of Sir Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, is said to appear around AD 1240, a time when his reputation as a martyr was still fresh. According to legend, a monk observed Becket's phantom, crucifix in hand, pacing the walls and protesting the construction of the gate. The spirit reportedly calmed once a building adjacent to the gate was named in his honour. Yet, the area remains a hotbed of paranormal activity, with reports of a monk's ghostly figure wandering these historic walls.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Chick Lane
Fox Connaught
Newham, London
The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent
The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire