The Red Cow Landlord Ghost
Ye Old Red Cow in London's EC1 has a ghostly resident who's believed to be a former landlord. This phantom figure has been spotted sitting upstairs, gazing down at patrons for a short time after his death in 1981. The identity of the landlord remains a mystery, but his presence is well-documented. It's thought that he likes to keep an eye on the goings-on below, perhaps ensuring that his old pub is still running smoothly.
Historical records show that Ye Old Red Cow has been a popular spot in London for centuries. While there's no concrete evidence linking the ghost to a specific landlord, it's clear that the pub has had its fair share of characters over the years. The ghostly landlord is classified as a post-mortem manifestation, meaning he's believed to be a spirit that lingers after death. Witnesses have reported seeing him sitting upstairs, looking out over the pub, but he doesn't seem to be malevolent - just a bit nosy.
Ye Old Red Cow has been a London landmark for centuries, with a rich history of serving locals and visitors alike.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Murder at Ye Olde Axe
Ye Olde Axe, E2
Ye Olde Axe on Hackney Road has a dark history that refuses to stay buried. During major rebuilding work in the late 1970s, construction workers made a grim discovery - the remains of two bodies hidden beneath the pub for years. But that wasnt the end of it. Workers and patrons began reporting strange noises coming from the building, especially at night. It was as if the dead were making their presence known, unhappy about being disturbed.
The Headless Duke of Norfolk
Charterhouse, EC1
Charterhouse, a historic monastery in the heart of London, is said to be haunted by the ghost of the Duke of Norfolk, who met a grisly end after falling out of favour with Queen Elizabeth. According to legend, the Duke lost his head and now his spirit is doomed to relive the moment of his demise. Visitors have reported seeing the Duke's ghostly figure ascending the staircase of the great hall, a poignant reminder of his tragic fate.
The White Horse Phantom
White Horse Public House, EC4A
The White Horse Public House in London's EC4 has a rather curious ghost story attached to it. Unfortunately this pub was permanently closed and demolished in the 80's. They say a figure in a long coat is connected to the old coaches that used to stop here. This phantom character apparently rattles bottles in the cellar, making for a strange and unsettling experience for those who worked or drank here. It's not clear what the connection is between the ghost and the coaches, but it's thought to be linked to the pub's history as a stopping point for travellers.
The Screaming Spectre of Farringdon
Farringdon Underground Station, EC1
Deep beneath the streets of London, at Farringdon Underground Station, a chilling presence is said to reside. This eerie spot is home to the spirit of Anne Naylor, a thirteen year old girl who met a tragic end in 1758. Her untimely death has led to a legacy of blood-curdling screams that have been reported by numerous people over the years. The haunting, which has earned her the nickname 'the Screaming Spectre', remains a mystery that continues to fascinate and unsettle those who dare to venture into this part of the city.
Burning Martyrs of Smithfield
Area around the Martyrs' Memorial, EC1
The Martyrs' Memorial in Smithfield is a hauntingly poignant spot, where the echoes of a dark past linger. This is the site where 277 Protestants were brutally burnt alive for their beliefs, a gruesome fate that has left an indelible mark on the location. As night falls, some people claim to hear the cries and screams of the martyrs, a chilling reminder of the atrocities that took place here. The air seems to vibrate with the weight of their suffering, making this a deeply unsettling place to visit after dark.
Smithfield's Phantom Butcher
Smithfield, EC1
Smithfield Market has long been a hub of activity in London, but it's also home to a rather unusual ghost story. In the 1600s, a phantom figure was said to haunt the meat stalls, causing quite a stir among the butchers and merchants. This strange entity was described as a horned figure, and it was known to dance across the stalls while the angry traders tried to stab at it, only to strike thin air. It's a bizarre and intriguing tale that has been passed down through the years, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this ghostly apparition.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ye Old Red Cow

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey