Skip to main content

The Black Nun of Threadneedle Street

Bank of England, EC2, London Apparition Victorian

Deep in the heart of London's financial district, the Bank of England stands as a testament to the city's rich history. But amidst its imposing architecture and bustling streets, a haunting presence lingers. For over a century and a half, the ghost of Sarah Whitehead has been seen wandering the gardens and corridors of the bank, clad in black mourning clothes that earned her the nickname 'The Black Nun'. Her story begins with tragedy - her brother Philip, a bank employee, was convicted of forgery and executed in 1812. The devastating news sent Sarah's mind reeling, and she spent the remaining 25 years of her life visiting the bank, searching for her brother.

Historical records confirm that Sarah Whitehead's visits to the bank began in the 1850s and continued until her death. Her daily pilgrimages, dressed in black, became a familiar sight to bank employees. Even today, witnesses report catching glimpses of the Black Nun, a fleeting apparition in the gardens or corridors. While there's no concrete evidence to explain the nature of her haunting, it's clear that Sarah's grief and devotion left an indelible mark on the bank. Some believe that her spirit remains, trapped between worlds, forever seeking the brother she lost.

Historical Context

Early 19th-century London, during the Victorian era

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Workplace
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1850s onwards
Postcode Area
EC2R

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.2 mi

Rebecca Griffiths Haunting

Liverpool Street Station, EC2

Liverpool Street Station, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of London, is home to a most unsettling presence. The station's history dates back to the 18th century when it was the site of the first Hospital of the Star of Bethlehem, an asylum for the insane. It was here that Rebecca Griffiths, a patient, met her untimely demise. Her ghostly screams are said to still echo through the station's corridors, a chilling reminder of her tragic fate. According to reports, Griffiths was buried without a coin she compulsively held onto when locked away in the asylum. Her restless spirit is also known to peer through cell windows, exciting other inmates in a most unsettling manner.

Railway Station Georgian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Annie Chapman's Ghostly Presence

Ten Bells Public House, E1

The Ten Bells Public House on Commercial Street in London's East End is renowned for its dark history and paranormal activity. This pub has been a hub for locals and visitors alike for centuries, but it's said that one particular resident has taken up permanent residence within its walls - Annie Chapman, a victim of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Strange winds and mild poltergeist behaviour have been reported by staff and patrons, leaving many to wonder if Annie's spirit still roams the streets she once called home.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.3 mi

Watcher of Wood Street

The 'Wood Street Compter', E1

The Wood Street Compter's basement is all that's left of a former debtors' prison, its crumbling walls bearing witness to a legacy of confinement and despair. Even though access to the basement is now prevented, people walking past report hearing whispers and the feeling that something is watching them. It's as if the very spirits of those who were once imprisoned here still linger, their presence palpable in the air. The whispers are faint but unmistakable, a chilling reminder that some places never truly let go of their past.

Former Debtors' Prison Tudor/Stuart
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

The Hatless Man of London Wall

London Wall, W8

London Wall has witnessed its fair share of strange occurrences but one of the most bizarre is the sighting of a hatless man. In 1907 a witness reported seeing a man dressed in dark clothes without a hat. He seemed to emerge from a hole in the wall and then disappeared back into it. The strange thing is that this hole was no longer there the following morning. The witness gave only a brief description but it was enough to leave a lasting impression.

Urban Street Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

The Lonely Bishop's House Ghost

The Bishop's House, SE16

The Bishop's House in Southwark, London, is home to a rather sad and lonely ghost. This old woman's spirit was said to appear in a specific room within the house, and her presence was so strong that it eventually led to an exorcism. The details of her story are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it's clear that she left a lasting impression on those who encountered her. Her ghostly appearances were reportedly confined to a certain room, which suggests that she may have had a strong connection to that particular space.

Historic Residence Twentieth century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.5 mi

Catherine Eddows' Gruesome Apparition

Mitre Square, E1

Mitre Square in London's East End is a tranquil spot, but dont be fooled - it's said to be haunted by the ghost of Catherine Eddows, one of Jack the Ripper's victims. Her body was found here in late September 1888, brutally murdered and mutilated. Some claim to have seen her torn body laying in the gutter, a chilling sight that's sure to send shivers down your spine. It's a poignant reminder of the horrors that took place in these streets over a century ago.

Square Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Bank of England