The Restless Spirit of Alice Hackney
St Mary at Hill church on Lower Thames Street seems an unassuming place, its stone facade bearing testament to centuries of London's turbulent history. Yet within its ancient walls, a most poignant and intriguing haunting has been reported. Alice Hackney's spirit is said to roam the church and its environs, searching for the spot where she once lay with her husband. Her body was moved during restoration work in the late nineteenth century, and it seems this disturbance has left her spirit restless.
Historical records confirm that Alice Hackney's body was reburied away from its original location during the church's restoration. This event appears to have triggered her haunting. More recently, a witness reported walking through the alleyway connecting Lovat Lane to St Mary at Hill and noticing the air thick with cigarette smoke, accompanied by the sound of a cough - despite being alone. This apparitional presence has been characterised as a visual and audio manifestation, with witnesses describing the sight of Alice moving around the church.
The church dates back to the 12th century, with significant restoration work in the 19th century.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Coughing Alley Ghost
Alley linking St Mary At Hill and Lovat Lane, EC3
In the heart of London's financial district, a short alleyway connecting St Mary At Hill to Lovat Lane has been the site of a bizarre and unexplained encounter. On a chilly autumn evening in 2003, a lone pedestrian was making their way through this narrow passage when they became aware of footsteps following closely behind. As they quickened their pace, the sound of a loud cough echoed through the alley, causing them to spin around in an attempt to confront their pursuer. But to their surprise, there was no one in sight. The pedestrian retraced their steps, scanning the surrounding streets, including St Mary At Hill, but there was no sign of anyone.
Priest with Black Hair Haunting
St Magnus the Martyr Church, EC3
St Magnus the Martyr Church on Fish Street Hill in London is home to a rather intriguing haunting. A holy man with black hair has been spotted standing over the tomb of a former bishop, perhaps paying his last respects. This apparition is a curious sighting, especially given the church's rich history dating back to the 13th century. The Priest with Black Hair seems to be a benign presence, with no reports of malicious activity.
Jewish Cries on London Bridge
Old London Bridge, EC3
Beneath the arches of Old London Bridge, a haunting legacy lingers. This stretch of the River Thames is said to be the spot where a ship carrying dozens of Jewish people, forcibly removed from England in 1210, met its tragic end. The vessel sank, claiming the lives of its passengers, and it's here that their anguished screams and cries have been reported by those who dare to venture near. The waterway's dark history seems to seep into the present, as if the past is reluctant to let go.
Catholic Ghosts of Ship Tavern
Ship Tavern, WC1
The Ship Tavern on Gate Street in London's WC1 area has a rich and intriguing history. This former watering hole was once a secret meeting place for Catholics during a time when their faith was persecuted in England. It's said that the ghosts of those executed nearby still return to the tavern for their clandestine rendezvous. Imagine walking into a pub with a history like that - the atmosphere must be palpable. The question on everyone's mind is, what do these ghostly Catholics do when they gather here?
The Persian Cat of All Hallows
All Hallows by the Tower, EC3
All Hallows by the Tower has a rich history of paranormal activity, with one of the most intriguing being the sighting of a phantom Persian cat. This ghostly feline was said to haunt the original church before it was destroyed by German bombers during World War II. According to reports, a group of people rehearsing Christmas carols claimed to have seen a phantom woman sitting on a chair, which suddenly disappeared and was replaced by a black cat that also vanished soon after. This bizarre and unexplained event has left many to wonder about the connection between the church and this mysterious feline apparition.
The George and Vulture Ghost
George and Vulture Public House, EC3
The George and Vulture Public House in London's financial district is home to a phantom woman known as the Grey Lady. She drifts along the corridors of the upper floor, a gentle presence that has been felt by many. This historic pub has been serving customers for centuries, and it's no surprise that a ghostly inhabitant has made herself known. The Grey Lady is a kind and harmless spirit, and visitors to the pub have reported catching glimpses of her as they go about their day.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near St Mary at Hill church

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire