Richard Cloudesley's Ghostly Return
In the heart of Islington, around St Mary's Church on Upper Street, a bizarre and intriguing haunting has been documented. It's said that Richard Cloudesley, a local figure, returned from the grave shortly after being buried in 1517. The exact circumstances are shrouded in mystery, but it's reported that the field where Cloudesley was laid to rest was found disturbed, with the earth visibly 'swelling'. This unusual occurrence prompted a team of exorcists to be called to the scene to lay the phantom.
Historical records from the time period are scarce, but it's clear that Cloudesley's untimely return caused quite a stir in the community. The fact that a team of exorcists was summoned suggests that the event was taken seriously by the locals. While details of the exorcism itself are unknown, it's interesting to note that such an event would have been a significant occurrence in the small parish. The incident likely had an impact on the local population, possibly influencing their perceptions of death and the supernatural.
The haunting occurred in 1517, during the Tudor period in England.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Skeleton Searcher of St Mary's
St Mary's Church and graveyard, E11
St Mary's Church in London's E11 area is home to a haunting tale of love and loss. A skeletal ghost has been spotted pushing a cart used for transporting corpses, searching for the body of his deceased wife that was stolen by grave robbers. This eerie apparition is said to roam the church and graveyard, driven by a desire to reunite with his lost love. The atmosphere is thick with sorrow as he searches for his wife, a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the enduring power of love.
The Diving Lady of Thames
Between Westminster and Greenwich, SW1
River Thames has borne witness to many a tragic tale, but one that stands out is that of the Diving Lady. A man crossing the river on a steam ferry in the nineteenth century watched in horror as a lady wearing a black veil jumped into the water. Without hesitation, he dived after her but was unable to find the lady. He swam back to the ferry and was pulled from the water by the captain and a few others. The man's account of the incident would leave a lasting impression on the crew, for the captain revealed that she had been seen twice before that week, performing the same action, but could never be found in the water.
Phantom Monks of Jubilee Line
Jubilee Line, SW1
Deep beneath the streets of London, on the Jubilee Line, a strange phenomenon has been observed. Since the line's construction, which began in the 1990s and finished in the early 2000s, reports have emerged of phantom monks walking the tracks. These ghostly apparitions seem to be connected to the many graves that were disturbed during the construction work. It's said that the monks are seen wandering the tunnels, their presence felt by those who catch a glimpse of them.
Ghostly Footsteps of President Bradshaw
Westminster Deanery, SW1
Deep within the hallowed halls of Westminster Deanery, a strange and unsettling phenomenon has been reported. The sound of ghostly footsteps echoes through the corridors, seemingly belonging to a man with a dark and storied past. These eerie footsteps are said to be the ghostly manifestation of President Bradshaw, the man who authored the death warrant of King Charles I. The deanery, with its rich history and ornate architecture, provides a fitting backdrop for this paranormal activity.
Westminster UFO Sighting
Sky over Palace of Westminster, SW1
On a chilly February evening in 2008, a strange object hovered silently in the sky above the Palace of Westminster. The UFO, as it came to be known, was a mesmerising sight with its white, red, and green lights illuminating the darkness. For a full 90 minutes, it remained visible to anyone who cared to look up. The Palace of Westminster, with its rich history dating back to the 11th century, has been the site of numerous significant events over the years, but this unusual sighting was certainly a first.
The Gunpowder Plot Ghost
Westminster Hall, SW1
Deep within the historic Westminster Hall in London, a strange and intriguing haunting has been reported. Dressed in traditional hat and cape, the ghost of Guy Fawkes is said to appear near one of the passageways that would have led him to his secret stash of explosives. This eerie apparition is believed to be a manifestation of the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an event that shook the very foundations of British history. As you explore the labyrinthine corridors of Westminster Hall, it's not hard to imagine the vengeful spirit of Fawkes still plotting his course.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Area around St Mary's Church

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
Dartford, Kent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey