Skip to main content

Sam Collins' Vengeful Spirit

Collins' Music Hall, N1, London Apparition Victorian

Collins' Music Hall in Islington, London, was once the site of a very peculiar haunting. At exactly 9pm every evening, the doors in the building would slam shut, a phenomenon attributed to the mischievous spirit of Sam Collins. It seems Sam didnt take kindly to strangers lingering in his former workplace, and one unfortunate man discovered this the hard way when he made himself at home on the office sofa. He felt dead cold fingers tightening around his throat, a chilling encounter that served as a stark warning to respect the space.

Built in the 19th century, Collins' Music Hall was a popular entertainment venue in its time, hosting various acts and events. The haunting, which was reported to have occurred pre-1963, suggests that Sams spirit was particularly protective of his domain. Witnesses reported that the doors would shut at precisely 9pm, and those who overstayed their welcome were met with more aggressive manifestations, including the aforementioned incident of the cold fingers. Although the building no longer stands, the legend of Sam Collins lives on as a fascinating example of a vengeful spirit.

Historical Context

19th century music hall

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Former Music Hall
Activity Types
Physical Tactile
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Moderate
Accessibility
No Longer Standing
Date / Era
Pre-1963, 9pm (reoccurring)
Postcode Area
N1

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 0.1 mi

Ghostly Girl of Old Queen's Head

Old Queen's Head Public House, N1

The Old Queen's Head Public House on Essex Road in London's N1 area is home to a mischievous ghost. Staff and patrons have reported hearing the sound of a young girl running around the upper part of the pub, and at least one member of staff has been pushed by an unseen force. The haunting seems to be most active on the first Sunday of each month, with gentle moaning sounds emanating from upstairs. It's as if the ghostly girl is playing a game of hide and seek among the pub's upper rooms.

Public House Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

The Cowled Church Figure

St Peter's Church, N1

St Peter's Church in Islington, London, has a long history dating back to the 18th century. It's said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Cowled Figure. This grey-white apparition is described as having its face covered by a cowl, giving it an air of anonymity and intrigue. The haunting is believed to have occurred in the late nineteenth century, although the exact date is unknown. The church, with its stunning architecture and rich history, provides a fitting backdrop for this paranormal phenomenon.

Church Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.5 mi

Grimaldi's Ghostly Clown Sighting

Sadler's Wells Theatre, EC1

Sadler's Wells Theatre on Rosebury Avenue is home to a rather unusual ghost. Joseph Grimaldi, the famous English actor and comedian, is said to haunt the theatre. He's often seen sitting in one of the old boxes, which no longer exist, wearing his iconic clown makeup. It's been nearly 200 years since Grimaldi's death, but his ghostly presence still entertains theatre-goers. Some believe that Grimaldi's spirit lingers, still eager to perform and bring joy to audiences.

Theatre Regency
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.7 mi

The Smuggler of The Ship

The Ship Public House, Hove

Deep beneath The Ship Public House in Hove, a ghostly figure has been spotted by those brave enough to venture into the cellar. This eighteenth century sailor is believed to have led a life of smuggling, and his spirit is said to still roam the very place where he may have once stored his illicit goods. The atmosphere in the cellar is palpably thick with history, and it's easy to imagine the sailor going about his duties, oblivious to the fact that his life has long since passed.

Public House Georgian
Read Full Story
Living Apparition 0.7 mi

Living Ghost of Florrie Clark

Ancient Briton Public House, E3

The Ancient Briton Public House on Glaucus Street in London's East End is home to a rather unusual ghost story. In 1975, a worker at the pub reported seeing the ghost of a former landlady, Florrie Clark. What's remarkable about this sighting is that Florrie was still very much alive at the time, living in a different county altogether. It's a case that has left many in the paranormal community scratching their heads, wondering what could have caused such a bizarre manifestation.

Public House Post-War
Read Full Story
Apparition 1 mi

Blonde Ghosts of Kings Cross

Kings Cross Tube Station, NW1

Deep in the labyrinthine corridors of Kings Cross Tube Station, a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon has been reported. On a late Tuesday night in August 2001, a lone passenger was making his way up the escalator from the Victoria line to the Circle line when he was startled by shrill female voices. The voices seemed to be coming from behind and below him, and as he turned around, the escalator shuddered violently, as if a group of people were rushing up the stairs. Yet, there was no one in sight. Suddenly, two young blonde women in jeans appeared, brushed past the stunned passenger, and then vanished into thin air, leaving behind an unsettling silence.

Transportation Hub Modern
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Collins' Music Hall