Skip to main content

Mother Marnes Haunting

Ye Olde Gatehouse Public House, N6, London Apparition Unknown

Deep in the heart of Highgate, the historic Ye Olde Gatehouse Public House is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Mother Marnes. This phantom presence is believed to be the ghost of a woman who met a tragic end, murdered many moons ago for her money. Locals and visitors alike have reported catching glimpses of Mother Marnes as she meanders around the building, often accompanied by her loyal pet cat. Her presence is a poignant reminder of the darker history that lies beneath the surface of this charming pub.

The story of Mother Marnes takes a fascinating turn with the reported contact with Francis Bacon, the philosopher, not to be confused with the famous painter. A ghost hunting team claimed to have made contact with Bacon in the basement during an investigation in 2012. While the exact circumstances of Mother Marnes' death are shrouded in mystery, it's clear that her spirit has lingered, perhaps seeking justice or peace. The fact that her ghostly form has been spotted by multiple witnesses suggests that her presence is more than just a fleeting apparition.

Historical Context

The Ye Olde Gatehouse Public House has a long history dating back to the 18th century.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Public House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown (Marnes), 2012 (Bacon)
Postcode Area
N6

Nearby Haunted Places

Unknown 0.4 mi

Clapham Common Phantom Attacker

Clapham Common, SW11

Clapham Common was the scene of a bizarre and terrifying encounter back in October 1837. Mary Stevens was making her way through the area, heading towards Lavender Hill, when she was suddenly attacked by a figure with corpse-like clawed hands. The assailant ripped at her clothing, causing Mary to scream, which in turn sent the figure fleeing. The commotion attracted the attention of others in the area, but despite a search, no one was found. What's interesting is that this wasn't an isolated incident - the following day, in the same neighbourhood, the same figure - who would later become notorious as Spring Heeled Jack - jumped out in front of a coach, causing it to crash. The figure's escape over a tall wall only added to the mystique of this elusive and menacing character.

Public Park Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

Nellie Melba's Ghostly Apparition

Bingo hall along Clapham High Street, SW4

This Clapham High Street bingo hall has a dark history that's said to be reenacted by the ghost of Nellie Melba. In 1973, staff members reported seeing her headless shade near the area of the former stage. According to the story, Nellie fell from the roof of this former theatre after climbing up in a drunken haze. It's said that her spirit still roams the building, a chilling reminder of the tragic events that took place there.

Former Theatre Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.4 mi

Whistling Stone of Clapham

Clapham Common, SW4

Clapham Common, a sprawling green space in south London, is home to a rather eerie phenomenon known as the Whistling Stone. This unsettling occurrence was said to take place on the common, where a peculiar whistling sound was heard emanating from a stone. The tune was reportedly quite sad, and one story behind the haunting suggests it was created by a murdered pedlar. The stone itself was eventually removed around 1900, but the legend of the Whistling Stone has lived on.

Public Park Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.5 mi

Grey Haired Man Haunting

Cathles Road, SW12

Cathles Road in south London is home to a rather restless spirit, known as the Grey Haired Man. This ghostly presence was said to haunt a house along the road, causing quite a commotion for the tenant who lived there. The Grey Haired Man's antics were so loud and unsettling that the tenant eventually fled, leaving behind a trail of unpaid rent and a court case to follow. It's not hard to imagine the fear and frustration that came with living alongside such a boisterous phantom.

Private Residence Edwardian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

Wimbledon Chase Ghost

William Hill turf accountants, SW19

Deep in the heart of Wimbledon, a most unusual haunting has been reported at William Hill's turf accountants. This unassuming office building holds a dark secret - the lingering presence of a former occupant named Bob. He lived above the bookmakers, and after his passing in 1999, his restless spirit began to make itself known. Footsteps echo through the empty corridors at night, a chilling reminder that Bob's spirit hasn't moved on.

Workplace Late 20th century
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 0.9 mi

Dancing Matchsticks Poltergeist

Eland Road, SW11

Eland Road in Lavender Hill, London, was once home to a rather unusual and intriguing poltergeist case. The Robinson household was besieged by a mischievous entity that hurled lumps of coal at anyone who dared to enter. The trouble began in November 1927 and continued unabated until December of the same year. The family was understandably shaken, and their situation took a turn for the bizarre when the father was taken away by the police, who suspected him of being behind the disturbances. However, the poltergeist's antics continued even after his removal.

Private Residence Early 20th Century
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ye Olde Gatehouse Public House