Skip to main content

Archbishop's Ethereal Music Lover

Addington Palace, Outer London: Addington, London Apparition Victorian

Deep within the walls of Addington Palace, a serene and gentle spirit is said to reside. This former Archbishop, Edward Benson, is believed to still drift around the building, drawn by the sweet sounds of church music. It's a curious thing, but he's only reportedly seen by choirboys, who must surely feel a mix of awe and trepidation at the presence of such a high-ranking clergy member. The palace, with its rich history, provides a fitting backdrop for Benson's ghostly wanderings.

Historically, Addington Palace was a significant residence, serving as a summer retreat for the Archbishops of Canterbury. Edward Benson, who held the position from 1883 to 1896, was a notable figure in the Church of England. His love of music is well-documented, and it's little wonder that his spirit is thought to linger, listening to the melodies that still fill the palace. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of his appearances, the consistency of the choirboys' accounts lends credibility to the haunting.

Historical Context

Former residence of Archbishops of Canterbury

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Palace
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
CR0

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.5 mi

Ghostly Girl in Yellow

Rowdown woods, Outer London: New Addington

Deep in Rowdown Woods, a place where nature's beauty and eeriness entwine, a peculiar sighting took place on a drizzly winter's day. A lone witness, wandering through the woods, stumbled upon a little girl clad in a bright yellow summer dress, an outfit that starkly contrasted with the cold and wet surroundings. The girl seemed utterly unbothered by the rain or the dense foliage, walking through nettles and underbrush with an air of innocence. She vanished behind a tree, leaving the witness bewildered. But the surprise wasn't over yet; the witness caught another glimpse of the girl, this time accompanied by a man in blue clothing. They disappeared into the trees once more, leaving the witness to wonder if they had just imagined the whole encounter.

Woods Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3 mi

Ghosts of Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh

Path between Croydon Road and London Road, Outer London: Wallington

Beddington Park is a beautiful green space in outer London, but beware, for it's said to be haunted by the ghosts of two of England's most famous historical figures - Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh. Local legend has it that the pair, who were known to have been close friends, still roam the park together, strolling along the path that runs between Croydon Road and London Road. It's a romantic notion, but one that's steeped in history, dating back to Raleigh's time at nearby Carew Manor.

Public Park Tudor
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.1 mi

Keston Ponds Unseen Force

Keston Ponds, Outer London: Bromley

Keston Ponds have long been a spot of tranquility in the bustling London borough of Bromley, but on a summer's day in 1969, they played host to a most unsettling experience. Three visitors to the pond were enjoying a leisurely day out when they were suddenly startled by a strange whooshing sound. It began softly but quickly grew in intensity until it became a physical force that pushed two of the visitors backwards, leaving them shaken. The sound was accompanied by ripples on the surface of the pond, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The three visitors, understandably, made a swift exit from the area, leaving behind only their testimony of a bizarre and unexplained event.

Ponds Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 3.8 mi

Charlotte's Bakery Haunting

Queensway Village Bakery, Outer London: Bromley

The Queensway Village Bakery in Petts Wood, Bromley, has been at the centre of a bizarre haunting. This ordinary-looking bakery has been plagued by a mischievous entity named Charlotte. She seems to have a penchant for causing trouble, throwing baking trays and bread, flicking lights on and off, and even spelling out her name in spilt caster sugar. It's not your typical ghostly behaviour, but it certainly makes for an interesting story.

Bakery Modern
Read Full Story
Unknown 4 mi

Michael Jackson Phantom Sighting

Churchill Theatre, Outer London: Bromley

The Churchill Theatre in Bromley was abuzz with excitement on May 10, 2014, when a 14-year-old boy snapped a photograph that would send shockwaves through the paranormal community. The image appeared to show a ghostly figure resembling the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, materialising near an impersonator on stage. While some reports speculated that the entity might be nothing more than lens flare, the eerie resemblance to the music legend left many wondering if something more inexplicable had occurred.

Theatre Modern
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 4.1 mi

Mysterious Kangaroo Sighting

Beckenham Place Park, SE13

Beckenham Place Park was abuzz with a bizarre incident back in 2000 when several people reported finding footprints resembling those of a kangaroo. One witness even claimed that the creature had kicked her dog. The park, which is situated in the heart of Lewisham, London, has a long history but this strange occurrence remains one of its most inexplicable events.

Public Park Modern
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Addington Palace