Dick Turpin's Ghostly Ride
Finchley Common, a spot once steeped in history and legend, is said to be haunted by the ghostly form of Dick Turpin, England's most infamous highwayman. This windswept area, now lost to the suburbs of London, was once a notorious haunt for outlaws and thieves. It's here that Turpin, known for his daring heists and narrow escapes on horseback, is believed to make his spectral appearances. Locals and travellers alike have reported catching glimpses of a ghostly figure, perhaps on horseback, swiftly traversing the common under the cover of darkness.
The tales of Dick Turpin's exploits have become the stuff of English folklore, with his name synonymous with cunning and bravery on the high roads. Turpin, a skilled horseman and thief, operated in the early 18th century, a time when highway robbery was at its peak. His ghostly haunting of Finchley Common serves as a fascinating link to a bygone era of lawlessness and adventure. While there's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact date or time of these sightings, the persistence of the legend speaks to the enduring allure of Turpin's story and its place in British history.
18th century English highway robbery and law enforcement
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Finchley Governess Ghost
Finchley's Avenue House, N3
Avenue House in Finchley has a rather intriguing reputation thanks to sightings of a ghostly figure believed to be a Victorian governess named Dora. This eerie apparition has been seen walking through a closed door not once but twice by different witnesses. The incident took place in August 2003 and has left many questions about the history of the house and the identity of this mysterious woman. Was she a former occupant or just a lost soul wandering the halls?
The White Woman of Nether Street
Nether Street, N3
Nether Street in West Finchley is home to a rather unsettling legend. A phantom woman, known as the White Woman, is said to haunt this residential street. One police officer is reported to have lost his mind after catching a glimpse of this ghostly apparition. His encounter with the White Woman left him obsessed with reading up on local ghost stories, a testament to the profound impact of this paranormal experience.
Misty Figure of East Finchley
East Finchley Cemetery, N2
East Finchley Cemetery is a place where the veil between worlds seems to be at its thinnest. On a chilly winter's evening, 19 December 2021, a photograph was taken that would change our understanding of this site forever. The image shows what appears to be a misty woman in a white dress, her presence both captivating and unsettling. The circumstances surrounding the capture of this image remain shrouded in mystery, leaving us to ponder the story behind this ghostly apparition.
The Ghosts' Promenade Haunting
Church Hill Road, Outer London: East Barnet
Church Hill Road in East Barnet has a rather eerie reputation, earned over the years due to the numerous reports of paranormal activity. Locals and travellers alike have claimed to have spotted a variety of ghostly entities, including headless humans and dogs, as well as phantom apparitions lurking in the trees. It's little wonder that this road was dubbed 'The Ghosts' Promenade' by a Justice of the Peace back in the 1930s. The sheer volume of sightings suggests that there's more to this road than meets the eye.
Ghostly Lancaster Bomber Crew
Hendon Air Museum, NW4
At the Hendon Air Museum in London, a Lancaster Bomber known as 'S for Sugar' is said to be haunted by the ghostly crew from World War II. This historic aircraft, now a museum piece, apparently still retains the spirits of its wartime crew. People have reported seeing a gunner sitting in one of the turrets, while strange noises suggesting that people are working on the plane have been recorded late at night. It's as if the crew is still on board, carrying out their duties as they did during the war.
Spaniards Inn Ghostly Horses
The Spaniards Inn Inn, NW3
The Spaniards Inn on Hampstead Lane is a place where the past seems to come alive. This charming inn has been a fixture in the London landscape for centuries and it's here that people have reported some pretty unusual goings-on. One of the most intriguing is the sound of horses trotting around the area which was frequently heard back in the 1930s. It's a strange phenomenon that has left many wondering what's behind it.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Finchley Common
Fox Connaught
Newham, London
The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire
The Brocket Arms
Ayot St Lawrence, Hertfordshire
The Green Man
Harlow, Essex