The White Lady of River Brent
Along the serene River Brent in Greenford, London, a haunting legend has been whispered about for decades. They say a tragic event in the 1890s led to the untimely death of a woman and her husband. Their horse and trap were swept away by the swollen river during a storm, and while the lady's body was found half a mile downstream, her husband and horse were recovered from under the old wooden bridge. It's believed that she still roams the riverbank, searching desperately for her lost love.
The story of the White Lady of River Brent dates back to the Victorian era, a time of great change and industrialisation. The River Brent, a tributary of the Thames, has witnessed its fair share of accidents and tragedies over the years. According to local lore, the couple's fatal accident was a devastating blow to the community. Since the 1960s, people have reported seeing the ghostly apparition of a white lady wandering along the riverbank, particularly around Coston's Lane. Some claim to have seen her in a long, white gown, while others have heard strange noises and whispers in the evening.
The River Brent has been a significant waterway in London since the medieval period, with many industrial and residential developments along its banks.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Combusting Cat of Stanmore
Anmer Lodge nursing home, Outer London: Stanmore
At Anmer Lodge nursing home in Stanmore, a bizarre incident took place in January 1987 that left residents and staff scratching their heads. Peppi the cat, a seemingly ordinary feline, enjoyed life at the nursing home before meeting an extraordinary demise. One day, without warning, Peppi suddenly exploded into a blue flame with a bang and a flash. This inexplicable event has been documented as a rare case of Spontaneous Feline Combustion, or SHC for short.
Pig Faced Lady Haunting
Unknown house in Blackfriars, W3
In the heart of London's Blackfriars area, a rather unsettling ghost was said to reside. The Pig Faced Lady, a woman with a facial deformity, reportedly haunted a house in this historic district. Her story dates back to the early twentieth century, and it's believed she lived in the house during the seventeenth century. The property, unfortunately, no longer stands, but the legend of the Pig Faced Lady lives on. Her haunting is thought to be connected to another reported paranormal activity in Markham Square.
Duelling Ghosts of Green Park
Green Park, SW1
Green Park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of London, but on certain mornings, the misty air is filled with the sounds of heavy breathing and clashing swords. Sir Henry Colt, a 17th-century duellist, is said to meet his rival Beau Fielding here, fighting for the affections of the Duchess of Cleveland. The eerie atmosphere is palpable, and it's little wonder that this park has a reputation for paranormal activity.
The Ghost of Barbara Villiers
Walpole House, W5
Walpole House on Chiswick Mall has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted locations, and it's all thanks to the ghost of Barbara Villiers. This beautiful young lady was once the mistress of King Charles II, but her life took a dramatic turn when she contracted a disease that caused her body to swell to an enormous size. Now, her bitter and misty shade is said to roam the house, acting threateningly towards anyone who crosses her path. It's on stormy, moonlit nights that you're most likely to catch a glimpse of her, so if you're feeling brave, make sure to visit Walpole House during these intense weather conditions.
The Banana UFO Sighting
Above Wembley Stadium, NW2
Wembley Stadium, a iconic London landmark, has witnessed its fair share of unusual events over the years. One such incident that has left many scratching their heads is the sighting of a flying banana-shaped object in the sky above the stadium. On March 15 and 17, 1985, multiple witnesses reported seeing a bright, multi-coloured object that resembled a banana hovering above the stadium. The object's unusual shape and vibrant colours left onlookers bewildered.
Hanwell Workhouse Children's Haunting
Hanwell Community Centre, W7
The Hanwell Community Centre, a hub for local activities, is said to be haunted by the restless spirits of youngsters. Located on Uxbridge Road, this unassuming building has a rich history dating back to its days as the Old London Work House School. It's here that visitors, particularly children, have reported hearing the eerie sounds of phantom youngsters laughing and crying. These unsettling noises seem to emanate from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, leaving many to wonder about the stories behind these ghostly apparitions.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near River Brent

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Fox Connaught
Newham, London

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire