The Phantom Cavalier of Thames
Along the winding River Thames, a ghostly figure emerges from the water. This phantom Cavalier is said to rise out of the river in the late afternoon or early evening, then proceeds to move along local roads, vanishing without trace. The exact location of these sightings is between Richmond and Twickenham, a stretch of river famous for its natural beauty and rich history. Locals and passersby have reported catching glimpses of this elusive figure, adding to the mystique of this Thames-side ghost story.
Dating back to the nineteenth century, this haunting manifestation has been a topic of interest for those fascinated by the paranormal. The Cavalier's apparition is often associated with the English Civil War, which saw Royalist supporters, known as Cavaliers, play a significant role. It's possible that the ghostly Cavalier is a manifestation of a former Royalist soldier, doomed to roam the area where he may have lived or fought. While there's no concrete evidence to support this theory, the timing and location of the sightings do suggest a connection to the area's historical past.
English Civil War era
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Scratching Old Lady Ghost
Ham House, Outer London: Twickenham
Ham House has been home to some pretty strange goings-on over the years. One of the most bizarre incidents involved a child who spotted a terrifying old woman scratching at a wall. The kid was so spooked that they cried out for help, and the ghost promptly vanished. But that wasnt the end of it - when the parents investigated the wall, they stumbled upon a secret hole that contained evidence of a 17th-century murder. Its a chilling tale that has become a famous part of Ham Houses paranormal history.
The White Woman of Strawberry Vale
Strawberry Vale, N2
Strawberry Vale in East Finchley has a reputation for being one of London's most affluent areas, but it's also home to a rather unsettling ghostly presence. The pallid ghost of a lady, affectionately known as the White Woman, has been reported to roam the streets. Her appearance is said to be quite striking, leaving a lasting impression on those who claim to have seen her. The White Woman's haunting has been a topic of interest among locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike, with many trying to uncover the story behind her ghostly apparition.
Grey Cap Cinema Ghost
Odeon cinema, SE10
The Odeon cinema on Trafalgar Road has a rather curious ghost story attached to it. Back in the 1950s, a cinema employee would often appear to new staff members after the final evening screening. This phantom was an elderly man dressed in a grey cap and jacket, who seemed to materialise out of thin air. What's intriguing is that he only made his presence known to newcomers, perhaps suggesting a lingering attachment to the cinema.
Ghost of Odeon Cinema
Odeon cinema, SW16
The Odeon cinema in Streatham has a long history of reported paranormal activity. Once known as the Streatham Astoria, this large theatre was built on the site of a grand house owned by Alfred Frederick Janes. It's said that Alfred's ghost has been roaming the cinema's corridors since his death shortly after the theatre's completion. His spirit has been spotted moving around, and on one occasion, he was even heard shouting 'I won't sell!' - a phrase that has led some to speculate about the circumstances of his death and the reason behind his restless haunting.
The Pillar of Mist Haunting
Roebuck Public House, Outer London: Richmond
Roebuck Public House on Richmond Hill has a reputation for being one of London's most haunted pubs. In 1972, a guest staying at the pub woke up early in the morning to a bizarre sight - a pillar of mist was floating in the middle of his room. The mist seemed to have a life of its own, moving slowly towards the window before vanishing into thin air. What makes this encounter even more intriguing is that earlier that day, a strange man was seen walking up the staircase, but when people went to investigate, there was no sign of him anywhere.
The Tall Grey Lady
Beavor Lodge, W6
Beavor Lodge, a long-standing residence in London's W6, was once home to a rather unsettling presence. A tall grey lady would appear at random times of day and night, her mournful cries echoing through the halls. The second wife of painter William Blake Richmond was one of the first to encounter this phantom, but it was a model working for Richmond who had a particularly chilling experience. She claimed the artist's first wife, Charlotte, opened the door and let her in, only to discover later that Charlotte had passed away many years prior.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Thames

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Fox Connaught
Newham, London