Scratching Old Lady Ghost
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 story of the Scratching Old Lady isnt the only ghostly encounter at Ham House. People have also reported seeing the shade of a drunken cavalier who allegedly drowned in the nearby river after a night of heavy drinking. And if thats not enough, theres also a ghostly spaniel thats said to roam the building. The house itself has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, and its possible that these ghostly sightings are connected to its past in some way. Whatever the explanation, Ham House is definitely a place to visit if youre interested in the paranormal.
Ham House was built in 1610 and has a long history of ownership by the Dysart family.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Phantom Cavalier of Thames
Thames, Outer London: Richmond
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.
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.
Queen Elizabeth's Richmond Sighting
Richmond Palace, Outer London: Richmond
Richmond Palace has stood tall for centuries, its grandeur a testament to the region's rich history. It's here that a rather unusual sighting took place in 1603 - Queen Elizabeth herself was seen standing at a window, despite being on her deathbed elsewhere. This manifestation of the living has sparked debate among paranormal enthusiasts, with some believing it a genuine apparition, while others consider it a mere hallucination. Whatever the explanation, the incident has become an integral part of the palace's ghostly lore.
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.
Priory Ghost Girl
Priory, NW3
Priory in Church Row is a London property with a dark history. The builder, Mr Thompson, was said to have bricked up one of his daughters within its walls, and her ghost has been spotted haunting the site. Locals claim that the girl's spirit still roams the property, searching for a way out. This tragic tale of a life cut short has led to numerous reports of paranormal activity.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Ham House

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Fox Connaught
Newham, London