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Headless Raleigh Ghost

St Mary the Virgin churchyard, Outer London: Wallington, London Apparition Jacobean

St Mary the Virgin churchyard in Wallington is home to a rather gruesome ghost story. Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous explorer, was beheaded in 1618 and his body was returned to his wife's family in Beddington. But his spirit hasn't rested. Locals claim that his headless body walks along a path in the churchyard, a chilling sight for anyone who stumbles upon it. It's said that Raleigh's ghost is a harbinger of doom, but there's no record of him causing any harm to those who encounter him.

Raleigh's execution was a result of his falling out of favour with King James I. He was accused of treason and his head was sent to the king as a trophy. His body was then returned to his family and buried in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin. The exact date of his ghostly appearances is unknown, but it's believed to be a relatively recent phenomenon. Some speculate that Raleigh's spirit is still searching for his missing head, while others believe he's trying to make amends for past mistakes.

Historical Context

Early 17th century English history

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Churchyard
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
SW16

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