Croydon Headless Ghost
This former cafe on Brighton Road in Croydon is said to be haunted by the ghost of John Carver, a man who was acquitted of murdering his wife back in the day. Sixty years after the crime, the cafe's owner reported seeing a tall, grey-clad figure without a head or legs climb the stairs and hover on the landing. It's a pretty strange sighting, and one that's been linked to Carver's troubled past. Apparently, he was hounded by a crowd who wanted him dead after leaving court, and he eventually moved away to escape. The cafe is thought to be one of the places he tried to hide out before leaving the area.
The story begins on 26 May, which is the date of Carver's wife's death. It's said that on this day every year, the sound of breaking glass can be heard coming from the cafe. Now, we dont know if Carver actually did kill his wife, but the community certainly thought he did. He was found not guilty, but that didnt stop people from wanting revenge. The ghostly sightings and strange noises have been documented, and they make for a compelling case. Its not hard to see why this place is considered one of Croydon's most haunted spots.
Victorian era crime and punishment
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Former cafe in Brighton Road

Fox Connaught
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The Royal Victoria and Bull Hotel
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