Thomas Holloway's Feline Phantom
Royal Holloway University's Founder's Building is home to a rather unusual ghostly inhabitant. Thomas Holloway, the university's founder, is said to haunt the building but not in the form you'd expect. Instead of a traditional ghostly apparition, Thomas is believed to manifest as a black cat. His wife, Jane Holloway, is also thought to haunt the building, specifically the fourth floor. It's a curious case, to say the least, and one that's sure to intrigue visitors to the university.
Founded in 1879, Royal Holloway University has a rich history and it's no surprise that its buildings are home to a number of ghostly legends. Thomas Holloway, a successful businessman and philanthropist, founded the university and it's fitting that his spirit is said to linger in the Founder's Building. While there's no record of the date or time of the haunting, the fact that Thomas is seen as a black cat is an interesting twist on the traditional ghost story. The university's beautiful architecture and historic buildings make it a great place to explore, especially in the evening when the atmosphere is at its most atmospheric.
Royal Holloway University was founded in 1879 by Thomas Holloway.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Mysterious Woodland Footsteps
Wooded area off Coopers Hill Lane, Englefield Green
Deep in the wooded area off Coopers Hill Lane, Englefield Green, a sense of unease settled over one lone walker on a bright sunny day in April 2021. As they strolled along the footpath, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the trees, growing louder with each passing moment. Yet, no one came into view, despite the obvious disturbance on the ground. The atmosphere was oppressive, like a physical presence, and the witness quickly left the area, feeling terrified.
The Little Man of Egham
Hillside villa, Egham
Hillside Villa in Egham, Surrey, is home to a most unsettling presence - the spirit of a child murderer known as the Little Man. Footsteps echoing through the night are said to be his, a haunting reminder of the dark history surrounding this villa. The house was at the centre of three heated legal battles between 1903 and 1907, with the core question being whether the property was fit for human habitation given its alleged paranormal activity.
Phantom RAF Pilots
Forte Posthouse, Croydon
The Forte Posthouse in Croydon has a rather intriguing reputation for paranormal activity. It's said that a chambermaid quit her job after spotting a phantom RAF pilot, which must have been quite a shock. This sighting wasn't an isolated incident either, as a guest also reported seeing a group of pilots sitting and singing around a fireplace in the restaurant. It's a curious thing, this haunting, and one can't help but wonder what might have led to these ghostly appearances.
The Great Fosters Hotel Ghost Sightings
Great Fosters Hotel, Egham, Egham
The Great Fosters Hotel, a grand Tudor manor house in Egham, Surrey, has a reputation for being haunted by two separate entities. Guests and staff have reported seeing a young woman in a white dress near the lake on the hotel grounds. This sighting is often described as calm and serene, with no reported malevolent activity. In contrast, a boy's laughter can be heard echoing through the rafters of the Tithe Barn, creating an eerie atmosphere.
Wheatsheaf Hotel Ghost: Barry Fieldsen Apparition
Wheatsheaf Hotel, Virginia Water
The Wheatsheaf Hotel has a long history of paranormal activity, with one of the most notable cases being that of Barry Fieldsen. In the mid-20th century, Fieldsen was arrested and bailed for handling stolen goods, but before he could face trial, he took his own life in room 23 of the hotel. Since then, numerous guests have reported seeing a dark figure matching Fieldsen's description walking the corridors upstairs. While some have dismissed these sightings as mere trickery, others believe that Fieldsen's spirit still roams the hotel.
Devil Summoning Ritual
Deil's Stanes, Urquhart
Deil's Stanes, a mysterious stone circle in the Lowlands, has long been associated with dark legend. Locals whisper about the daredevils who, on certain nights, decide to tempt fate by running around the stones three times at the stroke of midnight. They say it's a surefire way to summon the devil himself. While it sounds like a mere myth, the eerie atmosphere and rich history of the site only add to its allure. As night falls, the stones seem to loom larger, casting long shadows that stretch and twist in the flickering moonlight.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Royal Holloway University

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

Easthampstead Park
Bracknell, Berkshire