The Cigar Scented Warning
Royal Infirmary Hospital in Sunderland was once home to a rather unusual phenomenon. In Ward F62, which sadly no longer stands, a crisis manifestation was reported by numerous staff members. It started after a doctor, known for smoking very pungent cigars, passed away. What followed was a series of inexplicable events where the smell of these strong cigars would fill the air just minutes before a serious medical event occurred. This scent became a sort of unofficial warning sign for the staff, prompting them to check on every patient and call in resuscitation staff if the smell was detected.
The historical context of this haunting is rooted in the hospital's past as a palliative care ward. The doctor in question had been a part of the hospital's staff, and his love for pungent cigars was well known. After his death, the staff began to experience this strange phenomenon. The fact that many staff members experienced the smell and responded accordingly suggests a level of consistency and reliability to this warning sign. It's a fascinating example of how a seemingly ordinary aspect of someone's life can become a posthumous form of communication or warning.
The hospital has a long history of providing medical care in the Sunderland area.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ghostly Groans of Royalty Theatre
Royalty Theatre, Sunderland
The Royalty Theatre in Sunderland is a hotbed of paranormal activity. This historic theatre has seen its fair share of ghostly encounters, from disembodied footsteps and groaning sounds to vanishing personal belongings and slamming doors. Shadowy figures have also been spotted lurking in the wings. It's little wonder, given the theatre's past as a hospital during World War II. The war effort must have taken its toll on the building, leaving behind a lingering presence that's still felt today.
Theatre Ghost of Mrs Johnstone
Empire Theatre, Sunderland
The Empire Theatre in Sunderland is home to a ghostly presence that's been making waves since the 1970s. A violinist by the name of Mrs Johnstone met her demise on the very site where the theatre now stands. Her spirit has been seen drifting along the dress circle by the theatre's manager, vanishing into thin air without warning. It's a sighting that's left many a theatre-goer and staff member scratching their heads in bewilderment.
Ada Holmes Ghost Sighting
Crowtree Public House, Sunderland
The Crowtree Public House on Crowtree Street in Sunderland has been a hotspot for paranormal activity since the 1960s. This popular pub has had its fair share of ghostly encounters, but one spirit stands out - that of Ada Holmes, the beloved landlady who passed away in 1965. Her colourful presence still lingers, with many reporting sightings of her ghostly figure wearing a vibrant dress. It's said that Ada's warm personality hasnt faded, and she continues to make an impact on those who visit the Crowtree.
The Swallow Ghoul Haunting
Area known as The Swallow, Sunderland
The Swallow, an old open area of land at the end of Westheath Avenue in Sunderland, has a reputation for being haunted by a ghoul-like phantom man. Local children used to avoid this spot, fearing they might catch a glimpse of the eerie apparition. The haunting, which dates back to pre-1945, has left a lasting impression on the community. Although details are scarce, the legend of the Swallow ghoul has endured, sparking curiosity among paranormal enthusiasts.
Ghost Children of Ship Isis
Ship Isis Public House, Sunderland
The Ship Isis Public House in Sunderland is home to a heartbreaking haunting. Two phantom children are said to roam the area, their presence linked to a dark history of murder. According to legend, the children were killed by their mother, Mary Ann Cotton, in tunnels beneath the building. Their restless spirits are thought to be a manifestation of the tragic events that took place. The pub's atmosphere is said to be filled with a sense of sadness and loss, as if the children's presence still echoes through the halls.
Sunderland Greggs Poltergeist
Greggs, Sunderland
Imagine walking into a Greggs on Sea Road in Sunderland, expecting a quiet spot of lunch or a quick snack, only to be startled by strange banging noises coming from empty parts of the shop. That's what staff experienced back in the 2000s. They'd catch whiffs of lavender wafting through the air and find electrical items mysteriously switched back on. It was as if someone - or something - was trying to make their presence known.