The Ghosts of London: A Collection of Ghost Stories from the British Capital

England is an ancient land steeped in history and tradition, filled with prehistoric ruins, majestic castles, and a countryside sculpted from millennia of human habitation. Its rolling countryside is dotted with prehistoric burial mounds and stone circles. Brooding castles hold tales of bloodshed and honor. Medieval churches have elaborate stained glass windows and gruesome carvings, reflecting a mixture of hope and darkness. Every hamlet and village has tales that go back centuries, and folk festivals with roots in pagan times.

Thus, it is not surprising that many believe England is a land filled with ghosts. For centuries, people have told tales of ghosts stalking its historic buildings, strange creatures lurking in its primeval forests, and unexplained paths linking its ancient sites. And naturally, as one of the world’s most historic capitals, every step in London takes visitors through hundreds of years of history laden with stories of political intrigue, war, romance, and the inspiration of artistic and scientific geniuses. From the most magnificent avenues and monuments to the humbler minor streets and private homes, it seems every brick and cobblestone has a story to tell.

The English are enchanted with the spirits of the dead. They are woven into the legends of historic buildings and take a prominent place in English literature, from Shakespeare and Dickens to modern writers such as Peter Ackroyd. So many buildings, streets, and even Tube stations have resident ghosts. Here is a collection of such tales, from among the hundreds of local legends and modern sightings that make England one of the most haunted countries in the world.