England is riddled with cultural history. It’s incredible that on virtually any road, one turn down, anyone is likely to see buildings dating back hundreds, if not thousands of years. Even in the more industrial parts of England, such as London, you won’t be far from exquisite buildings that hold historical relevance.
But as with any old place with a history, there is bound to be morbid events that have occurred, leaving behind eerie feelings of despair. Countries with a rich history like England are bound to develop some sort of reputation for haunted places. Here are 10 of the most haunted places in England and the stories behind them.
10 10. The Tower of London
Location: London
If you are thinking about stopping by Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, you might want to get acquainted with its ghostly tales first.
The Tower of London has been a pivotal monument for over 900 years. So, naturally, it has hosted numerous occupants, which are said to still haunt the tower to this day. The ghost of Arbella Stuart, for example, is said to haunt The Queen’s House on Tower Green. The most famous haunting is said to be that of Queen Anne Boleyn herself. The Queen was arrested and then beheaded in 1536. There have been an overwhelmingly large number sightings of her headless body wandering around the corridors.
9 9. Berry Pomeroy Castle
Location: Devon
Said to be one of the most haunted castles in Britain, the Berry Pomeroy Castle in Devon has rumored to have sightings of two notorious ghosts: the White Lady and the Blue Lady. The Blue Lady is said to persuade guests inside the castle and to come to her tower. Legend says that anyway who dares follow her will fall to their death.
The White Lady supposedly haunts the dungeons of the castle. She is thought to be the ghost of Margaret Pomeroy, who was forever imprisoned by her jealous sister.
8 8. The Enfield Ghost
Location: Brimsdown, Enfield
Perhaps one of the most famous places known around the world is the haunting that took place in Enfield, England. The Enfield Poltergeist became renowned after the film, The Conjuring 2, was developed in 2016. The story comes from a police call made by a mother in 1977. Peggy Hodgson claimed her daughters were being possessed by a poltergeist and only gave in to their claims once she herself witnessed their furniture flying around the room.
The Enfield house was investigated by the notorious paranormal investigators, Ed and Lorraine Warren. For years, the house was said to be haunted by the poltergeist, though many believe it may have been a hoax.
7 7. Lancaster Castle
Location: Lancashire
Over 400 years ago, the Lancaster Castle hosted what would become known as the Pendle Witch trials. Women who were accused of practicing witchcraft were sentenced to death here, which is why it is now known as one of the most haunted places in England.
Visitors often report that they feel as if someone is pushing them from behind. People have also reported seeing children running the halls.
6 6. Hampton Court Palace
Location: Molesey
The ghosts of Henry VIII and his wives are believed to haunt the corridors of the Hampton Court Palace. Catherine Howard's shrieking has been heard by visitors alongside Jane Seymour’s wistful appearances.
In 2003, CCTV footage captured a new ghost, who was appointed the name “Skeletor.” The videos show him opening a fire door with extreme force. Security rushed the Clock Court where he was sighted, but he disappeared before they arrived on the scene.
5 5. Ancient Ram Inn
Location: Wotton-under-Edge
This hotel has been around since at least 1115. It was once owned by St. Mary’s Church, during a time when witch hunts and trials were prevalent in the area. One woman, who was later burned at the stake, is said to have found brief refuge at this inn. She was ultimately found and captured at the Ancient Ram Inn. The room she was found in is now known as “The Witch's Room,” as she is supposed to still haunt it to this day. John Humphries later became the owner of the inn, and he attested to the claims that the place was haunted, stating that he was grabbed by the arm and pulled by a demonic force during his first night there.
The Ancient Ram Inn is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in the world and has been researched by numerous paranormal investigators. It has been featured on shows such as Most Haunted and the US series Ghost Adventures.
4 4. Raynham Hall
Location: Norfolk
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall is the name of the ghost that haunts the building. Lady Dorothy Walpole is the identity of this paranormal being. The story goes that her abusive husband, Charles Townshend, thought she was having an affair, so he locked her in Raynham Hall until she eventually died of smallpox.
The ghost sightings for this England residence is not restricted to modern times. In fact, the first ghostly reporting of one of Townshend's peers was made by a woman in 1835. A photographer for Country Life magazine also reported seeing an apparition and was able to confirm the story after he unintentionally snapped a photo of the Brown Lady. Because of this, Raynham Hall has gone down in history as one of the most haunted places in England.
3 3. The Langham Hotel
Location: London
The Langham Hotel was built is 1865 at the heart of London. Various frightening events have dubbed the place as a haunted hotel, with Room 333 inhibiting the most ghosts.
Brave guests who have requested to stay in Room 333 at The Langham Hotel have seen the German prince who threw himself off the room’s balcony. They have also claimed to feel the presence of a notorious Victorian-era doctor who killed his wife, child, and then himself.
2 2. Woodchester Mansion
Location: Woodchester, Gloucestershire
This Gothic revival mansion in England was left abandoned and unfinished in the mid-1870s. Despite not ever having inhabitants, this place is well-known for its paranormal experiences. Perhaps it's the notion of being creepy and vacant for so many years that initially drew in paranormal hunters to investigate the scene.
Whatever the reason, sightings in 2003 and 2005 by the Gloucestershire Paranormal Group gave footing to its ghostly claims. The group was able to capture strange apparitions on video, which have yet to be explained by anything other than the typical hauntings of a ghost.
1 1. Borley Rectory
Location: Essex
At the top of the list is what is officially known as “The Most Haunted House in England.” A sighting of a phantom nun was reported in June of 1929 at Borley Rectory. Locals established the legend that the ghost was that of a young woman who had tried to elope with a monk during the 13th century. Instead, they were caught. The monk was executed by hanging and the girl was reportedly caved in between the brick walls of the home, where she eventually died.
Tales of bells ringing and rapping noises coming from around the house were first reported by the original tenants of the house, the Reverend Henry Bull and his family, way back in 1862. The desolate home of the east coast of England was then investigated by Henry Prince. Prince would later become an established paranormal hunter from the findings he made at Borely. While he did not truly believe the romanticized legend, he decided to experience the account first hand.