The spooky season has arrived as shops, pubs and offices are covered in Halloween decorations. But beyond the eerie appearance these pubs have at this time of year, you’ll find that many actually have their own ghost stories.
One such location in London is said to be haunted by a 17th-century ‘hanging judge’, known for his cruelty and eagerness to see people executed. Visitors to another pub have reported seeing a ghostly barmaid on the stairs – who was brutally murdered by a former landlady. With reports of paranormal activity in liquor stores across the city, there’s a chance you might have enjoyed a cold pint at one yourself.
One of London’s oldest pubs, The Prospect of Whitby in Wapping is arguably the city’s most infamous haunted pub – and it’s where our old friend ‘The Hanging Judge’ is said to look out the window towards the River Thames.
The pub’s disturbing history is why so many believe it is haunted. Dating back to 1520, it quickly became a preferred meeting place for smugglers and highwaymen.
But this was quickly brought to an end in the 17th century when Judge George Jeffreys began to frequent it. He distinguished himself during the reign of James II and rose to the position of Lord Chancellor.
It was in this position that he became known for handing out brutal punishments to criminals. Execution Dock was built next to the pub from which Judge Jeffreys allegedly sat while criminals were executed and thrown into the Thames.
These helpless victims are also said to haunt the dock, seeking revenge on the hanging judge, while a female thief who was killed in the pub is said to lurk in its dark corners. Below we’ve listed Greene King’s five pubs perfect for a spooky visit.
Ye Olde Cock Tavern
Later when telling the story, she looked up a portrait of author Oliver Goldsmith and confirmed that it was the man she had seen.
Since then, Spooky Isles claims his ghost has become more active, with both guests and staff having both a floating head and a full-body apparition at the pub.
The coach and the horses
The Coach and Horses, one of London’s narrowest pubs, is also said to be haunted by a headless ghost.
It may only have five tables and a little standing room at the bar, but it seems comfortable enough for a dismembered horseman who has lived there since the 18th century.
Guests have reported seeing a ghostly figure driving a bus outside the door, while passengers inside were described as having “skull-like faces” as they stared out the windows.
The Golden Lion
Tucked away in central London near Green Park is a fantastic pub that seems frozen in time. Not much has changed at all since it expanded in size in the 19th century.
But while its appearance has stood the test of time, a former employee has allegedly become part of the furniture. The story goes that a bar maid in the early 19th century was murdered in the pub by her landlady. Since then, guests have reported seeing a ghostly woman roaming the stairs in search of her killer.
Plumber Arms
The Plumbers Arms in Victoria plays an important role in a true crime case that has puzzled experts for decades. On the evening of November 7, Lady Lucan ran through its doors covered in blood.
She said that she has just escaped being murdered by her husband, Lord Lucan, who had just killed their nanny, Sandra Rivett. He was never brought to justice for the crime after he mysteriously disappeared.
His car was last seen empty near the English Channel coast in Newhaven, East Sussex. Mystery has surrounded the case ever since.
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