In London, you will find that there are plenty of haunted spots to research and explore. Some locations, such as area churches are more haunted than others, while other sites offer an interesting story to delight in. This article offers details on one of the most haunted churches in the London area, as well as a site that offers reports of paranormal activity during the 1700s.
St. Bartholomew the Great Church
When it comes to St. Bartholomew, there is a cloud of eeriness hanging over this location. It is thought to be one of the most haunted churches throughout London. Situated within Smithfield, the church showcases a grand display of Norman architecture, but a horrific history may be uncovered not too far from this site. Hundreds of executions were held not too far from the church. Some of their tortured souls are said to haunt the church and its surroundings.
The executions that took place close to the church were not a pretty sight. During the reign of the notorious Henry VIII, a priest met a terrible death when he was burned alive while trapped inside of an iron cage. If you ever happen upon the area, you may encounter some of the strange events and feelings that have been reported to occur in the vicinity. Some have heard what they believe to be the cries of tortured souls when visiting the church grounds. The location of where the sound is coming from cannot be directly pinpointed. Some have even reported to smell the odor of what they described as “burning flesh.”
In the area, there is a ghost that has been easily identified. The ghost of the founder of the church is said to wander about his tombstone. His name is Rahere and he was a monk, whose history can be traced back to the 12th century. But, don’t fear, those who have encountered him claim that he does not mean any harm to those he comes in contact with. He doesn’t even make you feel alarmed if you happen to encounter his ghost.
Epworth Old Rectory
Located in Lincolnshire, you will find the Old Rectory. This building was constructed in 1709 and is mostly known as the birthplace of two of the most well-known and respected clergymen throughout Britain: John and Charles Wesley. About seven years after it was built, the Old Rectory began to experience paranormal activity. In 1716, John Wesley reported odd occurrences that he encountered throughout the residence.
First, he claimed to have heard various odd noises coming from all parts of the house. Secondly, the doors on the premises have been known to open and close on their own. The same can be said about the windows in the house as well. But the odd occurrences don’t stop there. On the premises, a corn mill was seen turning on its own, while unexplainable footsteps could be heard going up and down the stairs. In the hall and kitchen area, rapping coming from an unknown source was reported. Wesley claimed that he encountered two months straight of paranormal experiences.
