The Adelphi Theatre: William Terriss Returns

The Adelphi Theatre witnessed one of the Victorian era’s most sensational murders when the popular actor William Terriss was stabbed to death at its stage door on December 16, 1897. His killer, a mentally unstable actor named Richard Archer Prince, believed Terriss had ruined his career. Terriss’s ghost haunts the theatre where he died—and the nearby tube station built on land he knew in life.

The History

Victorian Star

William Terriss (1847-1897) was one of the most popular actors of his time, known as “Breezy Bill” for his dashing roles. He was the leading man at the Adelphi and beloved by audiences.

The Murder

On December 16, 1897, as Terriss arrived at the stage door, Richard Archer Prince stabbed him three times. Terriss died in the arms of his leading lady, Jessie Millward. His last words were reportedly “I will be back.”

Prince’s Fate

Richard Prince was found guilty but insane and spent the rest of his life in Broadmoor. He died in 1937.

The Hauntings

The Stage Door

Terriss returns to where he died:

• Seen at the stage door
• Appearing around the anniversary (December 16)
• A distinguished man in Victorian dress
• His presence brings a sense of injustice
• Staff leave flowers on the anniversary

Inside the Theatre

Terriss walks his theatre:

• Seen backstage
• In his old dressing room
• On stage during rehearsals
• His steps are heard
• Light switches turn on and off

Jessie Millward’s Ghost

Terriss’s leading lady and lover appears with him:

• A beautiful woman in Victorian dress
• They are sometimes seen together
• Her grief seems eternal
• She haunts the stage they shared

The Green Light

A mysterious green light appears:

• In and around the theatre
• Connected to Terriss’s appearances
• Its origin is unknown
• Staff recognize it as his herald

Covent Garden Station

The most famous manifestation occurs underground:

• Covent Garden tube station is built on land Terriss knew
• He appears on the platform
• Wearing opera cloak and gloves
• Workers have fled in terror
• The station is officially recognized as haunted

The Anniversary

December 16 intensifies activity:

• Terriss appears more frequently
• Strange sounds increase
• The atmosphere becomes charged
• Staff expect phenomena
• Some avoid working that day

Modern Activity

The Adelphi embraces its ghost:

• Staff acknowledge Terriss’s presence
• Ghost tours include his story
• The tube station is a paranormal hotspot
• Investigations regularly document activity
• Terriss seems to appreciate the attention

Visiting

The Adelphi Theatre is a working West End venue. Covent Garden tube station is nearby, and both locations offer the chance to encounter London’s most theatrical ghost.

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“I will be back,” William Terriss promised as he lay dying. He kept his word. For over a century, his ghost has walked the Adelphi Theatre and haunted the tube station built where he once lived. The show, for Terriss, goes on.