Lady Coleraine’s Leap at Bruce Castle

Bruce Castle in Tottenham, now a museum, has stood since the 16th century, though much of the current building dates to the 17th century. Its elegant manor house appearance belies one of North London’s most tragic ghost stories—that of Lady Constantia Coleraine, whose desperation drove her to a horrific act that echoes through the centuries.

Lady Constantia Lucy, wife of Henry Hare, 2nd Baron Coleraine, lived at Bruce Castle in the late 17th century. Her husband was insanely jealous and possessive, eventually locking her in a room in the castle’s tower to prevent her from seeing anyone else. For years she remained imprisoned in that room, her only companion her infant child. On November 3rd, 1680, driven mad by her confinement and seeing no escape, Lady Constantia climbed to the balcony with her baby in her arms and jumped to her death. Some versions of the story say she threw the child first; others that she clutched it as she fell.

The haunting is remarkably specific and predictable. Every November 3rd, witnesses report seeing a woman in a white gown appear on the castle’s balcony, holding what appears to be a bundle. Sometimes she’s seen jumping; other times she simply vanishes. The phenomenon has been reported by museum staff, visitors, and local residents for over 300 years. On that date each year, many also hear screaming coming from the tower room—a woman’s desperate cries followed by the wail of an infant. Some claim to have seen Lady Constantia’s ghost inside the building as well, a pale figure moving through corridors as if still seeking escape from her prison. The tragedy of Bruce Castle is one of London’s most enduring anniversary hauntings, as reliable as clockwork and just as tragic each time it manifests.