London Bridge Hauntings

London Bridge, one of the oldest and most historically significant Thames crossings, carries nearly two millennia of death, tragedy, and ghostly activity. The area around the bridge is one of London’s most haunted.

History of Death

According to historical records:

• Romans established the first crossing around 50 AD
• The medieval bridge held houses, shops, and a chapel
• Traitors’ heads were displayed on spikes at the southern gatehouse
• Public executions took place regularly
• The 1212 fire killed an estimated 3,000 people trapped on the bridge

The Heads on Spikes

For centuries, the heads of executed traitors were dipped in tar and displayed on iron spikes at the Southwark gatehouse. Famous heads included:

• William Wallace (1305)
• Thomas More (1535)
• Thomas Cromwell (1540)

The spirits of these beheaded traitors are said to still linger near the old gatehouse location.

Ghostly Encounters

The bridge area has numerous reported hauntings:

The Headless Specter: A figure without a head has been seen walking along the bridge approaches, possibly one of the many executed traitors.

The Lady in Grey: A woman in grey period clothing has been spotted on the bridge, vanishing when approached.

Phantom Cries: Sounds of screaming and suffering, attributed to the 1212 fire victims, have been reported late at night.

The Black Dog: A phantom black dog has been seen crossing the bridge—a traditional British omen of death.

The Old London Bridge

The medieval bridge, demolished in 1831, was said to be particularly haunted:

• Sounds of medieval life—horse hooves, market traders—when the bridge was quiet
• Apparitions of those who drowned when the old bridge’s narrow arches created dangerous rapids
• Ghostly processions crossing at night

When the old bridge was demolished, some of its stones were used in other structures, and paranormal activity reportedly followed them.

Nancy’s Steps

Near the bridge, “Nancy’s Steps” mark the area where Charles Dickens set a key scene in Oliver Twist—where Nancy is murdered by Bill Sikes. Many believe Nancy was based on a real murder victim, and her ghost is said to haunt the steps.

Southwark Cathedral

Adjacent to London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral has its own ghosts:

• A spectral choir has been heard singing when the cathedral is empty
• A figure in ecclesiastical robes walks the nave
• Cold spots appear in specific locations regardless of season

The weight of history at London Bridge—invasions, executions, plague, fire, and mundane daily deaths over centuries—has created one of London’s most spiritually active locations.

Sources

• London Bridge - Wikipedia
• Brooks, J.A. “Ghosts of London” (1982)