Ye Olde Mitre

Ye Olde Mitre, established in 1546, is one of London’s most historic and well-hidden pubs, tucked away in a narrow alleyway off Hatton Garden. Built for the servants of Ely Palace, the pub has witnessed centuries of history, and according to numerous reports, some of that history refuses to rest. The establishment is most famously haunted by the ghost of Queen Elizabeth I herself, who is said to have danced around a cherry tree on the site with her favorite, Sir Christopher Hatton.

The apparition of Elizabeth I appears as a regal figure in elaborate Elizabethan dress, often seen in the area where the preserved trunk of the ancient cherry tree is still displayed. Witnesses describe her as appearing solid and real, with some reporting the rustle of heavy silk skirts and the scent of old perfume. The ghost is said to appear on significant dates related to the Queen’s life, and some claim to have heard the faint sound of lute music accompanying her manifestation.

However, the pub harbors a darker presence as well. Staff and patrons have reported encounters with the ghost of a serving maid who was allegedly murdered on the premises in the 18th century. This apparition appears as a young woman in distress, sometimes seen fleeing through the old corridors or heard crying in the cellar. Objects move on their own, particularly in the older parts of the building, and there are regular reports of cold spots, unexplained knocking sounds, and the sensation of being watched. The pub’s warren-like layout, with its narrow passages and hidden rooms, adds to the eerie atmosphere. Some visitors have reported feeling overwhelmed with emotion in certain areas, possibly experiencing residual hauntings from the building’s long and sometimes violent history.