October 27, 2023 • 23 mins
Welcome to Episode 122 of our riveting podcast series, where we delve deep into the mysteries and stories that make London such an endlessly captivating city. Today, we turn our focus to something quite intriguing yet unsettling: the haunted underground stations of London's Tube network. These are not merely tales to entertain or amuse; they are accounts that have perplexed commuters, underground staff, and even seasoned researchers who've spent years delving into London's urban legends and folklore.
If you've ever felt a cold shiver run down your spine as your train rolled into an eerily quiet station, or sensed an inexplicable presence while waiting on a deserted platform late at night, then this episode will certainly resonate with you. We'll be uncovering stories of apparitions and phantoms, exploring everything from the ghostly figures that roam the platforms to the spectral sounds that reverberate through the tunnels.
So sit back, dim the lights if you dare, and join us as we venture into the hauntingly mysterious realm of London's underground. This is an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is spine-tingling, giving you a whole new perspective on your daily commute. Stay tuned; you're in for an otherworldly journey.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:02):
Hello and welcome to our London History Podcast where we share
our love of London. It's people, places and history.
It's designed for you to learn things about London that most
Londoners don't even know. I am your host Hazel Baker,
qualified London Tour guide, andCEO and Founder of London
(00:22):
guidedwalks.co.uk. Each episode is supported by
show notes, transcripts, photos and further reading, all to be
found on our website. Click on londonguidedwalk.co.uk
podcast and then select the episode that you fancy.
And if you enjoy what we do, then you'll love our guided
walks and private tours that we offer throughout the year.
(00:48):
As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves begin their graceful
descent towards the earth and a distinctive chill permeates the
air, there's an undeniable sensation that the season of
Witches, Ghouls and the Unexplained is drawing nigh.
Halloween is indeed on the horizon, and I've tailored our
(01:09):
latest episodes to captivate your imagination while
simultaneously sending a unsettling chill down your
spine. Our podcast series has
previously delved into an eclectic range of supernatural
subjects that have been enthralled our devoted
listeners. You may recall episode 28, in
(01:31):
which we unwrapped the eerie tale of the ghost of Cock Lane,
a story that gripped 18th century London.
Or perhaps you tuned in for episode 69, where we explored
the fascinating yet tragic life of the spectral existence of the
Victorian actor William Terrace.And who could forget the grim
(01:52):
spectacle detailed in episode 92?
As we scrutinize the gruesome history of public executions of
London? Today, however, we shall embark
on a unique voyage, a subterranean exploration into
the bowels of London's underground network.
Although it may be the lifebloodof this pulsating metropolis,
(02:15):
enabling the ceaseless movement of his residence is also a
repository of haunting tales andspectral presences.
While the spectral inhabitants may not outnumber the daily
commuters, they most certainly make their presence felt.
From bank stations mourning a black nun to the eerie,
(02:36):
unexplained noises echoing through Bethnal Green's
labyrinth corridors, each station is a vault, holding in
its dark recesses, secrets and stories that are simply
beginning to be unveiled. Fear not, I shall be including
some of the most interesting facts about each station too, so
(02:57):
hopefully this episode has something for everyone.
So I invite you to recline in your favorite chair, dim the
ambient lighting to a mere flicker if you dare, and
accompany us as we traverse the labyrinth passageways of
London's famed underground system.
(03:19):
It is here, in this subterraneanworld, that the threads of
history and the paranormal are intricately woven together,
painting and mesmerizing yet spine gilling tapestry of a city
that is as active in the realm of the spectral as it is among
the living. Fight the.
(03:41):
Gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our first stop is Bank Station, one of the most complex
interchanges in the London Underground system, featuring a
network of tunnels and subways that connect four different
lines, the Central, northern, Waterloo and City, and the DLR.
(04:02):
The capacity isn't just due to the number of lines in the
station itself, but it's an architectural wonder featuring a
blend of various design elementsaccumulated over its long
history. While many of you may navigate
through Bank Station as part of your daily commute or occasional
trips, how many of you are awarethat you might not be the only
(04:24):
sort of passenger frequenting its labyrinth corridors?
Yes indeed. Bank Station, renowned for its
historical richness and architectural complexity, has
also garnered attention for its unusually high level of spectral
activity. The station stands at the very
pinnacle of haunted locations within the London Underground
(04:47):
system. The paranormal activity level is
classified as extremely high, a categorisation that should not
be taken lightly. The figure that frequents Bank
Station is known as the Black Nun and is one of the most
frequently cited apparitions in the annals of Bank stations.
(05:08):
Otherworldly occurrences cloakedin flowing, dark garments, this
spectral woman is often seen meandering through the
convoluted tunnels that make up the station.
Commuters and station staff alike describe her as an elusive
presence, forever out of reach and vanishing the moment 1
(05:28):
attempts to make direct eye contact with her.
The Black Nun is typically described as a sombre figure
enveloped in dark clothing resembling monastic attire.
Her presence is usually fleeting, appearing at the
peripherals of one's vision and disappearing just as quickly,
(05:49):
almost as if she's a fragment ofa long forgotten memory trying
to breakthrough to the consciousworld.
Accompanying her visual apparition are often reports of
an unexplained, petted smell reminiscent of decal stagnant
water. This odour is inconsistent, but
(06:10):
occurs frequently enough to havebeen noted by numerous
witnesses. Moreover, a heavy atmosphere of
sorrow seems to envelope the space she occupies, affecting
even those who may not have directly witnessed her form.
Soft footsteps echoing in empty corridors, whispered
(06:31):
conversations in hushed tones and indistinct murmurs
contribute to the auditory phenomena associated with the
black Nun. These auditory cues are often
reported during the less populated hours of late night or
early morning. Adding to the station's eerie
(06:51):
reputation. The narrative behind the black
noun is tinged with historical sorrow.
It's believed that she endlesslymourns for her executed brother,
an unfortunate soul who was oncean employee at a bank situated
on the site where Bank Station is now.
There is posit that her restlessspirit remains anchored to this
(07:15):
locale, perhaps as a manifestation of her unending
grief. The accounts are not merely law
or hearsay. They come from credible
witnesses, maintenance and security staff who perhaps know
the station better than anyone else.
They've shared their personal experiences, ranging from
unsettling feelings of being watched or even capturing visual
(07:39):
apparitions on CCTV cameras. This has led to a notably higher
number of transfer requests among the staff assigned at Bank
Station compared to other stations within the network.
A variety of independent studiesand paranormal investigations
have sought to corroborate theseclaims, employing sophisticated
(08:01):
equipment like Electronic Voice Phenomena, EVP devices, and
thermal cameras. Several of these studies have
lent credibility to the common reports, making it a subject of
intrigue even for the scientificcommunity.
The station may be named after the Bank of England, but the
area boasts a much older lineage.
(08:24):
Artefacts and remnants of Roman architecture have been
discovered during construction and renovations, implying that
the region around Bank and monument stations might once
have been part of the Roman settlement of Londonium, more of
which can be listened in to. In Episode #1, An Introduction
to Roman London, a concealed graveyard exists close to Bank
(08:48):
Station, specifically under the site where the Bank of England
stands. The churchyard of Saint
Christopher le Stocks was subsumed by the bank's expansion
in 1781. Far from being eradicated, the
graveyard was respectfully integrated into the garden of
the Bank of England. It wasn't until later in the
(09:10):
1930s, the graves were transferred to Nunhead Cemetery
when the Bank of England was rebuilt.
Between the train and. The platform Our next stop is
Farringdon Station. Farringdon Station has the
(09:31):
distinction of being one of the oldest railway terminals in
London. It was originally opened as
Farringdon Street Station in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan
Railway, the world's first underground railway line.
And you can hear more of that inepisode 88, The World's First
Underground Railway. The current station building was
(09:54):
designed by architect Charles Walter Clark and opened in 1922.
The structure displays elements of Edwardian architectural style
and has retained several of its original features.
Farrington serves as a key interchange between the London
Underground, the the Thameslink National Rail services and also
Crossrail, known as also Elizabeth Line, and it's
(10:18):
expected to become one of the London's most well connected
stations, especially with LondonMuseum reopening.
Faringdon Station is not for thefaint of heart, however,
particularly for those intriguedin the paranormal.
The station stands on top of side with a dark history that
(10:39):
reach back to the 17th century. It was a hub for travellers.
Today it remains haunted by Ann Naylor, a young girl who met a
tragic fate. This is a narrative filled with
tragedy, haunting manifestationsand indelible traces that
(11:00):
history leaves in its wake. The story revolves around Ann
Naylor, a young apprentice in the hat making trade who met a
grim fate at the hands of her employers back in 1758.
The gruesome detail that adds a layer of eeriness in this story
is that her lifeless body was discarded right where Farrington
(11:21):
Station would later come to stand.
But let's first talk about the auditory manifestations that add
an aura of the supernatural to Farrington Station.
The most recurrent of these are blood curdling screams that have
been reported echoing through the tunnels and platforms.
(11:43):
These aren't your average soundsof a busy, bustling underground
station. These are screams that send
shivers down your spine. Alongside this, whispers are
occasionally heard. Imagine being a late night
commuter or a station worker andhearing soft, unexplained
(12:04):
whispers floating through the air.
The sound spectrum at this station certainly seems to
vibrate on a otherworldly frequency, moving into sensory
manifestations. These have been multiple
accounts of sudden and unexplained drops in
temperature. These icy patches often
(12:25):
correlate with the areas where the infamous screams are usually
heard. Add to this olfactory phenomena
a musty, decayed scent that wafts through the station,
particularly during the quieter late night hours.
It's as though the station itself is exuding an aura of
(12:46):
unease. Witness accounts corroborate
these strange occurrences. Station workers have detailed
odd happenings during their shifts, especially in the later
hours when human activity dies down.
Moreover, paranormal investigators who have ventured
into the station have reported capturing EVP, which including
(13:08):
recordings of these mysterious screams and whispers.
There are also anomalies that defy straightforward
explanations. Flickering lights, discurpances
in surveillance camera feeds andeven glimpses of orbs and
shadowy figures have been reported, often coinciding with
the aforementioned screams. It comes as no surprise that
(13:32):
Farrington stations hauntings have made it a subject of
fascination. In various forms of media.
There've been numerous articles,books and even documentaries
focusing on these paranormal activities, enriching London's
already complex tapestry of history and mystery.
So next time you find yourself at Farringdon Station,
(13:54):
especially if it's late at night, you might want to be
extra attentive to the sounds and sensations around you.
Who knows, you might just hear or feel the lingering presence
of Ann Naylor, a young life cut short whose spirit many believe
still wanders the station's tunnels.
(14:16):
And if you'd like to learn more about Anne Naylor, then join me
on my Bleeding Hearts and Body Parts tour, which starts quite
conveniently at Farringdon Station Find.
The gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our next stop, Bethnal Green Bethnal Green Station, which was
(14:42):
opened on the 4th of December 1946, is part of the Central
Line. Despite its construction
starting in the 1930s, the station's opening was delayed
due to the onset of the Second World War.
Designed by architect Charles Holden, Bethnal Green Station is
(15:02):
a prime example of the modernistarchitectural style.
Featuring an aesthetically distinct cylindrical glass
entrance, its architecture makesit a stand out feature in the
landscape of London Underground stations.
Bethnal Green is one of the busiest stations of the Central
(15:22):
Line, especially given its proximity to local attractions
and venues. It serves as a major transit
point for those visiting Victoria Park, the Museum of
Childhood or taking a stroll along the nearby Regents Canal.
Bethnal Green Station isn't youreveryday tube station.
(15:43):
It's steeped in a history that'snot just fascinating, but also
incredibly sombre. During the Second World War,
tube stations often served as shelters during air raids, and
Bethnal Green was no different. However, it became the site of a
tragedy that left an indelible mark on its walls as well as its
(16:06):
aura. Picture this it's 1943 and the
air raid sirens have just gone off.
A panic stricken crowd rushes into Bethnal Green station
seeking sanctuary. In the chaos, someone trips on
the stairs. What follows is a catastrophic
(16:30):
Stampede. When the dust settles, 173
people, including many women andchildren, are found dead, not
from the bombs above but from the crush of bodies below.
Since that tragic evening, the station has been anything but
(16:51):
ordinary. Passengers and station staff
alike report hearing haunting cries of women and children,
especially during the quiet hours.
The screams often begin softly, almost like whispers, but then
crescendo into an overwhelming cacophony.
Imagine standing there late at night, only to be enveloped by a
(17:13):
Symphony of echoing cries. Some say it feels as though the
station is reliving that horrendous night over and over
again. Many have ventured down to
Bethnal Green in search of thesespectral sounds, and several
have come away convinced that the station serves as a monument
not just to architectural or engineering feats, but also to
(17:36):
the souls that were lost that fateful night.
This auditory hoarding continuesto intrigue paranormal
investigators, who often descendinto the depths of Bethnal
Green, hoping to capture these haunting echoes on their audio
equipment. But as with all tales of
haunting, we can never be entirely sure what it is that
(17:59):
causes these phenomena. Is it the imprint of the past,
forever grained in the walls of Bethnal Green station that
you're hearing? Or could it be something more
inexplicable, A mysterious dimension of reality that we're
yet to understand? Well, we may not have the
answers. It is clear that Bethnal Green
(18:20):
Station remains one of the most compelling examples of
paranormal activity on the London Underground fight.
The gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our next stop? Covent Garden.
One of Covent Garden's station'smost distinguishing features is
(18:43):
it's Edwardian architecture. Designed by architect Leslie
Green, the station opened in 1907 with the characteristic
oxblood glazed terracotta facade, which has become
emblematic of early 20th centuryLondon Underground stations.
Perhaps the most infamous feature of Covent Garden Station
(19:05):
is it's 193 steps. That's equivalent to a 15 Storey
building. There are signs which warn
passengers about the exhausting climb, suggesting the use of
lifts instead, but some choose to test their endurance, often
regretting it after a couple of flights.
(19:27):
Covent Garden Station sees a tremendous amount of foot
traffic. Prior to COVID-19, the station
had an annual footfall of around16,000,000 passengers, making it
one of the busiest stations for tourists.
Due to its proximity to various landmarks and entertainment
venues, the station is relatively shallow compared to
(19:49):
other London Underground stations.
With its platform situated just 16.2 meters below ground level,
Covent Garden Station is a location with moderate to high
paranormal activity that has left both commuters and station
staff alike feeling. Rather uneasy.
(20:10):
So who is this spectral residentof Covent Garden Station?
Well, the ghost is widely believed to be none other than
William Terrace, a Victorian actor of some renown.
Picture this a tall figure, clads in a hat and cloak, A
distinct old world charm around him.
(20:33):
That's how he's often described by these fortunate, or perhaps
unfortunate enough to encounter him.
What makes the story of William Terrace truly intriguing is his
connection to a bakery that oncestood on the very site where
Covent Garden station was later built.
Terrace was known to frequent this bakery during his lifetime,
(20:54):
and it seems his affinity for the location persisted even in
the afterlife. This isn't your run-of-the-mill
haunting. This is a ghost with a ponchon
for places that held meaning forhim while he was still among the
living. Perhaps one of the most striking
elements of this haunting is theolfactory experience.
(21:18):
Many have reported a sudden whiff of Cologne wafting through
the air, seemingly out of nowhere.
Given that Terrace was known forhis elegance and style, it's
hardly surprising that his ghostly manifestation would also
be accompanied by his signature scent.
(21:38):
And let me assure you, the aromaisn't constant.
It comes and goes often when least expected, adding an
unsettling but fascinating layerto this tale.
Now, if you happen to find yourself at Covent Garden
Station where the you're waitingfor a train or simply exploring
(21:58):
the area, be aware. If you catch that unexpected
scent of Cologne, or perhaps feel the fleeting presence of a
tall man in a cloak, remember the tale of William Terrace,
forever etched in the very fabric of Covent Gardens
history, seemingly unwilling to exit the stage just yet.
(22:23):
If you'd like to know more aboutthe actor William Terrace, then
tune into episode #92, which tells you all about his growing
up, the performances, how he actually got to where he was,
including how he was very violently murdered.
If you'd like to know more aboutCovent Garden in the Victorian
(22:43):
era, then you're very welcome tojoin me on a Victorian Covent
Garden tour, starting at CharingCross and ending at Covent
Garden Piazza 90 minutes later. Fight the.
Gap between the train. And the platform, we have
reached our final destination. That is all for now, I will say
(23:09):
for another time. The Erie station worker in
overalls, the mysterious woman who boards, trains, but never
disembarks or the Roman construction workers.
Until next time.
Hello and welcome to our London History Podcast where we share
our love of London. It's people, places and history.
It's designed for you to learn things about London that most
Londoners don't even know. I am your host Hazel Baker,
qualified London Tour guide, andCEO and Founder of London
(00:22):
guidedwalks.co.uk. Each episode is supported by
show notes, transcripts, photos and further reading, all to be
found on our website. Click on londonguidedwalk.co.uk
podcast and then select the episode that you fancy.
And if you enjoy what we do, then you'll love our guided
walks and private tours that we offer throughout the year.
(00:48):
As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves begin their graceful
descent towards the earth and a distinctive chill permeates the
air, there's an undeniable sensation that the season of
Witches, Ghouls and the Unexplained is drawing nigh.
Halloween is indeed on the horizon, and I've tailored our
(01:09):
latest episodes to captivate your imagination while
simultaneously sending a unsettling chill down your
spine. Our podcast series has
previously delved into an eclectic range of supernatural
subjects that have been enthralled our devoted
listeners. You may recall episode 28, in
(01:31):
which we unwrapped the eerie tale of the ghost of Cock Lane,
a story that gripped 18th century London.
Or perhaps you tuned in for episode 69, where we explored
the fascinating yet tragic life of the spectral existence of the
Victorian actor William Terrace.And who could forget the grim
(01:52):
spectacle detailed in episode 92?
As we scrutinize the gruesome history of public executions of
London? Today, however, we shall embark
on a unique voyage, a subterranean exploration into
the bowels of London's underground network.
Although it may be the lifebloodof this pulsating metropolis,
(02:15):
enabling the ceaseless movement of his residence is also a
repository of haunting tales andspectral presences.
While the spectral inhabitants may not outnumber the daily
commuters, they most certainly make their presence felt.
From bank stations mourning a black nun to the eerie,
(02:36):
unexplained noises echoing through Bethnal Green's
labyrinth corridors, each station is a vault, holding in
its dark recesses, secrets and stories that are simply
beginning to be unveiled. Fear not, I shall be including
some of the most interesting facts about each station too, so
(02:57):
hopefully this episode has something for everyone.
So I invite you to recline in your favorite chair, dim the
ambient lighting to a mere flicker if you dare, and
accompany us as we traverse the labyrinth passageways of
London's famed underground system.
(03:19):
It is here, in this subterraneanworld, that the threads of
history and the paranormal are intricately woven together,
painting and mesmerizing yet spine gilling tapestry of a city
that is as active in the realm of the spectral as it is among
the living. Fight the.
(03:41):
Gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our first stop is Bank Station, one of the most complex
interchanges in the London Underground system, featuring a
network of tunnels and subways that connect four different
lines, the Central, northern, Waterloo and City, and the DLR.
(04:02):
The capacity isn't just due to the number of lines in the
station itself, but it's an architectural wonder featuring a
blend of various design elementsaccumulated over its long
history. While many of you may navigate
through Bank Station as part of your daily commute or occasional
trips, how many of you are awarethat you might not be the only
(04:24):
sort of passenger frequenting its labyrinth corridors?
Yes indeed. Bank Station, renowned for its
historical richness and architectural complexity, has
also garnered attention for its unusually high level of spectral
activity. The station stands at the very
pinnacle of haunted locations within the London Underground
(04:47):
system. The paranormal activity level is
classified as extremely high, a categorisation that should not
be taken lightly. The figure that frequents Bank
Station is known as the Black Nun and is one of the most
frequently cited apparitions in the annals of Bank stations.
(05:08):
Otherworldly occurrences cloakedin flowing, dark garments, this
spectral woman is often seen meandering through the
convoluted tunnels that make up the station.
Commuters and station staff alike describe her as an elusive
presence, forever out of reach and vanishing the moment 1
(05:28):
attempts to make direct eye contact with her.
The Black Nun is typically described as a sombre figure
enveloped in dark clothing resembling monastic attire.
Her presence is usually fleeting, appearing at the
peripherals of one's vision and disappearing just as quickly,
(05:49):
almost as if she's a fragment ofa long forgotten memory trying
to breakthrough to the consciousworld.
Accompanying her visual apparition are often reports of
an unexplained, petted smell reminiscent of decal stagnant
water. This odour is inconsistent, but
(06:10):
occurs frequently enough to havebeen noted by numerous
witnesses. Moreover, a heavy atmosphere of
sorrow seems to envelope the space she occupies, affecting
even those who may not have directly witnessed her form.
Soft footsteps echoing in empty corridors, whispered
(06:31):
conversations in hushed tones and indistinct murmurs
contribute to the auditory phenomena associated with the
black Nun. These auditory cues are often
reported during the less populated hours of late night or
early morning. Adding to the station's eerie
(06:51):
reputation. The narrative behind the black
noun is tinged with historical sorrow.
It's believed that she endlesslymourns for her executed brother,
an unfortunate soul who was oncean employee at a bank situated
on the site where Bank Station is now.
There is posit that her restlessspirit remains anchored to this
(07:15):
locale, perhaps as a manifestation of her unending
grief. The accounts are not merely law
or hearsay. They come from credible
witnesses, maintenance and security staff who perhaps know
the station better than anyone else.
They've shared their personal experiences, ranging from
unsettling feelings of being watched or even capturing visual
(07:39):
apparitions on CCTV cameras. This has led to a notably higher
number of transfer requests among the staff assigned at Bank
Station compared to other stations within the network.
A variety of independent studiesand paranormal investigations
have sought to corroborate theseclaims, employing sophisticated
(08:01):
equipment like Electronic Voice Phenomena, EVP devices, and
thermal cameras. Several of these studies have
lent credibility to the common reports, making it a subject of
intrigue even for the scientificcommunity.
The station may be named after the Bank of England, but the
area boasts a much older lineage.
(08:24):
Artefacts and remnants of Roman architecture have been
discovered during construction and renovations, implying that
the region around Bank and monument stations might once
have been part of the Roman settlement of Londonium, more of
which can be listened in to. In Episode #1, An Introduction
to Roman London, a concealed graveyard exists close to Bank
(08:48):
Station, specifically under the site where the Bank of England
stands. The churchyard of Saint
Christopher le Stocks was subsumed by the bank's expansion
in 1781. Far from being eradicated, the
graveyard was respectfully integrated into the garden of
the Bank of England. It wasn't until later in the
(09:10):
1930s, the graves were transferred to Nunhead Cemetery
when the Bank of England was rebuilt.
Between the train and. The platform Our next stop is
Farringdon Station. Farringdon Station has the
(09:31):
distinction of being one of the oldest railway terminals in
London. It was originally opened as
Farringdon Street Station in 1863 as part of the Metropolitan
Railway, the world's first underground railway line.
And you can hear more of that inepisode 88, The World's First
Underground Railway. The current station building was
(09:54):
designed by architect Charles Walter Clark and opened in 1922.
The structure displays elements of Edwardian architectural style
and has retained several of its original features.
Farrington serves as a key interchange between the London
Underground, the the Thameslink National Rail services and also
Crossrail, known as also Elizabeth Line, and it's
(10:18):
expected to become one of the London's most well connected
stations, especially with LondonMuseum reopening.
Faringdon Station is not for thefaint of heart, however,
particularly for those intriguedin the paranormal.
The station stands on top of side with a dark history that
(10:39):
reach back to the 17th century. It was a hub for travellers.
Today it remains haunted by Ann Naylor, a young girl who met a
tragic fate. This is a narrative filled with
tragedy, haunting manifestationsand indelible traces that
(11:00):
history leaves in its wake. The story revolves around Ann
Naylor, a young apprentice in the hat making trade who met a
grim fate at the hands of her employers back in 1758.
The gruesome detail that adds a layer of eeriness in this story
is that her lifeless body was discarded right where Farrington
(11:21):
Station would later come to stand.
But let's first talk about the auditory manifestations that add
an aura of the supernatural to Farrington Station.
The most recurrent of these are blood curdling screams that have
been reported echoing through the tunnels and platforms.
(11:43):
These aren't your average soundsof a busy, bustling underground
station. These are screams that send
shivers down your spine. Alongside this, whispers are
occasionally heard. Imagine being a late night
commuter or a station worker andhearing soft, unexplained
(12:04):
whispers floating through the air.
The sound spectrum at this station certainly seems to
vibrate on a otherworldly frequency, moving into sensory
manifestations. These have been multiple
accounts of sudden and unexplained drops in
temperature. These icy patches often
(12:25):
correlate with the areas where the infamous screams are usually
heard. Add to this olfactory phenomena
a musty, decayed scent that wafts through the station,
particularly during the quieter late night hours.
It's as though the station itself is exuding an aura of
(12:46):
unease. Witness accounts corroborate
these strange occurrences. Station workers have detailed
odd happenings during their shifts, especially in the later
hours when human activity dies down.
Moreover, paranormal investigators who have ventured
into the station have reported capturing EVP, which including
(13:08):
recordings of these mysterious screams and whispers.
There are also anomalies that defy straightforward
explanations. Flickering lights, discurpances
in surveillance camera feeds andeven glimpses of orbs and
shadowy figures have been reported, often coinciding with
the aforementioned screams. It comes as no surprise that
(13:32):
Farrington stations hauntings have made it a subject of
fascination. In various forms of media.
There've been numerous articles,books and even documentaries
focusing on these paranormal activities, enriching London's
already complex tapestry of history and mystery.
So next time you find yourself at Farringdon Station,
(13:54):
especially if it's late at night, you might want to be
extra attentive to the sounds and sensations around you.
Who knows, you might just hear or feel the lingering presence
of Ann Naylor, a young life cut short whose spirit many believe
still wanders the station's tunnels.
(14:16):
And if you'd like to learn more about Anne Naylor, then join me
on my Bleeding Hearts and Body Parts tour, which starts quite
conveniently at Farringdon Station Find.
The gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our next stop, Bethnal Green Bethnal Green Station, which was
(14:42):
opened on the 4th of December 1946, is part of the Central
Line. Despite its construction
starting in the 1930s, the station's opening was delayed
due to the onset of the Second World War.
Designed by architect Charles Holden, Bethnal Green Station is
(15:02):
a prime example of the modernistarchitectural style.
Featuring an aesthetically distinct cylindrical glass
entrance, its architecture makesit a stand out feature in the
landscape of London Underground stations.
Bethnal Green is one of the busiest stations of the Central
(15:22):
Line, especially given its proximity to local attractions
and venues. It serves as a major transit
point for those visiting Victoria Park, the Museum of
Childhood or taking a stroll along the nearby Regents Canal.
Bethnal Green Station isn't youreveryday tube station.
(15:43):
It's steeped in a history that'snot just fascinating, but also
incredibly sombre. During the Second World War,
tube stations often served as shelters during air raids, and
Bethnal Green was no different. However, it became the site of a
tragedy that left an indelible mark on its walls as well as its
(16:06):
aura. Picture this it's 1943 and the
air raid sirens have just gone off.
A panic stricken crowd rushes into Bethnal Green station
seeking sanctuary. In the chaos, someone trips on
the stairs. What follows is a catastrophic
(16:30):
Stampede. When the dust settles, 173
people, including many women andchildren, are found dead, not
from the bombs above but from the crush of bodies below.
Since that tragic evening, the station has been anything but
(16:51):
ordinary. Passengers and station staff
alike report hearing haunting cries of women and children,
especially during the quiet hours.
The screams often begin softly, almost like whispers, but then
crescendo into an overwhelming cacophony.
Imagine standing there late at night, only to be enveloped by a
(17:13):
Symphony of echoing cries. Some say it feels as though the
station is reliving that horrendous night over and over
again. Many have ventured down to
Bethnal Green in search of thesespectral sounds, and several
have come away convinced that the station serves as a monument
not just to architectural or engineering feats, but also to
(17:36):
the souls that were lost that fateful night.
This auditory hoarding continuesto intrigue paranormal
investigators, who often descendinto the depths of Bethnal
Green, hoping to capture these haunting echoes on their audio
equipment. But as with all tales of
haunting, we can never be entirely sure what it is that
(17:59):
causes these phenomena. Is it the imprint of the past,
forever grained in the walls of Bethnal Green station that
you're hearing? Or could it be something more
inexplicable, A mysterious dimension of reality that we're
yet to understand? Well, we may not have the
answers. It is clear that Bethnal Green
(18:20):
Station remains one of the most compelling examples of
paranormal activity on the London Underground fight.
The gap between the crane. And the platform?
Our next stop? Covent Garden.
One of Covent Garden's station'smost distinguishing features is
(18:43):
it's Edwardian architecture. Designed by architect Leslie
Green, the station opened in 1907 with the characteristic
oxblood glazed terracotta facade, which has become
emblematic of early 20th centuryLondon Underground stations.
Perhaps the most infamous feature of Covent Garden Station
(19:05):
is it's 193 steps. That's equivalent to a 15 Storey
building. There are signs which warn
passengers about the exhausting climb, suggesting the use of
lifts instead, but some choose to test their endurance, often
regretting it after a couple of flights.
(19:27):
Covent Garden Station sees a tremendous amount of foot
traffic. Prior to COVID-19, the station
had an annual footfall of around16,000,000 passengers, making it
one of the busiest stations for tourists.
Due to its proximity to various landmarks and entertainment
venues, the station is relatively shallow compared to
(19:49):
other London Underground stations.
With its platform situated just 16.2 meters below ground level,
Covent Garden Station is a location with moderate to high
paranormal activity that has left both commuters and station
staff alike feeling. Rather uneasy.
(20:10):
So who is this spectral residentof Covent Garden Station?
Well, the ghost is widely believed to be none other than
William Terrace, a Victorian actor of some renown.
Picture this a tall figure, clads in a hat and cloak, A
distinct old world charm around him.
(20:33):
That's how he's often described by these fortunate, or perhaps
unfortunate enough to encounter him.
What makes the story of William Terrace truly intriguing is his
connection to a bakery that oncestood on the very site where
Covent Garden station was later built.
Terrace was known to frequent this bakery during his lifetime,
(20:54):
and it seems his affinity for the location persisted even in
the afterlife. This isn't your run-of-the-mill
haunting. This is a ghost with a ponchon
for places that held meaning forhim while he was still among the
living. Perhaps one of the most striking
elements of this haunting is theolfactory experience.
(21:18):
Many have reported a sudden whiff of Cologne wafting through
the air, seemingly out of nowhere.
Given that Terrace was known forhis elegance and style, it's
hardly surprising that his ghostly manifestation would also
be accompanied by his signature scent.
(21:38):
And let me assure you, the aromaisn't constant.
It comes and goes often when least expected, adding an
unsettling but fascinating layerto this tale.
Now, if you happen to find yourself at Covent Garden
Station where the you're waitingfor a train or simply exploring
(21:58):
the area, be aware. If you catch that unexpected
scent of Cologne, or perhaps feel the fleeting presence of a
tall man in a cloak, remember the tale of William Terrace,
forever etched in the very fabric of Covent Gardens
history, seemingly unwilling to exit the stage just yet.
(22:23):
If you'd like to know more aboutthe actor William Terrace, then
tune into episode #92, which tells you all about his growing
up, the performances, how he actually got to where he was,
including how he was very violently murdered.
If you'd like to know more aboutCovent Garden in the Victorian
(22:43):
era, then you're very welcome tojoin me on a Victorian Covent
Garden tour, starting at CharingCross and ending at Covent
Garden Piazza 90 minutes later. Fight the.
Gap between the train. And the platform, we have
reached our final destination. That is all for now, I will say
(23:09):
for another time. The Erie station worker in
overalls, the mysterious woman who boards, trains, but never
disembarks or the Roman construction workers.
Until next time.
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