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Located on the edge of Hampstead Heath in North London, The Spaniards Inn is a legendary haunted pub linked to history and horror, says RICK HALE
Located on the edge of Hampstead Heath in North London is one of the city’s most legendary pubs, the unforgettable The Spaniards Inn.
To say that this landmark pub played an important role in English literature would be an understatement.
Built in 1585 and forming the entrance to the Bishop of London’s estate, The Spaniards Inn has played host to some of the greatest literary minds to ever grace British history.
The outrageous Lord Byron often visited the pub with his dashing presence, as did Keats who wrote his poem: Ode to a nightingalein the garden.
The Spaniards Inn appeared in Bram Stoker’s immortal tale of bloodlust, Dracula.
And it was immortalized in Charles Dickens’ debut novel, The Pickwick Papers.
Although these respected men of letters were regular patrons of The Spaniards Inn, the land so close to the city attracted a, shall we say, less than appetizing fate, the dreaded highwaymen.
These murderous scoundrels stopped here for a pint or two while mapping wealthy travelers as they left London.
It is even believed that The Spaniards Inn was the birthplace of the king of highwaymen, the ever-deadly, Dick Turpin.
Locals say this is supported by his father being the landlord of this legendary pub at the time of Turpin’s birth.
Although the Spaniards Inn is entering its fifth century as a popular watering hole in a very modern city, the Spaniards has retained its old-world charm.
While you and your friends and family enjoy the generous menu of some of the best beers in London, you can peruse the collection of literature.
Alongside Dick Turpin’s artifacts, it has endured long after the demise of the legendary bandits.
But old books and artefacts aren’t the only things that haunt this old pub. According to many, the Spaniards Inn is home to a small handful of ghosts. Including Turpin himself.
History of the Spaniards Inn
Most London pubs have unique names that set them apart from the rest, but many wonder how this North London pub got its name.
Well, that comes from two Spanish brothers who owned the building. And a tragic story about jealousy and love that brings us to our first fear.
According to local legend, the pub was owned by brothers Francesco and Juan Porero.
The brothers came from Spain and were known as inseparable. They were the best of friends and nothing could tear them apart. Except a woman.
Francesco and Juan fell in love with a beautiful local woman and the two fought viciously over her.
Until one day Juan challenged his brother to a duel just outside the pub they owned. When the shots rang out, Juan lay dead on the ground and was buried next to the Spaniard.
Since that fateful day, Juan’s distraught ghost has regularly wandered the Spaniards Inn, forever regretting that he lost his brother and his life to jealousy.
The White Lady
As with many haunted locations in Britain, The Spaniards Inn has its own white lady.
In the garden is the apparition of a woman in a thin white dress. It has been said that the ghost lady is the very woman the Porero brothers fought over so many years ago.
Black cock
Moneylenders haven’t exactly been the most popular people throughout history. They often engaged in shady practices to lend and get their money back. Even in the case of Black Dick, as cruel as possible.
So it was no great tragedy when a local moneylender known as Black Dick was trampled by a horse and cart outside the pub.
Black Dick found his way to his favorite pub, but in ghostly form.
This strangely named phantom is rarely seen, but often felt. Black Dick has been known to pull the patron’s arms if he thinks they’ve had one too many.
Turpin himself
And finally, the Spaniards Inn haunted house wouldn’t be complete without the ghost of the cruel thief, Dick Turpin.
Of course, many places in the region claim the ghost of the infamous highwayman, but here at De Spanjaard he is regularly seen.
Countless people have seen Turpin riding his trusty steed, Black Bess, to the front of the Spaniard. He gets off and walks through the front door before disappearing from view.
The Spaniards Inn in North London is an integral part of both the history and events that make this ancient city great.
So drop by and have a pint or two in this friendly pub. You might be lucky and see one of the many ghosts.
Have you seen a ghost or experienced the paranormal at The Spaniards Inn? Tell us about it in the comment section below!
