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South London’s Wandsworth is known as the home of the Battersea Poltergeist, but it’s full of spooky happenings, writes RICK HALE
In the paranormal realm, a region that is extremely active tends to be forgotten or overshadowed by a ghostly atmosphere that dominates all others.
Wandsworth in South London is a perfect example of this. In the 1950s, the Hitchens clan was attacked by a ruthless and ruthless poltergeist in Battersea.
without Danny Robins and his Battersea Poltergeist investigation it might have been forgotten.
But what about the other, lesser-known spectral activity in Wandsworth? Should we forget that? No of course not.
Because I’m telling you this, the Battersea poltergeist may have been bizarre and terrifying; the other haunted places in the area are just as bizarre and disturbing.
The black dog
Large, fearsome black dogs of devilish origins have been a part of British folklore since time immemorial.
legend has it that they appear suddenly without warning, eyes burning with nightmarish malice and gruesome teeth that break and grind.
While these dogs are terrifying, Wandsworth Road’s ghostly black dog is anything but.
The black dog on Wandsworth Road is a relative newcomer to the area, only recently appearing around number 523.
The dog, known to be friendly, is believed to have been a family pet that was killed when it darted into traffic.
The black dog mainly appears at night and has disappeared through a wall at 523.
Wandsworth Annie
Since opening in 1851, Wandsworth Prison has housed some of Britain’s most dangerous criminals.
And that is why Wandworth Prison has had many controversies throughout its history.
While investigating disturbing rumors, a BBC investigation has made several disturbing discoveries, including staff corruption and drug trafficking.
While this alone would make for an interesting article, this is about the paranormal. Wandsworth Prison is home to its very own Gray Lady.
There are two prevailing theories as to who this gray-clad phantom known as Wandsworth Annie was in life.
Some believe she was a cook who died under mysterious circumstances.
While others believe she was a former prisoner who died many years ago.
And her shabby gray clothes and veil that she wears corresponds to the latter theory. Because this was common prison clothing for female convicts.
Regardless of her origins, a number of inmates and staff have reported encountering the terrifying apparition when they least expected it.
She walks quietly through the prison’s hallways and disappears when confronted.
Poltergeist of Eland Road
Harry Price was and still is considered one of the most controversial figures in the history of paranormal research.
Depending on who you talk to, Price was a showman who exploited the paranormal for his own personal gain.
Or he was a serious and learned researcher who was truly looking for the unknown.
Anyway, he was involved in the investigation of one of Britain’s lesser known Poltergeist cases.
A case that truly baffled the seasoned ghost hunter, the Eland Road poltergeist.
In the late 1920s, Harry Price responded to a family on Eland Road experiencing something truly otherworldly.
The activity started as is usual for poltergeist episodes. The family reported that pennies were being thrown around the house.
The terrifying condition progressed to larger objects suddenly taking off from a fixed position and sailing around the room as if guided by an unknown intelligence.
The terrifying culminated in a violent act. A large chest of drawers was picked up and dumped on the floor.
Harry Price, despite his many years of investigating ghost cases, was truly baffled. He was never sure if there was a supernatural force at play. Or, if there were human-based shenanigans at work.
The Kraancafe
Located near The Causeway, where the River Wandle and the Thames meet, is the Crane Pub.
Although the tap is closed, it was once known as the most haunted building in Wandsworth. And it’s the oldest pub.
For much of history, two ghosts were said to haunt the old drinking bar.
The first of two ghosts is that of a little boy in shorts who is seen in the pub. Moving glasses and plates are attributed to this playful spirit.
The second is a ghostly woman in the attic who has been witnessed walking through walls. Unlike the boy, the woman in the attic is unaware of her surroundings and of anyone who sees her.
Ghost of St. Mary’s
And finally, we travel to St. May’s Church and the terrifying figure that lurks around the churchyard and nearby bridge.
Travelers passing by the church have reported the unnerving appearance of a large man in a cloak crawling among the gravestones.
The same mysterious figure has been seen crossing Putney Bridge on his way to church.
Although no name was ever given to the ghost, it is widely believed that he was a man who died a watery death after falling from the bridge.
The Wandsworth area was perhaps famous for its most illustrious ghost, the Battersea poltergeist.
But the rest of this south London neighborhood is buzzing with supernatural activity that deserves more than a second glance.
Have you had a paranormal experience in Wandsworth? Tell us about it in the comments below!
