7 Historical Haunts in Piccadilly

Burlington Arcade

Stepping into this historic covered shopping arcade, which has been open since 1819, feels like you've stepped into a London from times past. The high end boutiques and shops give it a feeling of glamour and tranquillity. This isn't always the case though. A poltergeist by the name of Percy has apparently been a resident of the arcade since 1953. Percy is said to have rearranged a display of briefcases and handbags in a perfect semicircle at the Unicorn Leather Company.

Green Park

Just across the road from The Athenaeum is Green Park, a gorgeous Royal Park perfect for daytime strolls. Yet the park hasn't always been such a calm place. During the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was a popular duelling spot among the aristocracy House. On the evening of Saturday, 11 January 1696, a duel took place between Sir Henry Dutton Colt and the rakish womaniser Robert Fielding, known as Beau Fielding. Both survived, but ever since, there have been reports of ghostly sounds echoing through the park on that anniversary.

Cambridge House

This Grade I listed townhouse at 94 Piccadilly was the home of the Naval and Military Club from around 1865 to 1999. A private members club for officers and gentlemen of the British Armed Forces, the club's former home in Piccadilly is said to be haunted by Major William Henry Braddell. When visiting the club to dine with friends in May 1940, he stepped out of the dining room to take a telephone call. When he returned, the room had been bombed. Just a week later, Braddell himself was killed in an air raid. In 1994, a night porter saw an apparition of Braddell wearing his World War Two trench coat. They say he returned to Cambridge House because it's the place he felt most at home in the world.

Fortnum & Mason

This luxury department store, whose building dates back to the 1700s, has a number of skeletons in its closet. One of the store's ghosts is said to be Mr Gaius Backholder, famously known as the Phantom of the Bottle. This mischievous poltergeist is known to haunt the Wine Crypt, where he's allegedly been spotted tossing glass bottles from the shelves. We've never known anyone to hate wine that much.

Vine Street

This street just off Piccadilly is approximately 70 feet, or 21 metres. Number 10 Vine Street used to be the Vine Street Police Station from 1829 until 1940, and then again from 1971 until the 1990s. In 1928, an officer working at the station committed suicide, and the station was said to be haunted by his ghost. There were reports of unexplained loud footsteps in the building and papers being moved around. The building has since been demolished and redeveloped.

Piccadilly Theatre

This Art Deco theatre just behind Piccadilly Circus is said to be haunted by former actress Evelyn Laye CBE, who starred in the very first production at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1928. Ironically, she was also known as Boo while she was alive. Her photo hangs in the theatre's office, but when it was taken down several years ago, poltergeist activity intensified. When it was replaced again, things became a lot calmer

Seek refuge this Halloween

Spend it at The Athenaeum & Residencies, with spooky fun happenings, ghoulish cocktails and all treats, with no tricks!