Author Archives: John Pullen

Another of London’s not quite lost rivers but more of a hidden one is situated in south London. It is the River Effra and it rises in Upper Norwood, not far from Crystal Palace. Like many of these rivers, it still exists but is mostly underground and has often been incorporated into the various sewageContinue reading “The River that Stole a Coffin”

One of the leading figures to bring the world closer to the modern scientific age was Sir Francis bacon. He was born in London in 1561 and became Lord Chancellor of England in 1618. But then he fell into debt and had to leave politics. However, science became the winner. The “scientific method” which wasContinue reading “A Frozen Chicken has its Bacon”

Another of London’s now hidden rivers also rises in the Hampstead area. It is the River Westbourne and it is believed its source is situated at Whitestone Pond on Hampstead Heath. It has not always been called by its present name. In fact, over the years, it has been known by up to ten otherContinue reading “Where a River Flows Over a London Tube Station”

It is Halloween this weekend and from my book “Secret Haunted London” this is perhaps the most difficult sighting to explain… I dare you to read on…     The Langham Hotel is an imposing building at 1 Portland Place opposite BBC Broadcasting House off Regent Street just north of Oxford Circus. It was designed byContinue reading “The BBC ghost of Room 333”

This is the final tale of London hauntings for December and this one has a ghost who only appears, they say, on Christmas Day.     The frontage of Buckingham Palace is probably one of the best known buildings in the world. Many people believe that it is the home to Queen Elizabeth II. But itContinue reading “The Christmas Ghost of Buckingham Palace”

This is the latest London ghost story for the month leading up to Christmas; perfect for these cold dark nights.     Highgate Cemetery is one of the best known cemeteries in London, if not the whole country. It is split into the West and East sides and is separated by Swain’s Lane. The western sideContinue reading “The Vampire of Highgate Cemetery”

This is the latest tale of London ghostly appearances in our lead-up to Christmas and features a well-known pub with a spooky sleeping partner!     The Ten Bells pub is located close to Spittlefields Market but it is also not that far from Whitechapel which might give you a clue to why this tavern mightContinue reading “The Pub Ghost who sleeps with you”

All Hallows by the Tower is one of the oldest churches in London. It was first constructed in 675 CE and stands on the site of a Roman building. In fact if you go down into the crypt you can still see part of a Roman floor built nearly 2,000 years ago. The original nameContinue reading “The Lady in Black and the Choirboys”

Samuel Morse was born on the 27th April 1791 in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He went to Yale College and studied a wide range of subjects including mathematics, religious philosophy and the science of horses. He also had a flair for art and was able to support himself in college by painting portraits and other commissions.    Continue reading “Tapping into Samuel Morse”

Frederic Chopin was one of the greats of classical music and made his reputation with his compositions for the piano. He was born on the 1st March 1810 near Warsaw in Poland. By the time he was six, he was already composing pieces for the piano. His official musical training began when he was sevenContinue reading “Chopin – Home is Where his heart is”