7 creepy London superstitions that will give you goosebumps
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On Halloween, we’re taking the opportunity to take a closer look at some of London’s most creepy superstitions.
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Hide AdSome of them you might be familiar with, like the ravens at the Tower of London, while others might come as a shock.
In a city with such history, it is unsurprising that it has collected a series of frightening folktales over the years.
While some may brush these off as silly superstitions that aren’t worth the time of day, others abide by them religiously.
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Hide AdTell us what you think about these creepy London superstitions below.
1. The Ravens of the Tower of London
Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. To prevent this, at least six ravens are kept at the Tower, with their wings clipped to stop them from flying away. This superstition dates back centuries, and the ravens are considered “guardians” of the monarchy.
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Hide Ad2. The Curse of the London Stone
This mysterious stone, embedded in a wall on Cannon Street, is believed to be a Roman relic that holds the fate of London. The superstition goes that as long as the stone remains safe, London will prosper. Removing or damaging it is thought to bring disaster, and any construction around it is done carefully to avoid disturbing it.
3. Touching the Nose of "Lucky" Saint Paul’s Cathedral Statue
Inside St. Paul’s Cathedral, a statue of St. Paul holding a sword has developed a reputation as a “good luck charm.” Some people believe that touching the nose of the statue brings good fortune. Though mostly known by locals, it has become a little-known superstition among those who frequent the cathedral
4. The Black Dog of Newgate
The Newgate prison, long since demolished, was said to be haunted by a spectral black dog. This omen of misfortune or death was often seen by prisoners and guards alike. To this day, stories persist that the ghost of the black dog roams near Old Bailey and the remains of Newgate, symbolizing doom for anyone who encounters it.
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Hide Ad5. Don’t Step on a "Plague Pit"
London’s underground is peppered with “plague pits,” mass graves from the Black Death and later outbreaks. Many Londoners avoid stepping on known plague pit sites or even refuse to live near them, fearing misfortune, illness, or ghosts. There’s a belief that building on these sites brings bad luck, and some locations are marked to remember the souls who perished.
6. The Changing of Big Ben’s Clock Face
If Big Ben’s clock stops or its time is altered, it’s considered a bad omen. There have been rare times when the clock stopped, and it has coincidentally aligned with significant events, leading to a superstition that changes to Big Ben’s time signal impending disaster for the city.
7. "Ring, a ring o’ roses” at Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery, a famous resting place with elaborate tombs, is steeped in superstition. The children’s rhyme “Ring, a ring o’ roses,” often associated with the plague, is sometimes whispered by visitors, who believe doing so will honour the deceased and keep spirits from following them home. Some say hearing it spontaneously is a warning of bad luck.
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