Hammersmith, a district in West London, is brimming with fascinating local legends and folklore that are often entwined with its rich history. One such tale revolves around the Hammersmith Ghost, a spectral figure said to haunt the area in the early 19th century. The ghost's story began in 1803 when multiple residents reported seeing a white-clad figure in the churchyard of St. Paul’s Church. This apparition was believed to be the spirit of a man who had committed suicide and thus was buried in unconsecrated ground.
The Hammersmith Ghost panic reached a crescendo when a local man named Francis Smith shot and killed a bricklayer named Thomas Millwood, mistaking him for the ghost. This incident led to a trial that is famous for its legal implications on self-defense and the belief in supernatural phenomena. Smith was initially sentenced to death, although his punishment was later commuted to a year’s hard labor.
Ravenscourt Park, a scenic 13-hectare public park in Hammersmith, is also steeped in history. In the 14th century, the area was known as Palingswick Manor. It is said that the manor was haunted by the ghost of Lady Alice Perrers, a mistress of King Edward III, who roams the grounds searching for her lost jewels.
The Dove Pub, located on the banks of the River Thames, is one of Hammersmith's most charming historical landmarks. This establishment has been serving patrons since the early 18th century and is reputed to be the place where James Thomson wrote the lyrics for the famous song “Rule, Britannia!” The pub also holds the Guinness World Record for having the smallest bar room in the world.
Another intriguing site is the Hammersmith Bridge, originally designed by William Tierney Clark and completed in 1827. This suspension bridge has its own set of eerie stories, including sightings of ghostly apparitions and mysterious sounds. During World War II, it was rumored that the bridge was haunted by the spirits of those who had perished in the bombings.
Speaking of bridges, legend has it that Fulham Palace, a historic residence located nearby, is connected to Hammersmith by a secret underground tunnel. This tunnel was allegedly used by bishops to escape during times of unrest. While no definitive evidence of the tunnel has ever been found, the story persists in local folklore.
The Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith, which opened in 1895, is not just a hotspot for contemporary dramas but also a repository of ghost stories. The most famous spectral resident is a Victorian-era actor named Lionel who is said to haunt the backstage area. Actors and staff have reported cold spots, unexplained noises, and even sightings of Lionel's ghostly figure.
Hammersmith's local folklore wouldn’t be complete without mentioning William Morris, the renowned artist, designer, and social activist. Morris lived in Kelmscott House, located along the River Thames, from 1878 until his death in 1896. It is said that the spirit of Morris still lingers in the house, inspiring artists and designers who visit the museum today.
A lesser-known but equally intriguing tale is that of the Hammersmith Palais, a dance hall and music venue that opened in 1919. During its heyday, it hosted legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. However, some claim that the Palais is haunted by the ghost of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s. Visitors report hearing her sobbing and seeing her spectral figure on the dance floor.
Lastly, the folklore surrounding Brook Green includes a variety of tales from the medieval period. One legend speaks of a hidden treasure buried by monks from a nearby abbey. The treasure was supposedly buried to protect it from Viking invaders, and it is said that the ghosts of the monks still guard it to this day.
Hammersmith's local legends and folklore are a testament to its rich history and the enduring power of storytelling. From haunted pubs and theaters to spectral sightings on bridges and in parks, the district is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored.