If there’s one thing that gives every one of us the chills, it’s ghost photos. While some write these off as tricks of light or the product of double exposure, others believe these images offer glimpses of the supernatural.
So as Halloween is almost upon us once again, I though I would share fifteen of the most famous ghost photographs ever taken. Some you might have seen before, some you might have not.
The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall (1936)
We start with a true classic. Captured by Country Life photographers at Raynham Hall, England, this image features the translucent figure of a woman descending the staircase. Known as the “Brown Lady,” she’s believed to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, whose tragic life and untimely death sparked local legend. Even the most sceptical photographers have struggled to debunk this haunting apparition.
Freddy Jackson’s Ghost (1919)
This eerie photo shows a group of World War I airmen, but if you look closely you will spot an extra face in the back row. The faint figure of Freddy Jackson, a mechanic who had died two days before this photo was taken. It seems he had shown up for one last group shot with his comrades. Even his fellow airmen believed Freddy made one final appearance from beyond the grave.
The Tulip Staircase Ghost (1966)
In the Queen’s House at Greenwich, England, Rev. Ralph Hardy captured a ghostly figure clutching the railing of the Tulip Staircase. No-one else was there when he took the picture and despite countless investigations this eerie figure has never been explained. The Queen’s House is known for its ghostly activity, making it a favourite spot for paranormal hunters.
Lord Combermere’s Ghost (1891)
While Lord Combermere’s funeral took place miles away, a photographer snapped a picture of his empty library. Or was it empty? The image reveals a ghostly figure seated in a chair that strongly resembled Lord Combermere himself. Was he saying farewell from beyond the grave?
The Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery (1991)
Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery in Illinois is notorious for ghost sightings and in 1991 a group of paranormal investigators captured a photograph of a woman in white, seated on a tombstone. Known as “The Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove,” this apparition has captivated paranormal enthusiasts worldwide. Who was she, still remains a mystery to this day.
The Ghostly Boy of Waverly Hills (2006)
Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Kentucky is one of the most haunted locations in the U.S., and in 2006 investigators captured what seems to be a young boy peeking around a corner. Named “Timmy” by locals, the ghostly child is said to haunt the old sanatorium’s halls, making his presence known to everyone who enters.
The Newby Church Monk (1963)
In Newby Church, North Yorkshire, a photograph taken by Rev. K.F. Lord appears to show a dark hooded figure standing near the altar. Known as the “Newby Monk,” this apparition has puzzled sceptics and believers alike. The church’s 600-year history only deepens the mystery surrounding this ghostly visitor.
The Coventry Spectre (1985)
St. Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry, England, holds many secrets. In 1985 an annual dinner was held by the City of Coventry Freemen’s Guild attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress. As was customary, prayers were said before the meal and a photographer captured the moment. But when the picture was developed it had captured the chilling image of a robed figure standing at the end of a table, near the famous Coventry Tapestry. Some say it’s an echo of a long-lost spirit who hasn’t left St. Mary’s Guildhall.
Worstead Church Ghost (1975)
During a quiet afternoon in Worstead Church, Norfolk, Diane Berthelot’s husband took a photo of her seated in a pew. Later they noticed a faint figure of a woman in white seated just behind Diane. Locals say this spirit is the “White Lady,” a healer who lived centuries ago.
Robert A. Ferguson’s Ghostly Brother (1968)
While giving a speech in Los Angeles, author Robert A. Ferguson was photographed with what appears to be the faint image of his deceased brother standing beside him. Ferguson himself was a sceptic but even he had trouble explaining his spectral companion that day.
The Ghost of Boothill Cemetery (1996)
At Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone, Arizona, a visitor captured a photo showing what looks like a cowboy standing near the graves. The figure wasn’t seen at the time and no one else was there. The apparition has a haunting Old West vibe, fitting for a town steeped in legendary shootouts and outlaw tales.
The Ghost of Grandpa (1997)
When Denise Russell took a photo of her grandmother she didn’t realise that her deceased grandfather would show up in the background looking right at the camera. Her grandmother was unaware of his presence making this one of the most touching ghost apparitions captured on camera
Sefton Church Ghost (1999)
A photo from Sefton Church in Liverpool appears to capture a ghostly figure in period clothing. With a history stretching back to the 1100’s this medieval church has seen its share of death and despair making it the perfect haunting ground for spirits from all era’s
The Amityville Ghost Boy (1976)
During the infamous Amityville house investigation a photo was taken of a young boy with glowing eyes peeking out from behind a door. No children were present in the house leading investigators to believe it was the spirit of the young boy killed in the original murders that cursed the house.
The Ghost of the SS Watertown (1924)
While at sea crew members aboard the SS Watertown claimed they could see the faces of two deceased sailors in the water. A photograph was taken and sure enough two ghostly faces appear to float in the waves. This haunting sea spectre has left sceptics stumped for decades.
So there you have it. Fifteen of the most famous ghost photographs.
Most of these photos have endured countless attempts to be debunked, while others have become legendary. Whether you believe these are all real or not, all these photo’s have had people talking and discussing about them for years and likely for more years to come and they keep us that little bit spooked, especially this time of year.
