St John’s Library
St John’s Library in London dates back to 1630 when it was established as part of St John’s College, Cambridge. The original Tudor-style building still stands today, with its distinctive red brick facade and leaded glass windows. Over the centuries, the library has accumulated a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, including medieval illuminated texts and early scientific works.
The library has a long history of reported paranormal activity. One of the most frequently encountered spirits is said to be that of a 17th century librarian, often seen reorganizing books on shelves after hours. Staff and visitors have described hearing his footsteps and the sound of books being moved when the building is empty.
Another commonly reported apparition is a young woman in Victorian-era dress, believed to be a student who died tragically on the premises in the 1800s. She has been seen wandering the aisles and sitting at reading tables, only to vanish when approached.
Cold spots and unexplained drafts are often felt near the rare book section, accompanied by the faint scent of old parchment and ink. Some researchers have reported books falling from shelves without explanation, particularly volumes related to occult topics.
In the 1970s, a night watchman famously quit his position after repeatedly encountering what he described as a “dark, cloaked figure” in the library’s basement archives. This entity has since been spotted by others, always seeming to disappear into the shadows when noticed.
Unexplained whispers and muffled conversations have been recorded in empty rooms, and several people have reported feeling watched while alone in the stacks. The library’s reputation for paranormal activity has made it a subject of interest for researchers and historians studying supernatural phenomena in historic British buildings.
Address
10-11 Stockwell Street, London, SE10 9BD, United KingdomStockwell Street
SE10 9BD London, England,