Take a journey down the River Thames and discover some of London’s darkest tales with this list of the top 10 dark stories associated with Britain’s most iconic waterway. From grisly murders to strange sightings, these chilling tales will reveal the fascinating history of the Thames and its surrounding area. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the river and uncover the secrets that have been hidden for centuries.
From its source in Gloucestershire to its wide estuary flowing into the North Sea, the River Thames has been witness to countless incredible stories throughout its long history. Here are ten of the darkest tales of the Thames.
1. The Dog-Headed Monster of Kew
In 1603, a fisherman from Kew stumbled upon a strange creature with the head of a dog, curled up on the banks of the Thames. His terrified cries summoned a crowd of curious spectators, who soon surrounded the creature. They determined that it was not a natural creature, but rather an apparition of some sort that had materialized out of thin air. After much debate, they decided to burn the creature, never knowing what exactly it had been.
2. The Death of William Rufus
The death of William Rufus, the son of William the Conqueror, is one of the darkest tales of the Thames. In 1100, while hunting in the New Forest, he suffered an arrow wound that eventually killed him. According to legend, his body was brought down the Thames to Westminster Abbey for burial, and the blood dripping from his body formed the ominously named “Rufus Pool”.
3. The Prophecy of Merlin
The great wizard Merlin made a prophecy that a king would be struck down on the banks of the Thames. Hundreds of years later, the prophecy came true when Edward II was murdered in 1327 by a man named Roger Mortimer. Mortimer then took control of England until Edward III came of age.
4. The Flood of 1928
One of the darkest days in the modern history of the Thames was the Great Flood of 1928. A combination of storms and high tides caused the river to swell to record levels, flooding parts of the city and killing 14 people. The disaster prompted massive improvements to the city’s flood defenses, preventing such a tragedy from occurring again.
5. The Mystery of The Ghost Ship
One of the most enduring mysteries of the River Thames is that of the “Ghost Ship,” which was first sighted on the river in 1848. It was said to be captained by a headless figure, and its eerie glowing lights were said to strike terror into the hearts of onlookers. The ship has never been identified or explained, leaving many to wonder what exactly it was.
6. The Execution of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was executed on Tower Green in 1536. Her body was put in a makeshift coffin and taken downriver to be buried in an unmarked grave at the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula. It is said that her ghost still haunts the Tower of London, as well as the banks of the Thames.
7. The Curse of Mary I
Mary I, also known as Bloody Mary, was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She was so hated during her reign that she cursed anyone who spoke ill of her, vowing to punish them in death. Many believe her curse is responsible for the mysterious deaths of those who have spoken against her, often by drowning in the Thames.
8. The Sinking of HMS Royal George
HMS Royal George was a navy vessel that sank in the Thames in 1782. More than 900 men were onboard, of whom only about 200 survived. It remains one of Britain’s worst naval disasters, and the sunken wreck can still be seen from certain points along the river.
9. The Disappearance of Jim Gray
Jim Gray was a software engineer who went missing in 2007 after setting off on a solo kayaking trip on the Thames. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him or his kayak has ever been found. His disappearance has become one of the greatest mysteries of the Thames.
10. The Curse of Whitechapel
Whitechapel is a district in East London that has long been associated with dark tales and curses. One of the most famous of these curses dates back to the 16th century, when a woman named Eliza Kettel cast a powerful spell to protect Whitechapel from harm. The curse states that any boat that brings death or destruction to the area will sink in the Thames.
From its beginnings as a sacred river to its present day status as an iconic part of London life, the Thames has been a source of endless curiosity and wonder. These dark tales add another layer to the long history of this majestic waterway, and they serve as a reminder of just how much the Thames has seen over the centuries.