Among the most haunted locations in London is the area surrounding Southwark, where Viking graves have been discovered. Ghostly figures of Viking women, often depicted wearing elaborate garments and intricate jewelry, are said to appear in the dead of night, wandering the streets in search of their lost loved ones. In some versions of the tale, these restless spirits are believed to be searching for the graves of their husbands or sons who died in battle, eternally grieving their loss.
At Greenwich, another area with strong Viking ties, stories persist of a Viking king's burial site, said to be located near the Greenwich Meridian. Ghostly figures are said to emerge on foggy nights, with some witnesses claiming to have seen a Viking king or chieftain leading a procession of warriors across the river.
The Viking Curse and the Tower of London
Perhaps the most famous Viking-related ghost story in London involves the infamous Viking Curse, a tale rooted in both Viking and English history. It is said that during the reign of Sweyn Forkbeard, the Viking king placed a curse on the Tower of London, vowing that if the English ever rose against the Vikings, they would pay dearly for their betrayal. Many believe that the curse has continued to haunt the Tower, with violent events and untimely deaths occurring within its walls.
One of the most chilling aspects of the Tower’s haunting is the claim that the ghost of Sweyn Forkbeard himself roams the tower’s corridors. Descriptions of his ghost depict him as a tall, imposing figure, his eyes glowing with a fiery intensity, and his Viking crown resting atop his head. According to legend, Sweyn’s spirit seeks revenge on the descendants of those who betrayed his reign.
The curse is believed to have manifested during several major historical events, including the beheading of Anne Boleyn, the execution of Lady Jane Grey, and various other tragic deaths throughout the Tower’s history. Some historians believe that these tragic events were the result of Sweyn's lingering wrath. shutdown123