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Pub Preservation
by Mark Hoile,
North London Branch Pub Preservation Officer
A Haunted Tale
With no major news events over the Christmas and new year period, a look at reported pub ghosts in North London has revealed further links between our current public houses and local history.
A visit to the Camden Arms Randolph Street NW1 in search of its' resident ghost proved fruitless. The pub is reputedly one of the top 100 most haunted buildings in Britain. Legend has it that the last duel in England took place at the nearby 'Brecknock' public house, the resulting injuries proved to be so horrific that following the death of the victim outside the Camden Arms duelling was then made illegal in England in 1843. Very little detail is now available on both the duel itself and the status of the pub ghost. However research suggests that there are other apparent 'last victims' of duelling. Local residents said that there were reports that the Wesport (formerly Gypsy Queen) in Malden Road NW5 has at least one ghost within the pub although the suggested reason is that the undertakers adjacent to the pub has had an influence. The current landlord stated that he had no knowledge of any apparition.
Regular readers may also remember a past pub preservation success story relating to the Queens in Crouch End. Subsequently, and some months later contact with the branch was made by one of the new residents in what were the pubs former Victorian hotel rooms The member of staff was concerned that she was "not alone" in the pub at night.
Lastly a more well known and frequently experienced ghost is that resident in The Holly Bush NW3, where pub regulars will be happy to tell interested readers of the various events that have taken place. Readers with stories, details, and pictures of other North London related legends may contact the Editor.
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 24.
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