Ghosts of London's Haunted Old Operating Theatre

London’s Old Operating Theatre

Resting inconspicuously amongst one of London’s busiest suburbs, shaded by the towering ‘Shard’ lies an early eighteenth century church, which conceals a gruesome piece of history inside its attic. There lies the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe, predating both anesthetic and antiseptic. The church, which houses the theatre was once part of the neighboring old St. Thomas Hospital, and also holds its original herb garret. This area was once where the hospital would dry and store herbs and medicines.

Haunted London Old Operating Theater. — Displays inside the haunted Old Operating Theatre in London.

The herb garret actually predates the operating theatre, which was built in 1822 as an extension to the hospital’s existing women’s ward and was a necessary addition for surgeries to be held. The theatre was built to produce plenty of natural light and house up to 100 students, who would visit to view operations in progress and learn from skillful surgeons.

Patient’s at London’s Old Operating Theatre were predominantly female, very poor and mortality rates were high. Patients would opt in for painful, deadly surgery performed in front of large audiences simply to receive medical treatment, which was not affordable for them.

Church that houses the Old Operating Theatre. — Looking up at the church where the Old Operating Theatre resides inside of its attic.

In 1862 both the herb garret and operating theatre were blocked off inside the church as the St. Thomas Hospital was relocating else where. The attic sat undisturbed, collecting dust until 1956 when Raymond Russell rediscovered it. At the time he was researching the history of the St. Thomas Hospital. He gained access to the closed off attic via a ladder and found what was then the only surviving operating theatre in Europe.

Herb Garret and Old Operating Theatre London. — Display inside the Old Operating Theatre’s herb garret.

London’s Old Operating Theatre now functions as a restored museum. Through its gruesome past, high instances of death and its long time closure, many ghost stories surrounding the Old Operating Theater have arisen.

Haunted museum in London. — Display case in one of Londons most haunted museums.

The Haunted Old Operating Theatre, London

The dark history of London’s Old Operating Theatre has lead to a number of supposed hauntings within the building. Some have claimed to sight the apparition of an elderly lady shrouded in black clothing within the operating theatre. She is described as being extremely sad, wailing and weeping. Some believe that she may be mourning the loss of a loved one who could have died in the theater, while others believe that she may have died whilst being operated on.

Surgery tools in London's Old Operating Theatre. — Old instruments used in surgery inside the Old Operating Theatre, London.

There is a second ghostly woman believed to roam the halls of the Old Operating Theatre, known simply as the woman in white. Her origin and back story are not known, but she is often seen walking around in a glowing white dress.

Viewing points to watch surgery inside the Old Operating Theatre. — Gazing out over the operating theatre where students would once have stood to observe surgery.

The final paranormal instance happened to a member of staff who was setting up the museum for opening. Whilst working she heard a great, sudden noise emanate from the herb garret. Upon entering that room she noticed that every single cabinet door and drawer inside the museum had been opened. This was strange as they previously been shut, some are hard to open and she was completely alone within the museum. Frightened, she fled and would only return when another staff member arrived to escort her. They were also able to confirm that all of the drawers had been opened.

Haunted Old Operating Theater museum, London. — Artifacts laying in a display case inside the museum.

Could the Old Operating Theatre be one of the most haunted places in London? Watch my video to take a look inside of it.

Plague Mask inside London Old Operating Theater. — Plague Doctor mask on display inside the Old Operating Theatre in London.

Visiting London’s Haunted Old Operating Theatre

Visits to the Old Operating Theatre in London are fascinating, yet equally macabre. The museum could easily be missed from the outside though it sits in down town London. Entrance is just £6.50 for adults and one could spend hours perusing through the displays. Check ahead of time with the venue and you might be lucky enough to catch one of their live talks and handle some old medical instruments.