I love a good ghost story, who doesn’t? There is certainly something thrilling about the unknown, the possibility of tortured souls still haunting the place of their demise for eternity. What is even more thrilling is when the paranormal is seemingly caught on camera. Here are 10 famous ghost photos for you to look at.

Catherine Howard

The photo is said to be the ghost of Henry VIII's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, who was beheaded in 1542 for supposed adultery. Legend said that after Catherine heard of the accusations and her impending arrest, she ran down the galley towards the Royal Chapel to find Henry, but before reaching him, she was stopped by guards and removed sobbing as she knew what her fate would be. Although this story is disputed, it is claimed that she still haunts Hampton Court Palace, where she was imprisoned before her execution at the Tower of London.

The Unexpected Guest

A very famous image, depicting a seemingly normal family smiling for the camera, unaware of what appears to be a hanging body. Unfortunately, it was a trick. Richard Ramsdell was one of the young boys in the 1959 photo. He is also the ‘hanging body,’ a photo taken as an adult, imposed through clever manipulation.

The Ghost Pilot

In 1987, Mrs Sayer visited the Fleet Air Arm Station in Somerset. She sat in the seat of a helicopter used in the Falklands War, and her friend took a photo. Mrs Sayer was the only one in the aircraft, but there appears to be a figure in the other seat. There is still much debate about this photo; some say it’s a reflection of the sun or of Mrs Sayer. Others claim it is clearly a pilot in his dress whites.

Goddard Squadron

In 1919, Sir Victor Goddard took this photo of his RAF squadron. But a face appeared that shouldn’t have been there; that of Freddy Jackson. He had died days earlier after walking into a moving propeller (ouch!) and was identified in the photo by the others.

However, the only recorded death of a Freddy Jackson in the war was a Frederick William Jackson who had died just a few days before the photo was taken, but in an infirmary from heart failure.

Prank? Double exposure? Or perhaps the ghost of someone nicknamed Freddy, saying goodbye to his friends.

The Amityville Ghost

One of the most famous ghost stories ever, and this photo was taken by one of the most infamous couples, Ed and Lorraine Warren. This photo supposedly shows the ghost of John DeFeo, who was just 9 years old when, alongside his brother, sisters, and parents, he was murdered by his older brother, Ronald. Although the murders were, sadly, very real, there are many (including people who have lived here) who say the hauntings were not. Those who did experience unexplained phenomena said what was written about was highly exaggerated.

The Pawling Fire Department

In 1988, Rose Benvenuto was involved in a serious car crash that should have proved fatal, but she miraculously survived. This photo was taken by attending firefighter Sharon Boo. Photo malfunction? Or guardian angel?

The Chinnery Backseat Ghost

Every year, Mabel Chinnery and her husband travelled to pay their respects at the grave of Mabel’s mother. In 1959, Mabel had a new camera and was taking photos, including this one of her husband in the seat of their car. And a surprise visitor in the back. Once the photo was developed, and Mabel saw the photo, she started crying, insisting the figure in the back was her departed mother. Many attempts have been made to debunk the photo, but professional analysts have ruled out photo manipulation or double exposure.

SS Watertown

This has always been one of my favourites; something about the sea makes it creepier in my opinion.

In 1924, James Courtney and Michael Meehan were working on the SS Watertown, cleaning the exhaust system. They got trapped and, despite their crewmates' best efforts, the fumes suffocated them. A service was held for the two men before their bodies were committed to the ocean. The next day, there was a strange occurrence; the crew were adamant they could see the two men following the ship in the water. Photos were taken, showing the faces of Courtney and Meehan.

Many have claimed it was simply pareidolia, and the grieving men thought they had seen the deceased. Others have said it was an elaborate prank. But sailors can be very superstitious- would they joke and lie about the death of their friends?

The Spectre of Newby Church

Reverend K F Lord took an innocent photo of the altar inside Newby Church in 1963. When it was developed, it showed an eerie figure, almost monk-like in appearance, that the Reverend was adamant wasn’t there when he took the photo. As of today, it still hasn’t been debunked, despite scepticism and numerous investigations, and certainly remains one of the most haunting photos ever taken.

The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall

So, the legend goes that Lady Dorothy Walpole, the second wife of Charles Townshend, was caught having an affair with Lord Wharton. Her husband, who was known for having a vicious temper, confined her to her rooms, and she remained locked inside until she died in 1726 (although there are accounts that say she lived a very happy life). She is believed to haunt the Hall and has been seen many times. She was first captured on camera in 1936 by Captain Hubert C. Provand and his assistant, Indre Shira. The photo was published in Country Life magazine and has never been fully debunked, making it one of the most convincing spirit photos.

There are many forgeries when it comes to photos of ghosts, but – very occasionally – there are one or two that really make you stop and think. I will leave you to make your own mind up, but I like to think that there is something beyond this life.

Thanks for reading, please let me know what you think in the comments, take care of yourselves and I will see you soon.

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