From the Grand to Eldon House: A tour through the Forest City’s haunted history

CTV’s Lauren Stallone examines stories of hauntings at various locations across London in advance of Halloween.

Whether you choose to believe it or not, London, Ont. has a couple of haunted historical spots of its own.

“Of course we have ghosts,” said Breanne Ritchie, with the Grand Theatre.

One of the city’s most famous ghosts can be seen at the Grand Theatre, lurking in the shadows.

“It’s often seen that a figure in a top hat will be claiming a spot in the theatre,” Ritchie said.

Theatregoers say the figure is believed to be Ambrose J. Small, the original owner of the theatre who mysteriously disappeared in 1919. They say Small’s ghost often makes his presence known, something Ritchie knows all too well.

“I’m preparing for my entrance backstage, and I look into a quick-change mirror. There was a reflection of a person behind me in the mirror that I did not recognize, top hat, moustache,” Ritchie recalled.

She explained visitors to the theatre have nothing to worry about if they come face to face with Small. But just south of London, experts warn you might encounter ghosts that aren’t as welcoming.

“The noises of the place make you pretty certain there is somebody else in there with you,” said photographer Dave Conlon.

The former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital is said to be haunted, with some believing the spirits of former patients remain.

“It sounds like doors are opening and closing all throughout the night,” Conlon said.

Local ghost enthusiast Joe O’Neil said he believes Eldon House is the oldest and most haunted place in the city.

The house was home to the Harris family who occupied it until 1961.

“Sarah Harris was being courted by an army officer, and he didn’t show up at the party. Then he shows up and just disappears and they find his body in the Thames River the next day,” O’Neil said.

He explained it is believed the lieutenant’s watch froze at the last time anybody had seen him alive, but his spirit still haunts the halls.