Halloween: 7 places haunted by ghosts in and near Watford

Children dressed as skeletons, vampires and witches will parade the streets, requesting sweets from residents across Watford.

However, some claim to have witnessed the paranormal in the flesh, telling stories of their close encounters with ghostly spectres.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of the most haunted locations from across Watford and the surrounding area.

1. Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Rd

Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

Several ghosts are said to haunt the Watford Palace Theatre on Clarendon Road.

According to the Watford Museum, the cause of these disturbances is reported to be the death of a woman named 'Aggy', who once fell from the location's Dress Circle.

Visitors to the location's dressing room have allegedly felt "icy chills" and heared the sound of footsteps.

A "malevolent presence" has also been reported.

2. Moor Park Mansion, Rickmansworth

Image: Nigel Cox on Creative Commons (Image: Nigel Cox on Creative Commons)

The ghost of former naval commander Lord George Anson is said to haunt the grounds of Moor Park Mansion in Rickmansworth.

The commander once owned the mansion, and hired Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to design the location's gardens.

As part of this design, Anson requested that a temple was constructed.

This temple was destroyed during a storm in the 20th century, but it is said that Anson's ghost can still be seen strolling where it once stood.

3. Watford Library, Hempstead Rd

Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The sound of falling books has often been reported at Watford Library, on Hempstead Road.

Automatic doors have been said to open by themselves, and a panic alarm has started without being pressed.

According to Spooky Isles, the alarm is located in a room known as "the stack".

This room has no windows and one entrance in and out, no one has been seen leaving the room after the alarm has been triggered.

4. The Grand Union Canal, Watford

Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

The Grand Union Canal passes through Cassiobury Park, another local area believed to be haunted. 

Spooky Isles claims that the canal itself is haunted by the ghost of Jack Cassiobury. 

Cassiobury was a servant to a wealthy woman, who regularly forced him to bully narrowboat travellers passing through the area.

One day, one such traveller punched Jack Cassiobury and he fell into the canal, where he drowned.

5. Royal Connaught Park, Bushey

Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

Unexplained wailing, whistles and screams have been heard at Royal Connaught Park in Bushey.

According to an online map of haunted locations, these noises have been accompanied by the sound of sobbing and a galloping horse.

Doors and windows have been known to open and close by themselves, and electrical issues have taken place.

The white figure of a young girl - who died of an infection - has also been known to hover above the ground, and vanish when approached.

6. St Lawrence Church, Abbots Langley 

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A woman, who died in mysterious circumstances, is reported to haunt Abbots Langley's St Lawrence Church.

According to Old Time Tim, Mary Ann Trebble was a housekeeper at the vicarage, prior to the First World War.

Some believe that she caught pneumonia, whilst others claim that she was murdered.

Her ghost has been seen walking through the churchyard, making the journey from the vicarage to her own grave.

7. Jackson's Jewellers, High St

Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)

A ghost in an Elizabethan dress is believed to haunt Jackson's Jewellers on Watford's High Street.

Various other ghostly figures have been reported at the premises. 

One such report details a grey mist, wearing a doublet made of either velvet or leather.

The building was constructed between 1480 and 1520, with a first floor added in the 16th century.