The Ghost Of William Terriss - A Covent Garden Haunting.
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Published 2022-10-09
On the 16th of December, 1897, William Terriss, one of the most popular actors of the day, arrived at the stage door of London's Adelphi Theatre, located on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden.
As he stooped to put his key in the door, somebody ran across from the opposite side of the road and struck him several blows on the back. Mistaking the blows for a friendly pat on the back, William Terriss turned to face his attacker, whereupon the man plunged a knife into the actor's chest.
Having been carried into his dressing room, Terriss died just a little before 8pm that night.
The attacker was Richard Archer Prince, a minor actor who had become jealous of Terriss's success.
Although Prince was found guilty of the murder, it was judged that he had been insane when he had carried out the act, and he was sent to Broadmoor Asylum.
According to some accounts, as William Terriss lay dying he vowed, "I will come back."
It wasn't long before his ghost was making appearances, both at the site in Maiden Lane where his murder had taken place and inside the Adelphi Theatre.
But then, in 1955, there were press reports that his ghost had also been seen in the depths of Covent Garden Underground Station.
In this video, we tell the story of the murder and of its supernatural aftermath, as we visit the site where he met his "untimely end" as well as the various locations where his ghost had been seen.
All Comments (21)
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I love these stories, you always tell them so well.
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You never disappoint, Richard. I love your narration.💙
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This was very well-researched and narrated. Thank you for providing us with many interesting stories that I haven’t even heard of.
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Another fun and interesting video. Thanks!
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Love Sundays as I can expect a new upload by the great Richard Jones. Brilliantly narrated, thoroughly researched and wildly entertaining....only part I don't like are the endings when you know you have to wait until another fantastic upload.
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It's very interesting that you mention Peter Underwood in this video, because he was one of England's well known paranormal investigators. If your interested in knowing about his life, I would recommend that you read his book No Common Task: Autobiography of a Ghost Hunter (1983) , I have read it many years ago and trust me it is a very good book. Sadly though Peter Underwood passed away in 2014. He will be sadly missed.
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A wonderful story beautifully told. Thank you so much.
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So many fine stories,and so well done.I'm stunned and extremely pleased with your superb channel once again.THANX!!!!
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I've watched a number of films on this subject but none so well researched, detailed and interesting as this.Thank you.
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Don't fret! Billy Terris's ghost is quite polite! It only spooks when spooken to! 😅😅😅
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Very interesting. I first read about William Terriss and his ghost about 45 years ago in an old "Wham!" Annual of, I think, 1966!
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Wondering if this is the location where the subway scene from A Werewolf in London was filmed?
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Great research and story telling - I also enjoy your quiet and smart humour.
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Many thanks for yet another great story!!!
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Another corker Richard. I've learned that there was much more than the Ripper Murders afoot in Victorian London. I'm fascinated by your research and you are gifted, unlike myself, with a perfect narrative voice. Cheers until the next one!
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Superb!! What a brilliantly fascinating programme. ✌
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Brilliant video, Richard. Although, I do have one quick question, is the Seymour Hicks you mentioned the same one who played Scrooge? I believe Seymour‘s child became an actor too.
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I know perfectly well that ghosts aren't real and still enjoyed this thoroughly!
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I love these stories. Who but the English would send someone round to handle the ghost? Stiff upper lips, backbones of steel and plenty of imagination! In the words of the late great Judy Tenuda, "It could happen!"
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Great ghost story. Thank you.
