Overview
One of the most famous department stores in Piccadilly is Fortnum and Mason. Tourists flock from all over the world to check out this location and see if any of the ghostly tales are true. Ghosts have been seen in the building since the 1700s. The store’s ghosts like to linger around, and some customers have been terrified of them, while others feel that they are just part of the ambiance.
Fortnum and Mason’s History
Why is Fortnum and Mason so popular now? This department store dates back to 1707 when William Fortnum and Hugh Mason established it. It has become one of the most popular stores in London, England, located at 181 Piccadilly. The store is now privately owned and has gained quite a reputation for being one of the best stores with the finest quality products. Today, there are several departments where shoppers can find items of their choice.
William Fortnum had quite a big start to his career. He once was a footman in Queen Anne’s household and decided that he could make a good living if he started a grocery store. This was when he spoke with Hugh Mason, his landlord, and they began their journey to build a grocery business. Soon, their store began to carry specialty items and luxury meals.
Since it first opened, the store has undergone many changes and renovations. Its history is vast, and it has received many awards. Even though the store has gained awards and accolades, customers have seen many strange happenings in the building while they are shopping. Let’s find out what lurks in the halls of the store.
Is Fortnum and Mason Haunted?
Known as one of the world’s most haunted businesses, Fortnum and Mason customers and staff members have seen some strange paranormal events here. The store itself promotes to customers that a few ghosts are lurking in the picnic hampers.
The Stove-Hatted Gent
The most well-known ghost is the Stove-Hatted Gent. It is said that he was involved in a murder in the nearby area in the 18th century. This man is a Victorian ghost who is said to wear a black top hat and walks around the store freely. Customers and staff members have seen him in the store, and he is generally seen on the sixth floor. According to paranormal researchers,
“He appears on the Jermyn Street side of the business, dressed like an Isambard Kingdom Brunel.”
Most believe that he was a stonemason named William Francis. A few security guards claimed that seeing this ghost was why they quit working at Fortnum and Mason. It seems that his energy is resentful and violent.
One of the store managers reported that late at night, they don’t like to be there alone. They have heard doors shutting very loudly. The floorboards creak at night, and the lights turn on and off at times. The stories of the ghosts continue, however.
The Lady in Grey
The Lady in Grey is another ghost seen in the Fortnum and Mason building. She is seen on the 4th floor and on the Duke Street side. She is said to be the ghost of Anne Fortnum, who died in the apartment in the shop in 1847. According to paranormal experts,
“She was a spinster sister of Richard Fortnum. She never married and suffered from acute bronchitis most of her adult life.”
It is speculated that she wishes to leave the apartment, but she still lingers around, trying to get out and go to her family.
2nd and 3rd Floors
Fortnum and Mason’s second and third floors have had a lot of paranormal activity. The third floor is where a young man fell to his death when the store was being rebuilt in 1929. He allegedly haunts the stock room and has scared off a lot of the staff here. The second floor is known for the poltergeist that inhabits the area. According to paranormal experts,
“It moves heavy objects around and is always moving the soaps overnight. Have on CCTV the shape of a figure (male) at 3 am. On one occasion, he threw a large and extremely heavy large crystal globe across the floor. This pest has been doing his nighttime moving since the 1950s. New staff don’t believe the old-timers when they first start working on the floor, but after a few weeks of having to put everything in its right place in the morning, they are convinced.”
Ground Floor Pushing Ghost
The ground floor also has a pesky ghost lingering about. This one is called the Pushing Ghost. There have been reports that customers and staff members are constantly being pushed toward what is known as the Crypt. This ghost doesn’t like the cleaning staff and is constantly pushing them. Many staff members are very wary of this ghost and do not want to be alone on the ground floor late at night.
There are many tales of ghosts and hauntings at Fortnum and Mason. These ghosts have been hanging out here for decades, and it seems as if they are pretty settled in.
