The Tulip Staircase in the Queen's House, Greenwich, is possibly the first unsupported spiral staircase in England.
Quite a grand reputation in it's own right, and with reports of disembodied footsteps, chanting children, bloody landings and this ghost photograph, it makes for quite a story.
Quite a grand reputation in it's own right, and with reports of disembodied footsteps, chanting children, bloody landings and this ghost photograph, it makes for quite a story.
A Very Odd Photo
Rev. Ralph Hardy's photo. This photo, taken in June, 1966, shows what appears to be a person with a penchant for drama, pulling themselves up a staircase, looking quite morose. The problem is, when retired clergyman Reverend Ralph Hardy took the photo, no one was on the staircase.
Hardy, who hailed from British Columbia, Canada, was visiting the National Maritime Museum, housed in what is known as the Queens House in Greenwich, England. The building, a former royal residence, saw quite a number of royal wives (Queens really) live within its walls since it was built in 1616-1619.
The house was commissioned by Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, who gave her Greenwich as an apology for swearing at her in public, after she had accidentally shot one of his dogs. The original plan for the construction of the house fell short when Queen Anne fell ill and died. The first floor was complete and essentially capped over.
King Charles I recalled the same architect, Inigo Jones, to see to it the house would be completed for his wife Queen Henrietta Maria. However, with the English Civil war, the house fell into disrepair and served as a kind of prisoner of war camp.
Soon after the war it was repaired, and once again used for housing royalty. It was then later used as a place for educating and housing the orphans of seamen, before being turned into the Royal Hospital School, and then the National Maritime Museum.
It no doubt had several other uses in between.
But back to retired Reverend Ralph Hardy.
Hardy, who hailed from British Columbia, Canada, was visiting the National Maritime Museum, housed in what is known as the Queens House in Greenwich, England. The building, a former royal residence, saw quite a number of royal wives (Queens really) live within its walls since it was built in 1616-1619.
The house was commissioned by Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I, who gave her Greenwich as an apology for swearing at her in public, after she had accidentally shot one of his dogs. The original plan for the construction of the house fell short when Queen Anne fell ill and died. The first floor was complete and essentially capped over.
King Charles I recalled the same architect, Inigo Jones, to see to it the house would be completed for his wife Queen Henrietta Maria. However, with the English Civil war, the house fell into disrepair and served as a kind of prisoner of war camp.
Soon after the war it was repaired, and once again used for housing royalty. It was then later used as a place for educating and housing the orphans of seamen, before being turned into the Royal Hospital School, and then the National Maritime Museum.
It no doubt had several other uses in between.
But back to retired Reverend Ralph Hardy.
The Tulip Staircase
The Tulip Staircase. Hardy was visiting the museum with his wife, when she recalled a beautiful photo of the houses famous 'Tulip Staircase' (thought to be the first unsupported spiral staircase in Britain) she had seen in a magazine some years before. Hardy thought it would be great to make a souvenir, try to recreate the rather iconic image. Unfortunately this was not possible, as the staircase was cordoned off – he could see the staircase from behind the barrier, but could not stand directly under it as the magazines photographer had.
Hardy and his wife had to settle on a photo of the staircase as they could see it. He snapped off the shot, and then went about looking through the rest of the house, enjoying the rest of his holiday before returning home.
Hardy and his wife had to settle on a photo of the staircase as they could see it. He snapped off the shot, and then went about looking through the rest of the house, enjoying the rest of his holiday before returning home.
Another copy of the photograph. They returned to Canada where they had the film developed, and were quite shocked when they received the prints. A ghostly figure, though looking quite solid, was seen on the staircase.
Hardy knew no one was on the staircase, for one he was there when he took the photo, and two, no one could access it. Hardy sent his photos and the negatives to some researchers, who then sent it to the Kodak laboratories, and it was concluded the negatives had not been tampered with, the image was there, on the film.
Some people think there is more than one 'person' seen on the staircase, both are hooded with their heads held low. They seem to struggle as the make their way up the stairs.
Hardy knew no one was on the staircase, for one he was there when he took the photo, and two, no one could access it. Hardy sent his photos and the negatives to some researchers, who then sent it to the Kodak laboratories, and it was concluded the negatives had not been tampered with, the image was there, on the film.
Some people think there is more than one 'person' seen on the staircase, both are hooded with their heads held low. They seem to struggle as the make their way up the stairs.
Other Activity
Queens House. Following the release of the image, there were attempts to contact the spirits on the Tulip Staircase, including a re-enactment of the photo, attempting to recreate the same conditions, and a séance was held. Neither of these attempts produced any further notable evidence for the existence of the ghost/ghosts.
However, this photo is far from being the only experience someone has had with the paranormal at Queens House. Unexplainable footsteps have been heard on the staircase, as well as the sound of chanting children.
One of the most disconcerting reports is that of a pale woman, dressed in old fashioned clothing, seen to be mopping up blood at the bottom step. A maid was apparently thrown from the top of the staircase, some fifty feet above, to crash on the bottom landing.
Other figures have been seen 'gliding' through the halls, but this photo seems to be the only physical (possible) evidence for their existence.
However, this photo is far from being the only experience someone has had with the paranormal at Queens House. Unexplainable footsteps have been heard on the staircase, as well as the sound of chanting children.
One of the most disconcerting reports is that of a pale woman, dressed in old fashioned clothing, seen to be mopping up blood at the bottom step. A maid was apparently thrown from the top of the staircase, some fifty feet above, to crash on the bottom landing.
Other figures have been seen 'gliding' through the halls, but this photo seems to be the only physical (possible) evidence for their existence.
Ashley Hall 2013
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