A ghost appears beneath The Whittington hospital

Ghost hunter reveals pictures in new book of apparitions

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A bolt of light flashes across a corridor and the illuminated face of a young boy appears out of the darkness.

This is the mysterious image which ghost hunter Leonard Low says proves there is paranormal activity beneath The Whittington hospital in Magdala Avenue, Archway.

The father-of-two was visiting a friend who was undergoing surgery in the hospital when he was told by nurses of “a strange presence” in the 19th century arches deep underground.

Armed with his camera and accompanied by a curious Whittington administrator, he descended to the basement to investigate.

“Nobody had been in this area for years,” said the 44-year-old. “The ground was crystallised like snow.

“We began walking down this long corridor with files all around us. We walked for around five or six paces when we saw something down the corridor moving.

“There was something hovering in front of us and getting closer and closer. We saw this trail of light – it was flashing all over the place. Then I saw the ghostly image of the young boy.”

Leonard said nurses also told him they had seen a ghost-like figure watching them, prompting him to investigate.

The hospital’s history dates back to the 15th century when a leper colony was founded on the site.

Leonard believes the apparition was the spirit of a child called William who lost his life there in those early years.

It was not the first time the father-of-two has felt what he believes is the presence of those beyond the grave.

When he was 21 an apparition of his sister in her nightgown appeared to him – a fortnight after she died.

And dozens of people have reported ghost sightings at his 18th century Scottish tower, Tolbooth, which was used to imprison and torture women during the bloody witch hunts.

Describing the “extraordinary pain” he experiences when in the presence of a ghost, Leonard said: “I get pins and needles in the back of my head and I find it hard to see.

“It is as if my skin knows there is something there.”

The tale of the Whittington ghost is explored in Leonard’s new book, True Story of the Pittenweem Poltergeist.

A spokesman for the hospital said: “Whittington Health is aware that there have been ghost stories about sightings and feelings in the smallpox hospital over the years.

“There is no evidence but the tale continues.”