Sarah Whitehead
Sarah Whitehead is identified as the woman whose spirit is believed to linger within the Bank of England, commonly referred to as The Black Nun.
Background
Philip, Sarah Whitehead's brother, was employed at the Bank of England between 1797 and 1810. During his tenure, he lived lavishly and engaged in Stock Market speculation. The bank's leadership permitted him to resign voluntarily rather than face termination, after which he pursued a career as a stockbroker. Subsequently, he was discovered to have committed fraud against Robarts & Co. by falsifying a Bill acceptance. In 1811, Philip was formally charged with forgery and was executed on 29 January 1812.
Initially, Sarah Whitehead was not informed about her brother’s conviction. Upon learning the truth, her mental well-being deteriorated, prompting her to visit the Bank daily in search of him. This behavior persisted until 1818 when the Bank's Directors offered her financial support on the condition that she cease these visits. Her consistent attire of black crepe mourning garments earned her the moniker 'Black Nun.'
There is ambiguity surrounding her existence, as no contemporary documentation verifies a 'Sarah Whitehead.'
Ghost
The apparition of Whitehead is said to haunt both the Bank of England and the adjacent Threadneedle Street.
Literature
Throughout the 19th century, Whitehead’s narrative and ghostly presence were commonly reported in newspapers. Her story inspired penny fiction, notably The Lady in Black, or, the Widow and the Wife by James Malcolm Rymer (1847–1848). Edith Sitwell featured her account in English Eccentrics, while W. H. Auden alluded to the legend in his poem New Year Letter.
Theatre
In 1861, Whitehead’s tale was dramatized at the Bower Saloon Theatre located on Stangate Street, Westminster Road.
Hauntology
Her legend appears in numerous London ghost-themed publications and events, including London Ghost Walks, the Bank of England Museum's 'Lates' series, and Reader's Digest's compilation of '20 Most Haunted Places in London.'
Historiography
The retelling of Whitehead’s story spans many years and reflects early 19th-century anxieties concerning forgery. Her brother’s legal case was initially published in The Criminal Recorder (1815), while her own story first appeared in The Times in 1828 and was later depicted in Streetology (1837). The first recorded date of Sarah Whitehead’s death surfaced in 1841.
External links
- Trial of Paul Whitehead at Old Bailey Online
- Tales From the Crypt at Bank: The Ghost of Sarah Whitehead