As we approach this years’ spooky season, we’ve rounded up the most haunted locations in the borough.

From Balgores House, rumoured to have a haunted basement that staff members were afraid to venture into, to Old Chapel in Hornchurch where a piano was allegedly heard playing without a musician present. 

Take a look at our collection of haunted spots in Havering.

Balgores House, Gidea Park

This Is Local London: Balgores House in Balgores Lane, Gidea Park, 1924Balgores House in Balgores Lane, Gidea Park, 1924 (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

Balgores House, rumoured to have tunnels down to Raphael Park, was taken over by the Artists Rifles to provide a training facility for soldiers during WWI.

Its cellar was haunted, sources claim, and some staff refused to go down there, as it was said to be "cold" and "unfriendly" with unsettling noises heard.

War poet Wilfred Owen, who captured the bleak experiences of WWI solidiers, was billeted there in 1915.

Tithe Barn, Upminster

This Is Local London: Tithe Barn in UpminsterTithe Barn in Upminster (Image: Archant)

Tithe Barn is said to be haunted by a spectral figure know as the 'White Lady' and some have reported her ghostly presence, according to BonusFinder.

Essex Ghost Hunters said on the group's first visit to the barn, a crew member picked up the presence of a little girl.

A shadow of a large figure was also observed in the corner of the barn, a group member reported, as was a loud bang to the building's rear.

READ MORE: Old photographs of historic Hornchurch shops and institutions

Old Chapel, Hornchurch

This Is Local London: Old Chapel (right) in HornchurchOld Chapel (right) in Hornchurch (Image: Havering Libraries-Local Studies)

To the right in the photo, Old Chapel is also said to house a lurking female spirit.

Footsteps, voices and the sound of a playing piano have allegedly been recorded.

Old Chapel, in South End Road, has a spooky appearance in this 1953 photo and formerly housed an infant school, according to Havering Libraries.

Brentons Manor, Rainham

This Is Local London: Breton's Manor in RainhamBreton's Manor in Rainham (Image: Adriana Elgueta)

The manor is said to be the site of ghostly occurances, notably by the Essex Paranormal Society.

In 2020, The Recorder was invited to a seance organised by the group in the building.

Though no spooky activity was recorded that time, a previous seance member said he caught a child ghost on camera and someone going through her pockets.

Brookside Theatre, Romford

This Is Local London: Brookside Theatre in South Street, RomfordBrookside Theatre in South Street, Romford (Image: Brookside Theatre)

In 2014 Brookside Theatre was on national TV after CCTV footage appeared to show a table and chair moving independently.

Psychic medium Ray Roberts, who had been on stage that year, said: "It's phenomenal, I've never been so excited about the possibility of ghosts before."