The World’s End Camden is haunted by its past and ghosts, says RICK HALE
The World’s End
174 Camden High Street, London, NW1 0NE
Several pubs and bars in the city of London have dark histories of murder and suicide.
But few have as dark a history as The World’s End on Camden High Street. A popular nightspot and music venue.
A history of bloodshed, torture and black magic resulting in hair-raising hauntings that are not for the faint of heart.
History Of The World’s End
Formerly known as Mother Red Cap and Mother Damnable’s, the first known reference to a tavern at this site dates to 1690. A time when the area was largely rural.
With the tavern being in the country, proprietors depended heavily on trade that passed on the road from London to Highgate and Hampstead.
At the time the tavern was known as a halfway house for both travellers and merchants.
During its history, the building went through several name changes. In 1751, it was known as the Mother Red Cap and Mother Black Cap.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the bar was known as The Black Cap and was a popular bar with the local LGBT community and was known for lavish “Drag Shows.”
The club we see today is compliments of Andrew Marler, a developer of licensed premises.
In 1988, Marler bought the building and expanded it. As well as turning the downstairs in to The Underworld.
A subterranean music venue showcasing both established and emerging musical talents.
The Haunting Of The World’s End
The building that houses The World’s End and Underworld has long been believed to be haunted by the ghosts of it’s macabre past.
Some believe that the expansions made in the 1980s and 1990s, along with the energy of the music, may have breathed new life into some old ghosts. Creating the perfect paranormal storm.
Mother Red Cap
The dark hauntings said to happen in The World’s End and Underworld, can possibly be traced back to a local woman, Jennie Bingham.
Or, as she was known in the area, Mother Red Cap.
Mother Red Cap, was a nickname given to a woman for one of two reasons, either as a landlord.
Or, it’s more sinister reason, because a woman was a witch. And Jennie Bingham may have been both.
In life, Bingham, whose cottage stood on the site in the 17th century where the club no stands.
She was known to live a life very few women would have dared to live especially in those days.
She smoked, cursed like a shipwrecked sailor and reportedly had numerous lovers.
Bingham, was also suspected of being in league with Lucifer and a poisoner of those she disliked.
Back in the 17th century such charges could bring swift justice and the death penalty if proven.
The Devil’s Due
According to legend, when Jennie Bingham was on her deathbed, Satan appeared at her bedside to collect her soul.
However, it appears the devil did not get his due, as the troubled soul of Jennie Bingham is believed to haunt The World’s End.
The Ghost Of Jennie Bingham
Loud screams and blood curdling shrieks have been heard throughout The World’s End and Underworld.
Loud bangs and footsteps are commonly heard by staff as they open for the day or close at night.
The angry wraith of Jennie Bingham has been witnessed by both staff and patrons lurking about the club.
She has been known to rush those unfortunate enough to see her and scream curses into their faces.
The Torture Chamber
The thoroughly mad ghost of Jennie Bingham isn’t alone in haunting The World’s End. Victims of past torture are said to walk the Underworld.
It’s alleged that the Underworld was once a torture chamber and gallows where criminals were sent to be tortured and eventually hanged.
The tormented apparitions of bloodied and battered men have been reported in the darkened corners of the music venue.
They watch from the shadows only to vanish when spotted by unsuspecting music lovers.
The World’s End and it’s live music venue, The Underworld, may be a great place to have a drink with friends while listening to great music.
Nevertheless, this popular hangout on Camden High Street is not for the faint of heart. Especially when the crowds go home.
Mother Red Cap and her ghastly companions will no doubt haunt this building long after the music goes silent.
I think you have conflated two pubs here – The Mother Redcap became the World’s End. The Black Cap LGBT drag venue is a different location (171 High Street) and still exists but was closed in 2015. They are both named after different witches.