The United Kingdom, consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is home to a number of magnificent and majestic castles dating back to medieval times. The majority of these castles are richly steeped in tragic or mystical histories with beautiful, haunting tales. Listed here are 10 of the oldest haunted castles in the United Kingdom with a recount of the ghostly sightings and tragic stories associated with each, as well as a brief history:
Chillingham Castle, England
Located in Northumberland, Chillingham castle was originally a monastery in the 12th century and was upgraded by King Edward III to a fortified castle in 1344. It was used as an army barracks in World War II. In 1980, Sir Humphry Wakefield purchased the castle and began restoration of the structure.
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It is claimed that the majority of people who entered the castle in medieval times never came out. Screams have been heard at the stroke of midnight from the walls and corridors. Guests of the castle have reported hearing screams and wails, followed by a blue flash of light. The “blue boy” haunted the Pink room of the castle until renovation efforts discovered the bodies of a man and boy inside a wall located in the castle. The ghost of Lady Mary Berkeley is also said to walk the halls in search of her husband who deserted her for her sister.
Dover Castle, England
Situated at a crossing of the English Channel in Dover, the castle has been in existence since Anglo-Saxon times.
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Numerous ghost sightings have been reported at the castle, primarily in the tunnels and towers where male apparitions have been seen walking through the passageways. Banging doors, screams, and moans are commonly heard in the tower sections of the tunnels.
Leeds Castle, England
A picturesque castle located in Kent, Leeds Castle is situated on two small islands by a lake.
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It is said to be haunted by a black dog that roams the grounds. The dog is said to be an omen of death if sighted.
Tower of London, England
On the north bank of the River Thames, the tower served as a palace, a fortress, and a prison for housing royal prisoners. The Tower of London has a history in torture and executions.
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The tower is reported to be haunted by a number of ghosts and is considered one of the most haunted castles in England. In 1536, King Henry VIII had his wife, Anne Boleyn, beheaded in the Tower. Her ghost has been seen leading a Royal Procession near the Queen’s House to her final resting place. Other ghosts seen in the Tower include Sir Walter Raleigh, Thomas A. Beckett, the Countess of Salisbury, and Lady Jane Grey. A number of other ghosts and spirits are said to inhabit the Tower as well.
Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, is home to the Queen of England and dates back as far as the 11th century. Legends of Windsor Castle include stories of witchcraft, torture, suicides, and a demonic presence seen in the gardens of the castle.
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A number of kings have been sighted at the castle, including King Henry VIII, King Charles I, and King George III.
Caerphilly Castle, Wales
Located in South Wales, Caerphilly castle was constructed in the 13th century. A strong scent of perfume can be detected near the flag tower and a green lady has been seen strolling about the grounds of the castle.
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The ghosts of soldiers have been seen patrolling the area as well. Strange occurrences and a vision of a faceless figure have also been reported.
Cardiff Castle, Wales
With a rich history going back 2000 years, Cardiff Castle in Wales is said to be haunted by the second Marques of Bute, who began reconstruction on the castle in the 19th century, but died before it was completed.
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It is said that he appears in the library and passes through a wall and walks through the hallways to the room where he died.
Conwy Castle, Wales
Situated in North Wales, Conwy Castle was constructed in the late 13th century.
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Legend has it that a male successor of Robert Wynn was called away to war while residing at the castle. As the time of his arrival neared, his wife and child climbed up the lookout tower to watch for his return. As evening emerged and he had not yet returned, they climbed back down the steep stairs in darkness. The woman slipped and she and the child fell to the foot of the stairway. A servant took them to the lantern room and summoned the doctor. In fear of the anger of the master, the servant locked the doctor in the room with the mother and child and fled. When the man returned from war, he found the bodies of his wife and child in the lantern room, but not the doctor. The man is said to have gone crazy and died shortly thereafter. It is said that he continues to haunt the lantern room in search of the doctor.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Built on the non-active volcano, Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle looks out upon the city and dates back to the 9th century. Attacked frequently, the castle was rebuilt a number of times.
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The ghost of The Lone Piper is said to stroll along the castle’s secret tunnels and the sounds of piping can be heard as he roams the area. A headless drummer has been reported at the castle, as well as a ghostly dog in the cemetary. The spirits of prisoners from the Seven Years War, as well as colonial prisoners from The American Revolution also haunt Edinburgh Castle.
Ballygally Castle, Ireland
Located in Northern Ireland in County Antrim, Ballygally Castle is said to be home to a number of ghosts.
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One of these ghosts, Lady Isobel Shaw, seems to find amusement in knocking on the doors of guest’s rooms and disappearing. Lady Isobel was locked in her room by her husband and jumped out the window to her death.
