Every castle should have a ghost. Ghosts are actually quite useful since they attract a lot of attention that helps in tourism. But Chillingham Castle seems to more than its share of ghosts, which is why it is called the most haunted castle in England.
History of the Castle
The Chillingham Castle was the seat of the Grey family right from the early 13th century when it was converted into a stronghold. Later, their decedents, the Earls of Tankerville owned the castle until the 1980s.
Located in the village of Chillingham at Northumberland in England, the castle presents a beautiful view and makes a perfect postcard. Dating back to the late 12th century, Chillingham Castle, was not always a castle, it was originally a monastery.
Located at a strategic point, between two warring countries of the medieval world – England and Scotland, this castle became a staging post for the English armies that entered Scotland. With result, it was attacked many times by the warring Scottish armies and raiding parties. In 1298, King Edward I stayed at the castle while on his way to battle the famous Scottish rebel William Wallace. The castle had all traditional defense systems in place, including a moat. It was a well-fortified site, which was about 12 feet thick in some places. In 1344, Edward III the grandson of Edward I built battlements and made the castle strong enough to withstand enemy attacks.
In 1617, James I became the King of England and Scotland and both these countries buried their hatchet and sought peace. Since there was no war, between the two countries the castle was no longer a strategic site to the king. The castle was transformed albeit gradually.
The moat was filled and some parts of the castle were converted into residential areas and additionally a banquet hall and a library were also added. During the World War II, the castle was used as army barracks. The war and the years of neglect had taken a toll on the building and the castle was subjected to extensive weather damage.
In the 1980s, the castle was bought by Sir Humphrey Wakefield whose wife Catherine was a descendent of the Greys of Chillingham. Extensive repair and restoration work was undertaken by the current owners to restore the castle to its previous glory. Today, sections of the castle are open for the public to visit and the venue is also available for hire for weddings and other events.
Ghosts of Chillingham
Photo Credit: Telegraph.co.uk
Today, the castle might seem peaceful, calm and beautiful but this site has seen many executions and hangings. Many were hung, drawn and quartered and their entails were removed even while they were alive. Some lucky ones were killed immediately by a hangman’s axe.
And if that is not enough, an exclusive torture chamber was also discovered during the restoration in the dungeons, littered by bones and also the skeleton of a man perfectly preserved seated on a chair! It is therefore not surprising that there are so many ghost stories and sightings associated with this violent site.
Blue Boy
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One of the most famous ghost of Chillingham castle is the ’Blue Boy’ otherwise known as ’Radiant Boy’. Numerous guests have seen this apparition around midnight who would appear after a loud wail and cry in agony. The boy’s cries have been heard mostly in the ’pink room’ and in a spot near the room where a passage exists through ten-foot wall. The blue boy manifests himself after the wails die and is seen as a radiant blue light moving about. zsh themes - all about z shell and oh-my-zsh themes
Surprisingly, during the restoration work, the mystery of this blue boy was solved. A skeleton of a boy and a man were found entombed in the ten-foot wall and the boy was dressed in blue colored clothing. After the remains of the boy and the man were given a proper burial at the local church the ’Blue Boy’ was no longer seen.
Lady Mary Berkeley
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Even though the ’Blue Boy’ is no longer there, there are plenty of other ghosts residing in the castle. Lady Mary Berkeley, wife of Lord Grey of Wark and Chillingham seems to be residing here for centuries and is still not at peace.
Even today, many have sighted the restless ghost of Lady Mary wandering about the castle, searching for her husband who betrayed her by running away with her sister after abandoning her in the castle with her new-born daughter. Many sightings of her coming down from her portrait and wandering among the rooms have been reported.
The White Pantry Ghost
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The ’White Pantry Ghost’ is another restless ghost of a lady dressed in white. According to credible sources, a footman was once sleeping in the inner pantry guarding the silver and a ‘lady in white’ appeared in front of him begging him for water. Even before he could fulfill her request, she vanished. It is also believed that the lady in question might have been poisoned to death, hence her request for water.
Chapel Ghosts
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Not all ghosts in Chillingham are seen. Some are only heard. Many guests have reported hearing faint and muffled sounds of conversation between two men. It is not possible to hear what they are saying since they stop talking the minute anybody tries to trace them.
With so many ghosts hobnobbing about, it is no surprise that this castle has featured in many documentaries and films and is now marketed as the most haunted castle in Britain. Many ghost investigators, have also examined and explored the castle confirming the fact, that it is in fact haunted.
Wild Cattle
Photo Credit: Geograph.org.uk
Apart from the ghosts and history, Chillingham is also home to the wild cattle that can only be seen here. Chillingham wild cattle are the survivors of the wild herds that once were once used to roam all over Britain. The Chillingham Wild Cattle Association, now owns the extensive grounds that once belonged to the castle and the cattle are allowed to graze in them.
The castle is available for hire to conduct private events and functions such as weddings. They also rent out holiday apartments for rent where the guests can enjoy a rare weekend of living in a historic castle.
Most Haunted Castle In Britain
Every castle should have a ghost. Ghosts are actually quite useful since they attract a lot of attention that helps in tourism. But Chillingham Castle seems to
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2024-03-16
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