Haunted Britain : a Guide to Supernatural Sites Frequented By Ghosts, Witches, Poltergeists and Other Mysterious Beings

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Discover the United Kingdom’s vast array of haunted places, from ancient houses and castles, to inns, and hotels. In addition, as mentioned in my previous blog, I recently gave a talk on Jack the Ripper at the magnificent St Briavels Castle in the heart of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, and was able to do several films in its various haunted rooms. The very first tenant, Sir Thomas Holte, allegedly murdered his cook, and the ghost of his daughter, who he locked away for 16 years until her death, is also said to wander the halls alongside Holte’s houseboy and a ‘green lady’, thought to be his housekeeper.

As you embark on this journey, expect to be transported to places where time seems to stand still, and the past bleeds into the present. It’s no surprise then that tales of hauntings at Blickling Hall centre on her as one of history’s most famous figures. This underground city is supposedly overrun with ghouls: plague victims, phantom pipers, prisoners of war and even a headless drummer. Illustration: Jamie Wignall/The Guardian View image in fullscreen ‘The more time we spend in our houses, the more likely we are to be haunted by them. Religion is even less likely to provide comfort and answers now – in the latest British census, less than half were expected to say they were Christian, a fall from 71.Pluckley village has a reputation for being the most haunted village in England – and it was named just that by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1989. Although there is no overall consensus on who the woman is, some believe that it is the spirit of a young woman who betrayed the castle and its inhabitants during the civil war.

The pub has recently undergone a major refurbishment and is now unrecognizable as the down at heel place it was twelve or so months ago. The inn was built in 1145 on top of two ancient Ley Lines believed to draw spiritual energy directly from Stonehenge. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. I have never felt fear like it before or since and, I can honestly say, I couldn't get out of there quick enough. But as he made his way towards the Tower’s exit, he couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was being watched.Legend has it that’s because the building was once used as a court of law, and hundreds of defendants were put to death in the inn itself. Dating back to the 12th century, The Ancient Ram Inn has often been referred to as ‘the most haunted house in Britain’. They traverse its lands, from the rugged Highlands of Scotland to the historic depths of London, from the windswept coasts of Wales to the serene English countryside. The White Tower is thought to be haunted by the White Lady, who has been seen waving at groups of schoolchildren. In the library, Nathaniel found a journal dated back to the 1800s, chronicling the experiences of a priest who had lived there.

And like the best tales, they've evolved, becoming a mix of history, hearsay, and a generous dash of imagination. Picture the Tower of London on a foggy night, the echoes of history reverberating through its stone walls, telling tales of betrayal and ambition. The story goes that the next morning when the vicar of the church came to greet them, they were disappointed that the night had been uneventful and commented that the only interesting part had been the Vicar’s dog who had come to visit them a few times, to which the vicar replied that he did not have a dog! If you are one of those people, and it’s not a particularly rare phenomenon, you’re more likely to have an attack if you’re going through a very stressed period.So we have scoured the historical records and the newspaper archives to bring you a collection of truly spine-chilling tales to send many a shiver down your spine. Many of these stories have deep historical roots, passed down through generations, whispered around campfires, and shared in hushed conversations. The elderly woman was well-known in the village for making a living gathering watercress from the river and selling it to the villagers.