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The Haunting of Ballyheigue Castle and the Tale of Lost Treasure

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One dark night, a Danish ship wrecked not far from Ballyheigue Castle. The ship carried silver and during a raid of the castle, the treasure was lost. What was the real reason for the ship being wrecked, and who was the ghostly figure in a picture taken centuries later?

On the Atlantic coast of Eire, in the serene village of Ballyheigue, stands the enigmatic Ballyheigue Castle. Conceived by the visionary architect Richard Morrison in 1810, this grand mansion was once the proud abode of the illustrious Crosbie family in its Tudor-gothic-revival style. 

Today, it stands as a mere shell of ruins as many of the old Irish castles and mansions, embraced by the lush green expanse of a golf course that was built in 1996.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

From 1890, parts of the castle were used as a Royal Irish Constabulary station. May 27, 1921, it succumbed to the flames of the Irish War of Independence, a casualty in the battle against British Imperialism. This was not so uncommon during this time, and many of the old castles and big houses met the same fate. 

Ballyheigue Castle: Now only the ruins stands of the former castle on what is now used as a golf course. It is believed that a ghost is haunting the place as strange figures have showed up on pictures of those visiting. //Source: Wikimedia

It is said that, before the castle met its fiery end, the community rallied to plunder its contents, an act of defiance before the torch was applied. What is true though is that only ruins and ghost stories are now left.

The Ghosts of Ballyheigue Castle

Ballyheigue, pronounced “baleyhigh,” bears the weight of its storied past, once a haven for smugglers who roamed the treacherous Irish coast. This comes to show in the ghost stories and legends.

In June 1962, Captain P. D. O’Donnell and his family went on a holiday in Ballyheigue. O’Donnell, later recounting his experiences in the ‘Ireland of the Welcomes’ magazine, published by Bord Failte Eireann (the Irish Tourist Board), unveiled a chilling chapter of Ballyheigue Castle’s history.

One afternoon during their stay, O’Donnell and his eight-year-old son, Frank, ventured into the crumbling remnants of Ballyheigue Castle. This once-proud fortress had belonged to the Crosbie family, who had wielded power over County Kerry for generations. After thorough exploration of the castle’s ruins, O’Donnell captured several photographs of the decaying walls before going home and developing his holiday pictures.

Curiously, upon developing the photographs, one image revealed an anomaly—a mysterious figure standing in one of the windows. This spectral presence held a sword and appeared dressed in what looked to be a sailors outfit. After checking out what they could, they concluded that this was no result of double exposure.

Alas, the sole print of this haunting photograph, along with the negative, vanished when he sent it to a friend. Despite extensive efforts, including newspaper advertisements and printed leaflets offering substantial rewards, the elusive image remained lost. 

Strangely, offers to purchase the Danish rights to the photograph poured in, even from as far afield as Copenhagen. Why were the Danes so intrigued by a ghostly picture?

The Wreckers of the Coast

As recounted in the ancient chronicles of Kerry, the Danish ship Golden Lyon, part of the Danish Asiatic Company’s fleet en route from Copenhagen to Tranquebar, was wrecked on Ballyheigue beach on October 30, 1730. 

The relentless fury of a storm had cast the ship off course, rendering it vulnerable to the opportunistic Crosbies—so the legends say. Dark tales persist of the Crosbies employing false lights attached to the heads of horses, drawing unsuspecting ships into perilous waters. This was done so the people on land could ‘salvage’ the goods the ships were carrying.  

Ballyheigue Beach: This is the beach that the Danish ship carrying silver wrecked. Perhaps on purpose on those on the beach coming from the castle. //Source: Wikimedia

Sailors on the ships at night were deceived by the bobbing lights that seemed to signal safe passage, and found themselves shipwrecked among the unforgiving Atlantic breakers.

People who did this were called ‘Wreckers’, and was a common story told across the coast and feared the same way ships feared pirates. There are also tales that the crews of these ships were slaughtered to leave no witnesses. 

Common law back then was that the goods from shipwrecks belonged to those residing on the shore it drifted in from and it could be a highly lucrative business of ships coming from far and bringing with them treasures and other goods. 

The Twelve Chests of Silver

The crew of the ill-fated Golden Lyon faced an unforeseen rescue mission, orchestrated by Sir Thomas Crosbie and his cohorts coming from Ballyheigue Castle. Amid the wreckage, they salvaged a substantial portion of the Danish ship’s cargo, including a cache of silver bars and coins concealed within twelve chests. 

The crew were welcomed to the Crosbies and stayed at Ballyheigue Castle. Did the Crosbies really wreck the ship on purpose? Or were they actually the helpful locals they posed as? It wasn’t long before Sir Thomas met an untimely demise, some suspecting poison at the hands of his own wife.

Lady Margaret, widow of Sir Thomas Crosbie, laid claim to a staggering £4,300.00 (equivalent to a princely £110,800.00 today) from Captain J. Heitman, master of the Danish ship, citing it as salvage and compensation for her husband’s demise, attributing him dying to the “labors and exertions on the night of the wreck.” Fearing for the safety of his twelve chests of silver, Captain Heitman transported them to the castle’s cellar, stationing a vigilant guard at the entrance until he could arrange for their return to Denmark.

The Raiding of the Castle

Soon after, there was a raid on Ballyheigue Castle and the chests of silver vanished under the cover of night. Authorities managed to recover a meager £5,000.00 of the total £20,000.00 worth of silver.

Lady Margaret’s name hovered ominously over the shadows of suspicion of her orchestrating the raid, yet she vehemently denied any involvement. Today, local legends weave intricate tales of the whereabouts of the stolen silver.

It is said that one of the sailors standing guard tried to stop the robbery of the chests, but was killed in the process. Could this be the ghost seen in the picture from Ballyheigue Castle O’Donnell saw?

The Death Anniversary of the Ghost

What is also an interesting, and perhaps a creepy fact is the date the picture was taken. Historical records chronicle the Danish Silver Raid transpiring on June 4, 1731. O’Donnell’s photograph of the phantom sailor was taken on June 4, 1962—was it a spectral tribute to this ominous anniversary?

Another legend of the castle is that the silver in fact, never left the building. According to this story, the stolen silver is still underground and the sailor is trying to let us know. Perhaps one day another one will be shown to were it is, who knows, perhaps it will once again be on the anniversary of his death? 

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References:

Ballyheigue Castle – Mysterious Britain & Ireland 

Ballyheigue Castle – Wikipedia 

Salvage Tradition, Law and Lore – Irish Maritime History 

(PDF) The Ghost of Ballyheigue Castle | Francis Martin O’Donnell – Academia.edu 

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The Haunted Stretch of Death

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There is a road in Extremadura, Spain that has been called The Stretch of Death because of all the accidents that are said to happen there. There is one legend though, that one of the accidents ended in a death that was never uncovered. Now the place is haunted by the victim trying to tell the truth. 

Spain is known for its beautiful and picturesque roads that weave through the countryside and mountains. But there is one road in Spain that is not so picturesque and definitely not for the faint-hearted. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

The road is called ‘The Stretch of Death‘ and it has a history of ghostly sightings and strange occurrences people have linked to the supernatural. And the cause of the supposed haunted road is said to be in the bottom of the nearby lagoon.

The Stretch of Death

In the Extremadura region in Spain, a place filled with mystery and tales of ghosts and the macabre. The place is landlocked bordering Portugal with the lowest population density in Spain. This makes a breeding ground for ghost stories such as this place here. 

The 2 kilometer stretch of road between Pozuelo de Zarzon and Monthermoso has crosses and flowers lined up on the sides of the roads after the many deadly accidents that have happened, hence it name: Stretch of Death. 

What Makes this Road so Dangerous?

Why is it that so many meet their end at this particular point on the road? Most allegedly haunted roads have something dangerous about them, like a sharp turn or perhaps a dark and narrow road with little visibility. There are not any dangerous curves on the Stretch of Death as it often is on these alleged haunted roads, but a straight line with good visibility of what comes ahead. 

People that drive along this road claim that the monotony of the route and road is to blame as it decreases attention to dangers ahead for the drivers. 

Local legend though is saying there is something paranormal happening along this place. 

The Hit and Run of the Girl Thrown in the Lagoon

One of the local legends has a disturbing story about the dangers of walking along this stretch of road. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Roads all around the world.

Once a local 17-year old girl was run over and died on the Stretch of Death by a car that didn’t pay any attention when driving. The people who ran her over panicked and didn’t want to get caught and face the consequences of their actions. They decided to cover up their crime and threw her body into a nearby lagoon. 

Her body was never found as it is still on the bottom of the lagoon according to the legend. Her murder and the culprits were never found and it was like she simply just vanished from the face of earth. Or did she?

Because of this the girl that died came back to haunt the place, to try to get the attention of the drivers and help her find her body in the lagoon where she was thrown in. 

The Red Stains on the Road that Never Washes off

Another creepy detail about this place is the red marks that people say supernaturally stained the road after the accident to show what happened. 

There are a couple of red stains on the asphalt on the Stretch of Death that no amount of cleaning or weathering have been able to erase. Could it just be the ferrous oxide of the pavement, or could it be the red blood from the accident that never wants to go away?

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Driving the 10 most haunted roads of Spain

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The Haunting of MG Road and the Mystery of the White-Sari Lady

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Along the sketchy parts of MG Road in Gurugram in India, it is said that the ghost of a woman in a white sari is haunting the place, chasing cars after she tragically died in an accident. 

Legend has it that the spectral presence of a white-sari clad lady roams the MG Road in Gurgaon, or Gurugram as it is officially called in the northern Indian state called Haryana bordering New Delhi. Who the ghost of the woman in the white sari is and when she died is not confirmed and we have only rumors and stories to go on. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

The MG Road (Mehrauli-Gurugram Road) is one of the oldest routes through there in the capital and is a 2.5 kilometer known for its many malls and pubs along the way as well as having a high crime rate. It used to be a safer suburban area, but according to the citizens, in the early 2000s, something started to change. 

The Lady in the White Saree on the MG Road

This is around the time we got to hear about the haunted ghost story about the lady in the white sari haunting the MG Road according to those driving down this stretch of road in the dead of the night. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Roads around the world

According to local lore, the woman met her untimely demise in a harrowing accident on the busy road from Gurgaon to Mehrauli, her spirit forever bound to the place where her earthly journey came to an abrupt end and she is now forever haunting it.

Those who claim to have seen her claim that her eyes are bulging out from her face, as well as her tongue, said to be the length of your forearm. She is chasing after the cars passing through her area, although what happens if she ever catch up to you is not mentioned. 

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References:

Gurugram’s MG Road: From a monument hub to ‘notorious’ Mall Mile – Hindustan Times 

10 Most Haunted Places In Gurgaon That Reveal The Paranormal Side Of Life In 2024! 

7 Horror Stories From Gurgaon That Will Give You Goosebumps 

Top Most Haunted Places in Gurgaon 

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The Haunting History of Brij Raj Bhavan Palace Heritage Hotel

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After being killed in the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 at the Brij Raj Bhavan Palace Heritage Hotel many years ago, the ghost of the British Major is said to still haunt his old palace. 

The Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel, a stunning palace that has been converted into a luxurious hotel in Kota in Rajasthan, India. But this hotel is not just any ordinary lodging; it is steeped in a haunting history that will send shivers down your spine. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Once the residence of the Maharaja of Kota on the banks of Chambal River, this opulent palace has witnessed some of the most gruesome and chilling events in India’s history. From the massacre of British officers to the brutal execution of a loyal servant, the walls of this palace hold many secrets. 

History of Brij Raj Bhavan Palace

The colonial Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel is a historic palace that dates back to the 1830  to serve as a residence to British officials. It was built by the East India Company and called the Agency Bungalow initially.  

The building was taken over by the Kota state in 1900 and the current Maharaja of Kota took over the building in 1956 and turned it into the hotel it is today together with his family. 

The Indian Rebellion Comes to Kota

The Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel has a dark history that is steeped in violence and bloodshed. Many people believe that the ghosts of those who died in the palace still haunt its halls and corridors. One of the most famous ghost stories associated with the palace is that of Major Charles Burton, a British officer who was killed during the Indian Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. 

The Sepoy Mutiny: Sparked by various grievances among Indian soldiers (sepoys) serving in the British East India Company’s army, the rebellion quickly spread across northern and central India. What began as a mutiny within the military ranks soon escalated into a widespread revolt against British authority, with civilians joining the cause. Although the rebellion was ultimately quelled by British forces, its legacy continues to resonate as a symbol of resistance and the fight for independence in India.

He was of the 40th Bengal Native Infantry. He and his family had lived at the palace for 13 years with his wife, four sons and a teenage daughter. While staying at Neemuch with his entire family, the Indians had a mutiny and the Burton’s fled to a small fort of Jewud. 

Discontent with the British had been brewing for a while, but rumors that the British was planning to convert Hindus and Muslims to Christians by mixing cows in flour and lace their weapons in cow and pork fat, fueled it into a full on mutiny. 

However, the Maharaja of Kota told him to return and together with his two younger sons, Arthur of 21 and Francis of 19, he went back to Kota in December. It seemed peaceful and there were no signs of mutiny. Then he saw approaching riders and he thought his good friend the Maharaja had come to visit him. 

But it wasn’t a friendly visit, it was a mutiny. A group of Indian soldiers broke in and attacked the palace. All of the servants left and it was only him, his sons and a camel-driver who were up against the troops. It was a 5 hour fight, before Burton started pleading for his son’s life against him. 

Their pleas were not heard though and the soldiers found them in a room where they had taken refuge and killed them all. After the murder the dead bodies were given to the Maharaja of Kota and buried in the Kota cemetery. Although rumor has it that they were actually buried in the central hall of the palace.

Kota itself wasn’t retaken by the British until the following March and two years later, two of the leaders of the mutiny were found and hanged on the grounds of the mansion, seen as martyrs of the freedom movement in India. 

The Haunting of the Brij Raj Bhavan Palace

According to legend it didn’t take long until the haunting began and Major Burton’s spirit still wanders the palace, dressed in his red coat and carrying a sword. Some guests have reported seeing him in the corridors, while others claim to have heard his footsteps in the dead of night.

It is said he is a harmless ghost despite how violent it all ended but is allegedly very strict about discipline inside the building. It is said he slaps guards that fall asleep while on duty. There are also those guards claiming they got a massive scolding from him when not guarding their post well enough while on duty. 

The Ghost Inside the Room

During the 1930s, Iris Portal arrived in Kota with her family. Her father had been loaned by the Government of India to assist the Maharaja of Kota with a land settlement in the state. At the age of 17, she found herself spending the holiday at the Old Residency, which had been converted into a state guest house. Her assigned room was located on the first floor and had a distinctive layout, featuring four separate entrances, one of which led to an upstairs balcony, and two others connected to the roof. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

This is the exact room where the Burtons had made a last-ditch stand. That particular night, although no apparitions were witnessed, was fraught with an eerie, bone-chilling sensation for Iris Portal, leaving her too frightened to sleep. The following day, she told her mother to move her to a different room.

It wasn’t until she returned to Delhi that Iris Portal discovered the haunting history of the Resident and his sons. In 1857, it was recounted that they had descended from the rooftops and met their tragic demise in the very room she had occupied during her stay at the Old Residency.

The Haunting in 1980s

The supposed haunting have been said to have gone on well into the 21st century. The crown Princess of Kota, Yuvrani was quoted in the British journalist, Ann Morrows book, The Maharajas of India:

“As far as we know, he (Major Burton) is an elderly man with white hair and a walking stick. I have seen him myself, because he was murdered in the first floor bedroom, which is now my study. The trouble with Major Burton is that he never goes off duty. He wanders around the palace and if he catches a servant asleep, gives him a quick slap on the cheek. He is the only restless soul around in summer, when it can be like furnace in Kota”

The question is, is the haunting at Brij Raj Bhavan heritage hotel still ongoing?

A Haunted Stay at The Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel

The Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel is a stunning palace that is steeped in a haunting history among its regal furniture and decor as well as the stunning terrace gardens. Despite its dark past, the palace has been converted into a luxurious hotel that attracts tourists from all over the world. 

If you are brave enough to stay at the Brij Raj Bhavan Heritage Hotel, be prepared for a spooky experience, but also be prepared to be transported back in time to the opulent era of the Rajputs. 

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History 

The Uprising at Kotah in 1857 | INDIAN CULTURE 

https://m.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020623/spectrum/main2.htm

Would you dare to stay in this palace in Kota known for its harmless ghost?Brij Raj Bhawan Palace in Kota | Haunted hotel in Kota | Times of India Travel

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The Dark Haired Woman Haunting the Road in Asturias

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Like if appearing out of nowhere, a dark haired woman is said to haunt a road in Asturias. Some say she fell out of her carriage, some say she was killed by a jealous suitor. All say that she looks disoriented as if she is lost both in time and place. 

Spain is a country that’s steeped in history, culture and mystery. and it’s no wonder that many of its roads are steeped in legends and lore. There is one road that has long been known as a place where ghostly apparitions have been spotted and where drivers have experienced unexplainable occurrences.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

One of the stretches of roads in Spain that gets the most complaints of being haunted is the AS-17 between Mengollo and Blimea in Asturias. 

The Strange Dark Haired Woman in Asturias

The complaints that comes in on this stretch of road in Asturias is about the same thing and has been going on for centuries, and is mostly about a dark-haired woman with long hair, looking around expressionless, looking a bit disoriented who suddenly appears when she comes out from behind one of the signs and shows herself to the shocked drivers.

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Roads all around the world.

Castle of Blimea: The ghost on the stretch of haunted road in Asturias is often connected with the legends of the castle of Blimea and the story about Florinda, the daughter living there.

According to the legend the ghost of this girl was Florinda, the daughter of the first owner of the castle of Blimea or possibly de la Cabezada. She was said to be very beautiful and had many suitors that wanted her hand in marriage.

Only problem though, she was in love with someone else. All the same, her father promised her to the most powerful, the lord of La Buelga. He demanded to know who her secret lover was, but Florinda kept her mouth shut. Even when she was imprisoned in the tower of his castle, she would not name him. In fact, she warned him that she belonged to no one but her secret lover, and she would kill herself if she couldn’t have him.

There are different version about how she ended up dying. Some say it was her spiteful suitor that ended up murdering her when she refused him on that stretch of road. Some say it was the secret lover, a servant in the castle that stabbed her to death as she wished when she was forced to marry the lord. He then proceeded to stab himself with the same dagger, that still was dripping with her blood.

The tragic tale of Florinda has been changed, merged and forgotten by many over the years. But the strange thing about the dark haired woman that suddenly appears on the road have often been connected with her.

The Women Missing from the Carriage

Another speculation about who this ghost on the road in Asturias is comes from the version of the legend where Florinda was a girl that returned to her family in the 11th century after taking her first communion when she fell from the carriage and died. 

People think that when they were passing through Valparaiso, a now abandoned city a pack of wolves as well as snakes scared the horse so it ran off with the parents still inside. 

When they finally made their way back, the daughter was missing and was never found. What happened with her was a thing of mysteries. Did she die? Did she go into the wild to become feral only to come back as the scary ghost of a dark haired woman suddenly appearing on the road? 

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Las carreteras más misteriosas de España – Tendencias – CADENA 100

Los 10 tramos de carretera más misteriosos de España

Driving the 10 most haunted roads of Spain

Historia, leyenda y maldición del Castillo de Campogrande | GUÍA TURISMO ASTURIAS

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Ghostly Shadows by Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station and the Haunted Peepal Tree

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By a modern metro station in Delhi, there are rumors that the whole area of Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station is haunted. Some say that the haunting comes from a Peepal Tree that has been there for a long time and attracts ghosts. 

Amidst the bustling streets of Delhi lies a place shrouded in darkness—a place where the veil between the realms of the living and the dead grows thin, and the whispers of the supernatural echo through the night. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

On Dwarka Sector 9 (द्वारका सेक्टर 9) you will find a temple close to the metro station that is found on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro. Many will claim that it is the metro station itself that is haunted, but this is not completely true, as it is the surrounding area that are believed to be the haunted place. Outside the temple, Dada Bai Wala Mandir is a peepal tree that is said to be haunted by a ghost. 

Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station: Although a fairly new metro station, the Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station has already accumulated a lot og haunted ghost stories said to happen around there. Many of them center around the Peepal Tree nearby and some of the legends seems to be much older than the train station itself. // Source: Wikimedia

Peepal Tree and its Haunted Origin Story in India

The Peepal tree, also known as the sacred fig is worshiped in Hindu culture and also known as ashvattha in India. Often people pray to it and light diya and incense sticks under the tree to rid themselves of all the Doshas from their horoscopes. The belief that the tree has divine powers comes from the Bhagavad Gita where Krishna said: “I am the Peepal Tree among the other trees.” Also Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are believed to live inside the trees. 

The Sacred Fig: In India and Hinduism the Peepal Tree is often called ashvattha and holds great significance. The same can be said for Buddhism where it is called the Bodhi Tree as this is where Buddha reached enlightenment. The tree also has a lot of superstitions around it.

Also in Buddhism the tree is significant and is known as the Bodhi tree as it is believed that Gautam Buddha got his enlightenment while meditating under the tree. As well as being sacred, there are a lot of lore and superstition surrounding this mysterious tree.

On the other side of its divine connection, the Peepal tree is also believed to be haunted and attract ghosts like the case with the one growing in Dwarka Sector 9.

An old myth about this is that if you sleep under a Peepal tree at night you will see a ghost and this is not just concerning this tree, as many old Peepal Trees have various ghost stories connected to them. But could there be something more behind this than old stories and rumors?

It is also worth noting the scientific reason for the spiritual things that are said to happen when staying at one of these trees at night and that it can be explained by simple biology. During the day the tree absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen because of the sun. During night however, it releases the carbon dioxide that lowers the levels of oxygen human needs to breathe.

This process can feel suffocating, lead to hallucinations, and in worst case scenarios, even death. Could this be the reason why there are so many stories connected to seeing ghosts, hearing voices and even reaching some sort of enlightenment?

The Legend of the Killed Schoolgirl

According to local legend, the origins of the station’s haunting can be traced back to the tragic death of a schoolgirl in the area—a death that unleashed a torrent of supernatural activity upon the unsuspecting souls of Delhi.

When this is said to have happened is not specified in most sources. Some claim that it was in 2004 when a young school girl was killed by a cab as she was heading towards the station. This version seems unlikely though, as the metro station first opened in 2006. 

But if there was something that happened unrelated to the Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station or perhaps the year is just quoted wrong, is unknown. 

One particularly eerie specter is that of an old woman wearing white and not a schoolgirl, whose ghostly form is said to materialize suddenly in the middle of the road outside of the metro station, only to fade away into the darkness moments later.

The Legend about the Road Construction

Another legend is about this supposed old woman in white in connection to the Peepal Tree outside of Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station. According to a story, a contractor was haunted in his dreams by her when he was working on the road and wanted to remove the tree. 

After being haunted and the construction workers noticed something off about the tree, they decided to leave it be and built a temple close to it instead. 

The Sacred Fig by the Road: This is the tree close to Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station said to have attracted ghosts over the years. What can be the reason for the haunting by the Peepal Tree? // Source

The Freedom Fighter Ghost

Another theory was that the ghost is from the time of the British Raj and the tree is much older than what many think, perhaps hundreds of years old. This story is set in the 19th century when the Dwarka region was a thick forest that was used by the rebels that went up against the colonial power.

Close to the tree there used to be a lake. One of the rebels was a lady that went into hiding in the forest, but drowned in the lake close to the tree. Her body was never found, but her spirit got attached to the tree and it is said she is protecting the area to this day. 

Perhaps a seemingly random origin story for the haunting in the area, but the forest department actually have investigated several claims of illegally cutting down and damaging the remaining trees of the once dense forest. 

The Haunting at Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station

But how do these haunted stories look like today for people passing through the area of Dwarka Sector 9 Metro Station despite the origin stories? 

Most of the stories from this area started coming from people taking the call center cabs at night. Witnesses have reported chilling encounters with unseen forces, describing sensations of being slapped by invisible energies and encountering apparitions that appear and vanish without a trace. 

Many of the stories told is also about how the spirit of this girl is seen running behind cars, perhaps as a revenge for being hit and killed by one. What happens if she catches up to the cars is uncertain, but many reports about hearing knocks on the cars. Many accidents on the road have been attributed to this phenomenon. 

Others walking along the road near the station have reported feeling an ominous shadow trailing behind them, its unseen presence casting a pall of fear over the night.

Another point of this alleged haunted place are the many different variations of who is haunting this what happened. A paranormal investigator once got in contact with a rickshaw driver who told them often encourage ghost stories as it is good for business and they can charge more at night from the curious people coming to look for ghosts. According to this rickshaw driver, people pay a lot for people to come for fake interviews and to tell lies about this place. 

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References:

‘Lady in White’: Paranormal Investigator’s tale 

A Haunted, Ghost of Dwarka, Sector 9, Peepal Tree, Near Metro Station 

Dwarka Sector 9 metro station – Wikipedia 

Haunted Train Stations That’ll Scare The Hell Out Of You | ixigo Travel Stories 

​Why To Worship Peepal Tree: Know Significance | Times of India 

Sleeping under a Peepal tree at night? See a ghost? | The Mirrority  

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Uncovering the Haunted History of Kolkata’s Writers’ Building

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Once a symbol of the oppressive British regime in India, the administrative Writers’ Building was the target of a bloody rebel attack said to echo hauntingly long after India’s independence. 

Kolkata’s Writers’ Building (মহাকরণ) is a beautiful colonial-era structure that has been the center of power and politics in West Bengal for over 200 years. The red stoned Writers’ Building is a 150 meter long building right by the Lal Dighi and Tank Square. 

The building often shortened to just Writers was for the East India Company to house the junior level servants who were then called ‘Writers’ and because of this the building got its name.

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

But beyond its grand facade lies a dark and eerie history, one that has left many visitors spooked and intrigued. You see, the Writer’s Building is said to be haunted by the spirits of British colonial officers and Indian freedom fighters who perished within its walls. 

The History of the Writers’ Building

The Writer’s Building, located in the heart of Kolkata, was originally built as the office of the East India Company in the late 18th century. It was later occupied by the British colonial government, and during the Indian independence movement, it became a symbol of British power and oppression for the local Indians. 

The building has seen many significant events, including the assassination of Sir William Hay Macnaghten, the British envoy to Afghanistan, in 1841. It was also the site of several historic protests and rallies during the Indian freedom struggle, including the Quit India Movement.

Therefore the Writers Building has a reputation of being haunted by both unhappy scribes that worked there as well as people that died during the fight for independence.

Writer’s Building: An iconic building in Kolkata and also thought to be one of the more haunted places in the city. //Source: Jan Bockaert/Wiki

The Shooting in Writers’ Building

On December 8, 1930, Badal Gupta, together with Dinesh Gupta and Benoy Basu was on a mission from the underground revolutionary group Bengal Volunteers against the British rule of India.

Disguised in European attire, infiltrated the Writers’ Building with loaded revolvers and fatally shot Simpson, a police inspector known for treating the Indian and political prisoners horrible. 

In response, the police within the building engaged in a brief exchange of gunfire with the three young revolutionaries. The police eventually subdued them, but the trio had no intention of being apprehended. Badal ingested Potassium cyanide, while Benoy and Dinesh used their own revolvers to take their lives. 

Badal succumbed on the spot, at just 18 years old during this tragic incident. Benoy survived before dying five days later in the hospital. Dinesh lived only to be hanged the next year.

The trio have later been known as freedom fighters and the Dalhousie Square is named after them with a statue of them outside of the Writers Building. 

Haunted Stories Associated with the Building

Bengalis have at least 15 words for ghosts based on the spirit’s caste, marital status, behavior and the fate suffered in the pre-paranormal past. Most of the ghost stories are told from security that are patrolling the building when it’s empty. They say they hear rattling windows when there is no wind, or the sound of typing from machines from locked and empty rooms. 

These disturbances have become so disconcerting that none of the security staff will venture there alone at night.

Ever since its attack, it is also believed that the brutal police man, Simpson and possibly the trio that shot him are haunting the building. 

The Wounded Ghost

During the 1970s a night guard named Munshiram told about his ghostly experiences in a Calcutta newspaper. He said that while patrolling the first-floor corridor of the first block, he encountered a ghostly white man, dressed in a suit and appearing gravely injured, bending over in agony. 

This spectral figure emerged from the Central Despatch Office and was followed by several shadowy entities. Simultaneously, Munshiram heard the haunting sound of heavy boots ascending the staircase. Frightened, he called out to the sentry on block one before fainting.

The Ghost Party

In Munshiram’s recollection, the entire first floor was inhabited by several resident spirits, including another harrowing experience in block three. While on duty in the block’s secured area, he noticed a neon light illuminating a minister’s chamber and distinctly heard music. 

Believing an emergency meeting was underway, he entered the room and witnessed men in old fashioned attire engaged in what appeared to be a drunken party. Munshiram’s screams summoned police personnel, but by the time they arrived, the room had reverted to darkness and emptiness.

The Ghost of the Housekeeper

It is also said that a Zamiruddin, that is the head of housekeeping at Writer once saw an armed security guard outside of the toilet in block five. Allegedly where a worker had died of a heart attack. 

Another tale from the 70s is from the security guard called Mehboob that was working on the first floor of block four that heard the sound of something falling and when rushing out in the corridor, he found a body dressed in an expensive suit laying there. However, when he called over other people working that night, there was nothing to see except an empty room. 

Also when a bust of the three freedom fighters were going to be installed on the first floor in 1967, a man called Roy saw an European man come out from the Chief Minister’s office. Thinking it was someone trying to ruin the event held in their honor, he followed the man who just vanished into thin air. 

The Haunted Writers’ Building

The Writer’s Building is a beautiful and historic structure that has been at the center of power and politics in West Bengal for over 200 years. But beyond its grand facade lies a dark and eerie history, one that has left many visitors spooked and intrigued.

Over the years, the Writer’s Building has undergone many renovations and upgrades, but it has managed to retain its colonial charm and grandeur. Today, it houses the offices of the West Bengal government, and its corridors and rooms are filled with the hustle and bustle of bureaucrats and politicians. But despite its modern-day importance, the building’s haunted history continues to fascinate and terrify visitors.

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References:

Colonial conundrums and spirited sojourns – The Statesman 

Kolkata is fertile ground for Indian ghost stories – Los Angeles Times 

Writer’s Building, Kolkata: Origin and interesting facts 

Badal Gupta – Wikipedia 

Hauntings and history blend at Writers’ Building 

Writers’ Building – Wikipedia 

Hauntings and history blend at Writers’ Building 

Writer’s Building, Kolkata: Origin and interesting facts

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The Devil Mask Tepwanu of Chuuk that Scared Away Ghosts

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Today a cultural heritage on Chuuk, the Tepwanu Mask, otherwise known as the Devil Mask, helped chase away a ghost that was plaguing the island of Tol in Micronesia during a famine. 

In the remote reaches of Micronesia, amidst the azure waters and swaying palms of Chuuk, lies a tale as chilling as the ocean depths themselves. It has been determined by archaeological finds that the lagoon islands of Chuuk have been inhabited for approximately 2,000 years and the legends from these places are old. 

Legends refer to the first inhabitants as coming from the nearby islands of Kosrae and slowly spread through the nearby islands. This is one of the stories of desperation, ingenuity, and the eerie power of belief—a story woven into the very fabric of the islands, etched into the memory of its people like ancient glyphs upon weathered stone. This is the legend of the Devil Mask.

Read Also: For more ghost stories from Micronesia, check out The Underwater Secrets of The Ghost Fleet of Truk Lagoon or The Haunted Ancient City of Nan Madol Floating in the Pacific Ocean

Long ago, in the mist-shrouded past of Chuukese history, you will find an island known as Tol, also known as Toleisom. Today it is the largest and most populated island in the Faichuk group in Chuuk State in Micronesia. The native people are Micronesian who fish, raise pigs and poultry, and grow taro, breadfruit, yams, and bananas. It is today a popular place for scuba diving. But its past is a much more haunted one like with the story behind their Tepwanu Mask. 

The Haunted Island and the Devil Mask

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According to local legend, the island of Tol was a place of hardship and struggle, where the relentless grip of famine tightened its hold upon the hearts of its inhabitants. But it wasn’t just hunger that plagued the people of Tol; a malevolent spirit roamed the land, a ghostly specter that preyed upon the meager sustenance of the islanders.

This phantom, was said to be the embodiment of hunger itself—a relentless force that stole food from the mouths of the starving and left nothing but despair in its wake. As the crops withered and the fish grew scarce, the people of Tol found themselves on the brink of despair, their spirits crushed beneath the weight of relentless hunger.

In a desperate bid to rid themselves of the ghostly thief that haunted their nights, the villagers of Tol turned to an ancient tradition passed down through generations—a tradition of masks and magic, of spirits and sorcery.

Gathering together what resources they had, the people of Tol set to work, carving a Devil Mask otherwise known as the Tepwanu mask. Fashioned in the likeness of a devil, its features twisted into a grotesque visage of fear and fury, the Tepwanu mask was a talisman to ward off evil and protect their meager livelihoods.

The Tepwanu Mask Defending Against Ghosts

Chuukese have deep belief in the spiritual, including ghosts and the use of magic. An example of this might be the traditional tepwanu mask, otherwise known as the Devil Mask. It wasn’t generally worn, but put around the home to protect them against evil ghosts and spirits. 

When the Devil Mask was finally complete, the people of Tol donned it as one, their faces hidden behind the fearsome Tepwanu mask. 

Then, as if summoned by the very essence of their desperation, the ghost appeared. But when it saw the devils that surrounded it, the ghost became afraid. Because of how it saw that the devil surrounded this area, the ghost fled, and never returned. 

And though the ghost of Tol may have faded into memory, its legacy lives on in the eerie visage of the Devil Mask—the embodiment of hope in the face of darkness, and a reminder that even the most terrifying of specters can be banished by the power of belief.

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References:

https://www.britannica.com/place/Chuuk-Islands https://delightfuldepartures.blogspot.com/2013/01/chat-about-chuuk-chuukese-culture.html

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Cabra Castle and the Ghost of the Poor Servant Girl

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At the old Cabra Castle, once known as Cormey Castle, it is said that the ghost of an unfortunate servant girl is haunting it’s hall. She was brutally murdered by the castle owners when they found out she was bearing one of the heirs’ children. 

In the heart of Kingscourt, Co. Cavan, stands Cabra Castle—a place where history, beauty, and the supernatural intertwine, casting an enchanting but eerie spell close to the Dún a Rí Forest . 

Cabra Castle is given to two castles in this area. One is now only ruins, the other one is turned into a luxury hotel. The centuries-old castle has captured the imagination of travelers and ghost enthusiasts alike, earning a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the world, according to a chilling 2010 Trip Advisor ranking.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from Ireland

Today it is a hotel as it has been since the 90s, but before that it used to be the land of the O’Reilly clan. This was until Oliver Cromwell took control in the 1600s. The original castle from before this time was destroyed and Cabra House was built on top of the ruins. The ruins of the original Cabra House, or Cabra Castle, can be seen on a slight height near the Wishing Well in what is now Dún a’ Rí Forest Park, formerly part of the Cabra Estate. 

Cabra Castle: Today the Cabra Castle is a luxury hotel. It is said to be haunted of not only one ghost though. //Source: Colette Gemmell/Wikimedia

The rebuilt castle was then called Cormy Castle and the Foster family lived there when the supposed ghost story is said to have happened. The main building was in ruins, destroyed during the Cromwellian War, however, its adjacent courtyard remained in good repair.

A Tale of Forbidden Love

In the 1780s, the castle’s owners had a son who found his heart entwined with that of a servant girl named Sarah. Who this was is not specified, but it is known that John Tomas Foster was the one that took over the castle in 1795, but died shortly after. Although he is not named in any of the stories, he is the heir around that time. If there ever worked a girl named Sarah during that time, is not found any proof of though. 

According to the legend, they managed to keep their relationship a secret for a while, but secrets have a way of unveiling themselves when the truth cannot remain hidden. Sarah’s secret was revealed when she discovered she was with child, a revelation that would prove catastrophic for her and her lover.

A Tragic End

The heir’s family, driven by property and social standing, decreed that Sarah must be silenced. In a macabre turn of events, Sarah was taken from the servants’ quarters of Cabra Castle and dragged into the nearby forest, perhaps the Dún a Rí Forest, where they murdered her and her unborn child.

Legends recount that Sarah met a gruesome end, her lifeless form hanging over a bridge in the dark heart of the forest. But it is said that her spirit did not rest, and the echoes of her tragic tale continue to haunt Cabra Castle to this day.

Sarah’s Bridge: In the Dún a Rí Forest, there is a bridge called Sarah’s Bridge, constructed in 1801, was named in memory of Sarah Mountmorris, who married into the Pratt family. Local legend, on the other hand, tells about a Sarah who had been meeting her boyfriend on the bridge for nearly three decades. One evening, he unexpectedly proposed to her, causing Sarah to fall into the river and drown. To prevent a similar tragedy, side walls were added to the bridge, making it a more secure and less risky place for romantic rendezvous. Therefore it has little to nothing with the Servant Sarah from Cabra Castle.// Source

A Crying Infant in the Night

Visitors to Cabra Castle have reported spine-chilling experiences, where the past and present intersect in eerie ways. In the stillness of the night, some claim to have heard the haunting cries of a baby—an unsettling reminder of the pain and sorrow that once unfolded here.

The courtyard rooms hold their own secrets, with numerous accounts of guests sensing an unexplained “presence” nearby. These encounters have left many with an indelible sense of the uncanny, especially in the courtyard rooms and near the Hanging Tree that is found on the ground. In some version of the story it was from this tree that she was hanged.

The Other Ghost at Cabra Castle

But the ghost of the unfortunate servant girl is not the only ghost said to haunt the old castle. One guest recounted an encounter with a man clad in the uniform of the early 20th century, striding purposefully down a corridor—a figure both mysterious and disconcerting.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castles from around the world

In the dark hours when the veil between worlds seems to waver, others have described hearing the unmistakable sounds of a horse and carriage. These spectral noises, they claim, herald the arrival of a phantom carriage depositing a crying infant at the castle’s steps—a haunting scene that defies explanation.

The Enchantingly Haunted Cabra Castle

The ending of Cabra Castle ghostly tale is as enigmatic as the spirits that wander its halls. While the tragic story of the servant girl’s murder leaves a lingering sense of sorrow and injustice, there is a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

Cabra Castle remains an enchanting yet haunted place, captivating those who dare to visit. Its rich history, mingled with the supernatural, creates an otherworldly experience that leaves an indelible mark on all who wander its storied grounds.

While the tale of the servant girl’s murder remains a haunting reminder of the injustices of the past, Cabra Castle, forever enigmatic and hauntingly beautiful, beckons to those who seek an experience beyond the ordinary. Step into its storied halls, and let the echoes of the past whisper their secrets to you.

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References:

​Ghostly tales of Irish Castles – Original Irish Hotels 

Cabra Castle Hotel | Haunted Cavan, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Take a Ghost Tour of the Romantic Castles of Ireland | Cabra… 

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The Mystery of the Frozen Ghosts on Catalonia’s Haunted Road

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After a horrible explosion on the road that left a staggering amount of people dead, drivers passing this stretch of road have told tales about strange sightings of frozen ghosts. According to them, they all see the ghosts, frozen in time as if reliving the final moments before the disaster took their life on Catalonia’s Haunted Road. 

Spain is home to some of the most haunted roads in the world. From ghostly hitchhikers to phantom vehicles, these roads can be extremely dangerous at night. Many people have reported strange occurrences while driving on these roads, including sightings of ghosts and other supernatural entities. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Spain

People have claimed there is a section of the road at Sant Carles de la Rapita where plenty of drivers have claimed to have seen people, men, women and children watching, not moving a muscle towards the place where the accident happened.

The History of Catalonia’s Haunted road

The road between Tarragona and Castellon in Catalonia has a long history of being one of the most dangerous and haunted roads in Spain that goes in a straight line passing in front of the campsite of Los Alfaques. 

On July 11 in 1978 there was a terrible accident on the road between Tarragona and Castellon in Castalonia when a tanker truck carrying 25 tons of propylene. It was carrying way more than it should and the cistern didn’t have any pressure relief system. 

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories from Haunted Roads all around the world.

While driving, this ended in an accident that caused an enormous fireball that ended up killing 243 people staying at the camp.

The car split in two and the whole camp area was filled with the fireball and burning liquid with a temperature of more than 2000 celsius. 

Read the whole New York Times Article Here

The Legend of the Frozen Ghosts

The accident only added to the road’s notoriety. Many people have reported strange occurrences on the road, including sightings of ghostly apparitions and phantom vehicles.

One of the most well-known legends surrounding Catalonia’s haunted road is that of the Frozen Ghosts. According to the legend, the ghosts of the victims of the 1978 accident haunt the road, frozen in time and unable to move on to the afterlife.

Read more: Check out the other mass hauntings after tragic accidents and catastrophes like the Ghosts of the Tsunami in Japan, The Haunting on Jeju Island in Korea or The Joelma Building and the Ghosts of the 13 Souls in Brazil. 

Many people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions on the road, including figures standing motionless on the side of the road. Some have even claimed that they have seen the faces of the victims in the mist that often shrouds the road at night.

First-hand accounts of Encountering the Frozen Ghosts

Some have claimed to have seen ghostly apparitions standing motionless on the side of the road, while others have reported seeing the faces of the victims in the mist that often shrouds the road at night.

There have been many retellings of the horrible accident that happened, and the paranormal phenomena was highlighted when the reporter Javier Perez Campos published his book Los ecos de la tragedia about what happened, and the strange stories that came after.

It asks the question, can ghosts be frozen in time, forever replaying the last seconds before disaster struck and forever put a dent in the straight stretch of haunted road.

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References:

Accidente de Los Alfaques – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Los 10 tramos de carretera más misteriosos de España