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The Ghostly Duel with Seath More in Rothiemurchus Forest

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Up in the wild Scottish Highlands, inside the dark Rothiemurchus Forest it is said that the ghost of the Great Shaw warrior, Seath Mor is ready to challenge everyone passing for a final duel to show your bravery.

In the Scottish Highlands close to Aviemore in Inverness-shire, the dark Forest of Rothiemurchus stands as a silent witness to centuries of history and folklore and is a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest in Scotland. 

Sir David Attenborough once called the Rothiemurchus Forest, One of the glories of wild Scotland. Beyond its verdant canopy and ancient trees lie tales of spectral encounters and haunted legends of the highlands.

The Ghost of Seath Mor, The Great Shaw

The most well known ghost story from the depths of Rothiemurchus Forest is about the 14th-century tribal chief of the Clan Shaw, Seath Mor Sgorfhiaclach, meaning Bucktooth.

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Forests around the world.

He was known as a good warrior, with a twisted smile that would scare everyone. He was also called The Great Shaw by his contemporaries, was also 6 feet tall and even his own people feared him according to the legends. 

The Ghostly Challenge

It is said that he is still haunting the Rothiemurchus Forest. As legend has it, those who venture into the woods may chance upon his ghostly apparition, still ready for battle it seems. Seath Mor, adorned in the vestiges of a bygone era, allegedly challenges unsuspecting walkers to a spectral duel of bravery.

Rothiemurchus Forest: Lochan Deo. Lochan Deo in Rothiemurchus forest in, Cairngorms. It is said to be haunted by the old chieftan of the clan. // Source: Scot Tares / Lochan Deo / CC BY-SA 2.0

According to local lore, those who stand their ground and accept the spectral challenge are granted safe passage through the forest’s depths. But those who succumb to fear and attempt to flee are condemned to an eternal wandering within the shadowy embrace of Rothiemurchus and they are never heard from again.

The Guardian Stones

Out of the woods of Rothiemurchus Forest you will find the Old Doune Church Burial ground in the kirkyard of St. Tuchaldus and Seath Mor’s grave who is rumored to be cursed for anyone who dares tamper with it. 

At the grave it reads: “Victor at the battle of Perth in 1396”, a battle where only he was left alive and that helped carve his legacy as a fearsome warrior. Some people even leave the grave a couple of coins for protection. 

Five stones rest upon Seath Mor’s tomb found close to the Doune of Rothiemurchus, possibly symbolic of the comrades who fell alongside him in battle. They are certainly put there to protect the grave and Seath Mor’s soul. 

Tampering with these stones is deemed a reckless act, tempting fate itself and it is said that many have fallen ill or even died from touching them. They will feel the wrath of the Shaw Clan’s guardian spirit, an elf-like spirit or a familiar called Bodach of Gealic folklore. Bodach is a Duin, a goblin of the Doune. Although mostly acting like a boogeyman in folklore, the Bodach an Duin is its protector.

The Protective Iron Cage

It is said that it happened once in the early 19th century, and a man that stole a center stone from the grave threw it into the River Spey. He was apparently a footman set to protect the graveyard from body snatchers. He wanted to prove to everyone that the curse was nonsense. Four days later the stone was back and the man was found dead, floating down the river four days later.

In the 1940s, it is said that a journalist lifted one of the stones over his head, only to die in a car crash a couple of hours after he did it. 

In 1978 a Mr Leslie Walker and his two friends were working in the graveyard when Mr. Walker touched the stones to show it to his friends. He told the story to Aberdeen Evening Press where he fell ill with a mysterious disease right after and had a temperature of almost 40 degrees. He had to spend the next 6 weeks in hospital. 

His friend did the same and joined Mr Walker with the same mysterious illness, suffering stomach pains after identifying the last friend who was even more unlucky. 

The friend was not so fortunate though as he was found dead the following day in the graveyard after he rearranged the stones. He died after a cerebral hemorrhage.

In any case, the stones kept getting stolen, and curse or not, they decided to do something to the grave after the stones were missing for two weeks before returning. 

To safeguard this ancient resting place, a wrought-iron cage was erected in the 1980s, standing as both a physical barrier and a metaphysical deterrent against the restless spirit that dwells within.

The Final Battle of Seath Mor

As sunlight filters through the towering trees of Rothiemurchus Forest, the legends of Seath Mor linger like shadows among the ancient roots, ready to challenge any wanderers for another battle. 

The wrought-iron cage on his grave, though a symbol of protection, also hints at the delicate balance between preserving history and allowing the spirits of the past to weave their tales within the heart of Rothiemurchus.

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References:

The Cursed Grave of Seath Mor Sgorfhiaclach 

Loch An Eilein (and Seath Mor’s cursed grave) – Tartan Trailblazers

Mysterious Grave of the “Great Shaw” – Bagtown Clans 

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The Haunted Castle Durrow and the Ghosts in the Forest

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In the woodlands outside of Castle Durrow in Ireland it is said that the ghost of a highwayman is still guarding his treasure. Inside of the old castle turned hotel, it is said friendly ghosts are haunting. 

The regal Castle Durrow stands today as an elegant four-star hotel, exuding timeless charm and a storied history that stretches back to the 18th century. Castle Durrow overlooks the River Erkina in County Laois with over 30 acres of forest and gardens to explore. 

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

This magnificent fortress of pre-Palladian design built from 1712 was once the abode of esteemed barons and viscounts, echoing with the grandeur of bygone eras and the whispers of ghostly secrets.

The village of Durrow takes from the Irish Darmhagh Ua nDuach, meaning ‘the oak plain’, and there is in these woods the ghost of a highwayman guarding his treasure.

The Ruthless Highwayman

Behind the opulent facade of Castle Durrow lies a tale veiled in darkness. Ruthless thieves terrorized the local community in the early years of the 19th century in the dense forest of Durrow. The highwaymen was led by none other than the notorious highwayman, Captain Jeremiah Grant as he was called and his thieving gang left a trail of fear in their wake.

Read also: The Highwayman Robbed of his Life

Captain Grant’s gang was a relentless force of malevolence, robbing carriages, and striking fear into the hearts of all who crossed their path. 

However, as fate would have it, the reign of terror orchestrated by Captain Grant and his gang would ultimately meet its end. Justice prevailed, and the nefarious highwaymen were apprehended, their fate sealed by the hangman’s noose in 1816. But before facing their final judgment, they harbored a secret—a stolen treasure, buried deep within the ancient forests surrounding Durrow and Dunmore Wood.

The specters of Captain Grant and his malevolent gang are rumored to still haunt the woods, their spectral presence serving as an ominous warning to would-be treasure seekers, still guarding it all these years later.

Read also: Check out all of our Haunted Forests from around the world

Although with this reputation, it is also said that Jeremiah Grant was kind to animals and hurt no man as he robbed them. When looking into history, an orphaned boy that was evicted from his farm from a greedy landlord, one can wonder if it really is more of a tragic story about what poverty can do to a man rather than greed for endless treasures. This gives a stark contrast to the luxury within the huge castle. 

The Friendly Ghosts

The ruthless highwaymen protecting their treasure is not the only ghost said to reside around the old castle. After Castle Durrow opened as a hotel in the 1990s, there have been stories about friendly ghosts that haunt the hotel and are more of a help than anything. 

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castle’s from around the world

There is also a legend about a woman that died when she fell off her horse close to the castle and is said to be haunting her place of death. This spot is marked with an obelisk in a field near the hotel and many claim to have seen her ghost around the spot. 

The Haunted Castle Durrow

The chilling tales of Castle Durrow and its spectral guardians serve as a haunting reminder that history’s echoes are not always confined to the pages of time. Even amidst the elegance and refinement of a four-star hotel, the ghostly whispers of the past persist, weaving an intricate tapestry of intrigue and trepidation.

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References:

Featured Image: A.-K. D./Wikimedia

Castle Durrow | Haunted Laois, Ireland | Spirited Isle 

Jeremiah Grant of Tipperary, Highwayman 

Haunted Ireland… Any Time Of Year 

https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/walk-of-the-week-dunmore-loop-durrow-co-laois/26834190.html

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Ghostly Tales of Pembrey Woods in Wales

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Within the dark woodlands, Pembrey Woods in Wales are said to hold many ghost stories trapped. Tales of fallen pilots from WW2, drowned sailors lured to the shores as well as mysterious specters, the forest are never quiet and you are never alone. 

Shrouded in the mists of time, Pembrey Woods in Carmarthenshire, Wales, unfolds like a tapestry of history, its ancient trees bearing witness to a human presence dating back to at least 400 BC. 

Yet, amid the tranquility of nature facing the coast of the Bristol Channel, the woods harbor stories of the supernatural, weaving a haunting narrative that extends to the nearby village of Pembrey itself that even drew the camera crew of The Most Haunted into the woods in 2008. 

Read More: Check out all ghost stories from Haunted Forests around the world

From World War II soldiers’ lingering spirits to ethereal cavaliers and deformed specters wandering beneath the leafy canopy, the woods pulsate with an otherworldly energy that beckons seekers of the paranormal.

The Ghosts of Wars Past

Pembrey Woods wears the echoes of history, and among its spectral denizens are the ghostly remnants of soldiers from World War II as a RAF airfield, today the Pembrey West Wales Airport.  

Close to the Pembrey forest, it was used in the Blitz against the German Luftwaffe and many fighter and bomber planes went down when they tried to get back to base. It was also a facility that produced explosives for the British, and this attracted more than one attack of the Luftwaffe. 

Pembrey Woods: RAF Pembrey Battle Headquarters This bunker lies just outside the motor racing circuit at Pembrey and during the war would have been the command centre for the defence of RAF Pembrey. The trees are recent, and the bunker is placed on high ground to give an excellent view of the whole of the airfield.//Source

Whispering through the rustling leaves, these apparitions serve as silent guardians, their presence a testament to the turbulent past that has imprinted itself upon the land. As the sun sets and shadows lengthen, people claim to have seen the ghost of the pilots that went down with the planes.

The Hatchet Men

Some of the enduring legends, secrets and rumors about Pembrey and the coast of Wales was that much of their riches came from Wrecking. Locally this was known as Gwyr-y-Bwelli Bach meaning People with Little Hatchet in Welsh and they are believed to haunt Pembrey Woods.

According to these stories, they would use lights to lure passing ships to crash on the shore and go down. The rest of the crew from the ship that didn’t immediately drown, were met by the so-called hatchet men who would kill them and steal everything when they found them on the shore or in the woods. 

Although we don’t have any concrete evidence that the locals actually were wreckers, there were certainly many ships that went down on these rocky shores. To this day many people claim to have seen the ghost of the sailors and passengers from the ships that never reached their final port. 

Cavaliers and Deformed Spectres

In the heart of the woods there are also stories about deformed ghosts and the sound of shadowy horsemen, galloping through the ancient groves. These spectral horsemen, frozen in a perpetual dance with history, add a layer of mystique to Pembrey Woods spectral repertoire. 

Alongside them, deformed specters weave through the trees, their apparitions casting shadows that dance in the moonlight. What these are though, no one really knows, but apparently it is something very old that will remain in the woods for a long time.

The Mischievous Poltergeist

Among the spirits that call Pembrey Woods home is a mischievous poltergeist, a playful yet enigmatic entity known for its peculiar antics. Visitors have reported unexplained phenomena, with the poltergeist allegedly taking delight in grabbing unsuspecting individuals around the ankles, sending them stumbling to the forest floor. 

Campers have awakened to find their equipment mysteriously rearranged or tossed into the woods, leaving an indelible mark on the haunted landscape that has even captured the attention of paranormal enthusiasts and TV shows like Most Haunted.

Paranormal Intrigue of Pembrey Woods

Pembrey Woods, with its ancient trees and whispers of centuries past, unfolds as a tapestry of paranormal intrigue. Each rustle of leaves and shadowy glade tells a story, inviting those who dare to venture into its depths to become part of a narrative that transcends the boundaries between the natural and supernatural. As the sun dips below the horizon and the air becomes thick with mystery, Pembrey Woods becomes the home of the shadow people and the spirits that still can’t leave this place.

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The Ghost of the Little Girl in Palacio de Linares

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The luxurious Palacio de Linares in Madrid is a splendid palace with a dark legend hanging over it. According to the ghost stories about this place there is the ghost of a small girl haunting the place after her parents murdered her to avoid a scandal to their reputation. 

Castles have always been a fascinating subject and have been an integral part of many cultures throughout the world. Some of them are famous for their beauty, while others are renowned for their history. Amongst them, the Spanish castle is one of the most talked-about places. The story of this place is filled with tales of ghosts and mysterious happenings that have kept people interested and afraid at the same time.

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

In the heart of Madrid there is a grand mansion built between 1877 and 1900 at the Cibeles Square. Today it is the headquarters of La Casa America, but it used to belong to Jose de Murga y Reolid and Raimunda, who were the Marquises of Linares and some of the wealthiest people in Spain. 

The palace used to be known as the Murga Palace in its earlier days and was a luxurious place with only the finest things for the finest folk. Then the Spanish Civil War hit in the 1930s and as with many of the grand old houses, it became abandoned and had no one to take care of it.  

It was closed for almost a century and left almost to its own devices to decay and crumble under its own heavy history. It wasn’t until 1992 it opened again after a long and hard restoration job. 

The Marquise of Linares in the Palace

The Marquises of Linares got married and moved into the house in 1884 in their lavish home. The main staircase of Carrara marble and the ceilings decorated with gold and mythological paintings. There is exotic wood on the floors and French lamps lighting up, Chinese silk and art by famous painters. All this luxury, the gold and the glamor couldn’t hide the dark secret that would ruin them though. 

There was nothing that would suggest that this was nothing more than perfection. And the couple that made it together seemed to be the most in love, far from many of the other marriages that existed at that time. There was only one thought that no gold could save. According to the legend, they were in fact half-siblings and the truth of it made them mad. 

The Dark Legend of the The Marquise of Linares

Joseph of Murga and Reolid was the owner of the palace and he fell in love with Raimunda Osorio who was the daughter of a cigarette maker from Lavapies. That is what the legend says, but the truth is that the father of her is actually not that certain. It really could be anyone, even the one mentioned in the legend. 

Joseph’s father was the wealthy businessman Mateo Murga y Michelena and their family had gained a massive fortune from their businesses in Cuba and because of the railways that was all the rage and where the money could be made. He was an educated man and by his height the richest man in Spain with a bright life ahead of him.  

Read more: Check out all of our ghost stories set in Haunted Castles and Fortresses

When his son told about his love, the father was horrified for some reason. Was it her simple status? Her personality or family background? Something else? Without further explanation Joseph was sent to London to study to remove him from the woman. His father hoped that time would make him forget his first love and come back a changed man with a changed heart. 

Joseph never forgot about her though and married her in 1858, and if the legend holds any truth, they are lucky his father wasn’t alice. His father passed away the year before and among his things, there was a letter that told the truth about why he had been so against the two. Apparently He had an affair with Raimunda’s mother and that she was in fact his daughter, and Joseph’s sister. 

When the two newlyweds finally knew the truth, their dreams of a happy marriage came crashing down as there was no way they could ignore this bit of information. They knew that they couldn’t be parted though, as one, they still loved each other, and two, there was no way out, they were already married.  

Because of this predicament they found themselves in, they decided to ask Pope Pius IX for a papal bull called Casti Conviere. That document would legitimize them living together in the eyes of God and the catholic church despite the truth, although they were supposed to live in chastity. 

Their love had gone too far though, and according to the legend, they gave birth to a daughter. To avoid further scandal, they had her murdered in silence without anyone knowing of her existence and her body is said to be somewhere inside of the palace. 

The wife was the first to go in 1976 and he died only five months later. Gossip say that he shot himself although the official chronicles says it was a serious lung condition. 

Although their final testament claims they died without any children, the legend says otherwise. According to tumors there is a dollhouse inside of the palace, and it is said it belonged to their daughter. 

It is said that the daughter, often called Raimunda, is haunting the fine palace to this day. She can be seen walking the halls of the palace as she sings nursery rhymes, almost like living through her childhood she never got to have. She is also heard calling out for her parents that cast her aside. 

The Truth to the Rumors

Were they in fact siblings? Did they have a daughter they ended up murdering? There have been no evidence and many that have tried to refute the rumors, there are also those that keep the legend alive. 

Especially the part where the palace is haunted to this day by their daughter they got rid of to escape scandal. The palace is mentioned on most haunted houses lists in Spain all the same, whatever the truth really is.

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José de Murga y Reolid – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Palacio de Linares – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Road trip through the gloomiest haunted houses in Spain

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The Endless Hauntings of Epping Forest in England

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Epping Forest is an ancient forest filled with history and haunting. The big area it takes up houses countless ghosts, legends and paranormal mystery as well as being the dumping ground for murder victims as well as a cozy Sunday picnic spot. 

Epping Forest, a sprawling expanse in Essex, England, holds within its ancient boughs a tapestry woven with threads of history, crime, and whispers of the supernatural. The almost 6000 acre ancient woodland holds tons of streams, bogs, ponds and grassland as well as thick woodland. In addition, it holds more than one ghost story. 

As sunlight filters through the dense canopy, shadows cast by the forest’s towering trees seem to conceal untold secrets. In the veiled history of Epping Forest, tales of crime and haunted echoes beckon those willing to delve into the enigmatic depths of this woodland.

Read More: Check of all stories from Haunted Forests

It used to be a royal forest where only the monarch had the right to hunt, although the land was used by the common people. But it later became known as the Peoples Forest as it was used by all. Queen Victoria said herself: “It gives me the greatest satisfaction to dedicate this beautiful forest to the use and enjoyment of my people for all time” in 1882, but the forest has been used for more sinister things than Sunday picnics. 

A Historical Tapestry of Crime

Epping Forest’s history is not without its dark chapters. Once a royal hunting ground, the forest became a haven for outlaws and criminals during the medieval period. Infamous highwaymen and ne’er-do-wells sought refuge beneath its leafy cover, preying on unsuspecting travelers along the forest’s ancient paths. The legends of notorious figures like Dick Turpin, who allegedly used the forest as a hideout, still linger in the whispers of the rustling leaves.

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Because of it being so close to London, the London gangsters known as the Kray twins used this forest to dump the body of their victims. Unsolved murders as well as unidentified bodies have been found in the forest the following decades as well into recent times with a few years between them. 

The Ghost of the Notorious Dick Turpin

As mentioned the Epping Forest is notorious for being a place of crimes, and many of the ghost stories are woven into this. Dick Turpin was a highwayman that allegedly had a hideout inside of the forest. He was born in Hempstead around 1705 and throughout his life it was said he was dumping the bodies of his victims in the forest. He did at least murder one man there as he was tried and hanged in York in 1739 for it.

Richard Turpin: Illustration of Turpin who shoots dead Thomas Morris, outside his cave at Epping Forest

It is also said that Turpin is haunting the forest, especially around Traps Hill. The very name of the nearby road is said to come from the fear of being robbed in their sleep by him. 

According to these rumors about him haunting Epping Forest, he is seen on his horse named Black Bess and is often said to be dragging a woman behind him. Although Black Bess never actually existed, he was accused of stealing horses. This is most likely connected to the crime of the widow Shelley that lived on Traps Hill farm and victim for one of his heinous crimes in 1734, and that he seems to revisit in his afterlife. 

He broke into her house and threatened to roast her over the open fire if she didn’t tell where he could find her wealth. Her son eventually told them, but they didn’t leave immediately. They stayed and drank her wine, ate her food before going over to her neighbors as well to rob them too. 

Ever since his death, his life has been readapted in books, movies and tv series, even trying to mold him into more of a Robin Hood character than the ruthless robber and gang member he was. And ever since his legacy has grown, people have claimed to have seen his ghost coming storming down Traps Hill on a horse, still a menace in the forest. 

Dick Turpin is also said to haunt St. George’s Field in York were he frequented as well as the York Novotel Hotel and a path close to the River Ouse among other things. 

The Ghost of the Celtic Queen Boudicca

At Loughton Camps you find a hill fort from the Iron Age that local legend claims was used by the Celtic Queen Boudicca. The hill fort is from around 500 BC and is a type of earthwork used as a refuge og defended settlement and can be found just northwest of Loughton town.   

Boudicca was the leader of the British Iceni tribe and most known for her uprising against the Roman Empire and is seen as a national heroine for the British. Her husband had gifted their kingdom to their daughters, but after he died, it was ignored and his kingdom was annexed. Boudicca were flogged and her daughters were raped so that they would be seen as tainted. 

Boadicea, Queen of the Iceni: Illustration by Charles Hamilton Smith from 1821.

This caused her to rally her soldiers in an uprising against the empire in year 60. She was defeated the following year though and died. She is said to have died in either battle, of her injuries later or by suicide. 

Another hill fort connected to the Celtic queen is at Ambresbury Banks. This is believed to be the site where Boudicca were defeated by the Roman Empire in 61. Eighty thousand men and women were said to have lost their lives to her crusade against the empire, although the story lacks archaeological evidence. Most likely this site was a bit further north.  

These hill forts we know for sure were used by the warring Celtic tribes of Trinovantes and Catuvellauni before the Roman invasion. 

Although much of the historical facts remain unverified, the legend of her ghost roaming the forest still linger. Some claim to have seen the ghost of Boudicca herself though, coming through the mist on her chariot. 

The Suicide Ponds of Epping Forest

Inside the forest you will find many lakes and ponds. There is a place said to draw people to it to take their life and it has a sinister reputation. Although there are over 100 lakes and ponds in the forest, it could be many places of course. 

This place in the woods is a pond where according to legend was two young lovers who drowned themselves around 300 years ago in one of the ponds in the forest, many believing it to be this.  The tragedies since then have seemingly just been piling on.

So bad is it apparently that people have tried to get a petition going in 2021 to close the pond off and get 24 hour surveillance because of the darkness surrounding this particular pond.  

Lindsey Pond

Another pond in the forest is the pond close to Lindsey Street. In the 1960s, stories started pouring in about ghostly figures coming from the pond on horseback. According to the stories, they rode toward town before suddenly disappearing. 

Many of the waters close to the forest are said to have a ghost or two in them. A young girl drowning close to the Kings Oak pub has also been seen here, as well as sightings of a headless horseman. There are also more than one story about a woman drowning her child and herself in these ponds and have ever since been haunting the waters of Epping Forest.

The Hangman’s Hill Mystery

One particular site, known as Hangman’s Hill, adds to the eerie mystique of Epping Forest just past Avey Lane. Legend has it that this location was once used for public executions, with the spirits of the condemned lingering in the hushed stillness of the night. 

Source

According to legend that is probably the most talked about and most tried. People have heard screams coming from the hill and even called the police to the site without them finding anything. 

Some visitors claim to experience strange phenomena on Hangman’s Hill, where gravity seemingly defies its own rules, prompting vehicles to roll uphill—a phenomenon that only deepens the forest’s reputation for the unexplained.

The only thing is put your car in neutral and feel the shift as the hangman pulls you up towards the hill. 

The Bad Omens

Some of the animals you see inside of Epping Forest are apparently more than they seem. There are stories about a White hard or stag seen in the forest that signifies death or at least trouble if you see it.

The same goes for seeing a Black Shuck, or the ghost dog that is found everywhere in Essex as well as England for that matter. Some say it is a harbinger of bad luck or just a companion of the devil. 

It is mostly in the High Beech where sightings of the haunted hound have been seen. 

Modern-Day Hauntings of Epping Forest

As night descends upon Epping Forest, stories of modern-day hauntings persist. Witnesses recount chilling encounters, from ghostly shapes moving among the trees to unsettling sounds that echo through the darkness. 

Even after all these years people still claim to see headless horsemen in the forest, at Wake arms roundabout there is allegedly a man who runs out in front of the cars. When the cars stop however, he only stares into their eyes before he fades away. 

Around these parts reports about the ghost of a biker as well as a horse-drawn coach have been seen in the night. 

Epping Forest, with its ancient trees and hidden pathways, stands as a living chronicle of England’s past. Beyond the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight, the forest harbors tales of crime and spectral echoes, inviting those brave enough to explore its shadowy recesses. As day turns to night, the secrets of Epping Forest come alive, beckoning the curious and daring to unravel the mysteries that continue to weave their spell upon this enchanted woodland.

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References:

The haunted history of Epping Forest | This Is Local London 

Is Epping Forest Haunted? 

Ghosts of Epping Forest 

Halloween: Epping Forest’s haunted houses revealed 

Epping Forest – Wikipedia 

THE SPIRIT OF DICK TURPIN – ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk 

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The Strange Stones in Pokaini Forest Latvia

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The Pokaini Forest is an enchanting place found in Latvia, said to hold magical powers. All around the forest you will find piles of stones no one really knows where they come from and it is said that the power of the forest is said to come from these. 

Walking along the paths of Pokaini Forest in Dobele in the Zemgale region in Latvia, you will find strange moss covered stones that are the source of legend about this enchanted forest. These rock clusters, arranged in seemingly purposeful heaps, have fueled speculation and folklore, giving rise to tales of both wonder and caution. But what is the truth behind this?

Pokaini Forest: Source

A lot of strange rumors are going on about the Pokaini Forest, some say they see strange lights floating between the trees, and people claim things like electronic devices and compasses act strange in some parts of the forest. There have been several out there rumors as well, claiming Russian research labs underneath it and that NASA have seen strange radiation from their satellites from it. 

Truth be told, we don’t really have a firm answer to the stones. The origin of these stones remains shrouded in mystery, with theories ranging from failed castle construction to ancient agricultural practices. 

Some of the stones have even been given names from Latvian folklore and mythology and certain paths have a clear purpose. Like the path of Health with signs of cleansing and strength, or the Zodiac circle. The stones on Zikkurat hill are in a particular order as well, like a compass for the people of ancient times. But what the purpose of these stones, only the ancient people now know.

The Unexplained Stone Heaps of Pokaini Forest

The forest’s strange rock formations defy easy explanation, with theories proposing their use in long-forgotten castle construction or as remnants of field-clearing activities for farming.  However, the absence of historical records complicates the verification of such claims as well as the reasons why the stones were simply just dumped in the Pokaini Forest. Although the theory of them being cleared for agricultural purposes remains the strongest theory, it is certainly not the only one.

Other reasons for the stones are also theories about pilgrims bringing back the stones from places in Europe and placing them here, as a symbol of liberation of their sins. Some say that there is something buried underneath them, like a radioactive meteor, or an ancient tomb, although archaeologists have not found any burial grounds here. It is not that uncommon though for this clearing piles of stones to have started as a burial ground that later people have just kept piling stones on top of. But until further archaeological research has been done, this remains inconclusive. 

Another legend tells about thirty druids that used to control the weather when they came to the forest as people say that it is always good weather in the Pokaini Forest. 

Although the forest had been talked about at least since the 1930s, it wasn’t until the mid 1990s that they did a proper search in the forest and hundreds of volunteers helped with cleaning both the forest as well as the stone piles. Mostly it came from the work of Ivar Viks, a scientist that talked about the strange anomalies of the forest in the 90s. The allure deepens as these stone clusters persist in the forest, away from the practicalities of construction or agriculture.

The story about the Pokaini Forest goes back even further though, and some think that this might have been a sacred place for the pagans living in the area, dating back to around 2000 years. 

Mystical Powers and Pagan Lore

Pokaini Forest has become a magnet for those seeking the mystical along the 15 km trails that have been created within the forest. Believers consider it a healing sanctuary and an ancient pagan site, attracting psychics and channelers eager to tap into its purported energetic charges. 

Visitors attest to the stones’ uplifting effects of the energy coming from them, and offerings are left to enhance their mystical powers, weaving a tapestry of reverence around this natural wonder.

Some even claim to have gotten visions or some sort of information as they stay close to these mysterious stones that sometimes are described as being unusually warm. The most out there rumor about these stones and the forest is that it is a portal to another world.

For those seeking its magical powers, it has become a habit of leaving little offerings to the stones, like little coins. But it is not only good vibes and energy the stones have a story of. 

Cautionary Whispers and Haunting Legends

Whispers of caution circulate, painting the woods as haunted or even a gateway to a parallel world if you are not careful. Legends tell of individuals facing misfortune or meeting an untimely end after venturing into the heart of this mysterious realm. 

Taking stones from the Pokaini Forest is believed to carry inherent risks, fostering an air of trepidation that contrasts with the allure of the stones’ supposed powers. The story include everything from suffering from an accident to sudden death.

A Walk Through the Magical Pokaini Forest

Pokaini Forest stands as a testament to Latvia’s mystical heritage, where strange stones not only shape the physical landscape but also weave a rich tapestry of legends and beliefs. Whether viewed as a source of healing energy, an ancient sanctuary, or a realm tinged with caution, the forest continues to captivate those who dare to venture into its depths, inviting them to unravel the secrets of the stones that have stood witness to the passage of time.

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References:

 Pokaini Forest: A Nexus of Mysteries and Phenomena – Wondergressive 

Very strange place – Pokaini forest – Wander Lord 

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The Haunting Legacy of Kilkenny Castle

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Kilkenny Castle is a haunted building in an equally haunted village. The Lady in White is haunting the castle to this day, and at night when the castle is empty, the electronic visitor counter has counted over a hundred people. 

In Kilkenny city in Ireland medieval whispers still linger in the air of the cobble stoned streets. The centuries-old Kilkenny Castle reigns as a fortress of both historical grandeur and eerie ghostly tales. Travel+ Leisure even called Kilkenny city, nicknamed the Marble City, one of the most haunted cities in the world. 

With a lineage dating back to 1195, the castle standing there now was built in 1260, and the storied site has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, the echoes of battles and witch hunts, and the secrets of centuries gone by, making it a prime breeding ground for otherworldly apparitions.

The Haunted Kilkenny City

Throughout the ages, the noble Butler family called Kilkenny Castle, or Caisleán Chill Chainnigh, their home. For generations, they ruled these hallowed halls, leaving an indelible mark on its storied history. However, within these ancient walls, the dark echoes of the infamous witch trials that condemned Dame Alice Kyteler still reverberate as Ireland’s first official witch trial. 

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

Yet, it’s not just the historical record that haunts Kilkenny Castle; it’s the spectral entities that continue to roam its corridors and gardens, invoking a shiver down the spine of those who dare to tread in their ethereal presence as it is said that the castle itself houses up to 41 ghosts.

Kilkenny City: The Irish name of Kilkenny is Cill Chainnigh, meaning ‘church of Cainnech. It is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland in the South-East Region and in the province of Leinster. It is built on both banks of the River Nore and a very old city. No wonder it is also called the most haunted city in the world.

The Many Ghosts of Kilkenny Castle

Within the gray stone walls, there are mostly mysterious and vague descriptions of ghosts haunting the halls, seeing mystical shadows when there is no one there, and hearing strange noises that come from nowhere. 

Read More: Check out all of the Haunted Castle’s from around the world

The Parade Tower in the castle is now used as a conference venue. It has an electronic counter that counts visitors when they visit, and has counted up to a hundred visitors, but the strange thing is when: According to the staff, they have counted so many in the dark hours when the castle is closed and there is no one inside. 

The dungeon is also a place where strange happenings people think must be paranormal are said to take place. This was where many souls were imprisoned before passing away, as well as being the place where the infamous witch trials of Dame Alice Kuteler took place. 

The White Lady of Kilkenny Castle

One of the most prominent phantoms that graces Kilkenny Castle with her presence is the enigmatic “White Lady.” This ghostly figure is a constant source of speculation among the locals, each harboring their own interpretation of her tragic identity. Many believe that she is the spirit of Lady Margaret Butler, born within the castle’s formidable walls during the mid-15th century.

Lady Margaret Butler’s lineage weaves her into the tapestry of history in a remarkable way. She was born in the castle in 1454, or perhaps 1465 and was the paternal grandmother of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of King Henry VIII of England. It is said that after her death, her spirit returned to her birthplace.

The legend of the White Lady tells of a restless soul, forever wandering the castle’s labyrinthine corridors. Lost and lonely, she drifts through the castle’s verdant gardens, her ethereal footsteps creating a ghostly echo that resonates through the stillness of the night.

The Haunted Kilkenny Castle

As day turns to night and the castle’s stones absorb the stories of centuries, the legacy of Kilkenny Castle endures, blending history with the supernatural. With each passing generation, the enigmatic White Lady continues her timeless journey, a spectral reminder of a bygone era, where love, loss, and longing are eternally intertwined in the haunted halls of Kilkenny Castle.

Kilkenny Castle: An old photo of Kilkenny Castle from 1890 or 1900.

Today, you can visit the castle that now belongs to the Irish State and continue to try to have it remain the grand castle it was built to be. As the last Lord Ormonde that owned it said when he sold it for £50: “The people of Kilkenny, as well as myself and my family, feel a great pride in the Castle, and we have not liked to see this deterioration. We determined that it should not be allowed to fall into ruins. There are already too many ruins in Ireland.”

 

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References:

Ghost Stories ~ Sacred Sites of Ireland 

The Ghosts of Kilkenny 

Kilkenny Castle – Wikipedia

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The Ghosts from El Fuerte de San Cristóbal, the Biggest Prison Escape

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In 1938 almost 800 prisoners escaped from El Fuerte de San Cristóbal that was used as a political prison during Franco’s regime. It didn’t go well for most and many died trying and are said to be haunting the place, still trying to escape. 

They say that the dead never truly rest, and nowhere is that more true than in the haunted castles of Spain. These ancient fortresses are home to restless spirits, vengeful ghosts, and malevolent entities that lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. 
Nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Navarra, Spain you will find the old fortress called El Fuerte de San Cristóbal, an old political prison among other things. This formidable fortress stands as a silent witness to centuries of captivating history, its old walls whispering tales of conquerors and conquered, of battles fought and secrets hidden. 

Historical Background of El Fuerte de San Cristóbal

El Fuerte de San Cristóbal has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The official name for the fortress is Fort of Alfonso XII as it was built during his reign at the end of the 19th century to protect the city. 

Over the years the use of the place as a fortress became obsolete because of the military advances and turned into a military prison in 1929. 

During the Franco regime, the fortress took on a new and chilling role as a prison for political prisoners opposing the regime. Its imposing walls became a place of confinement for thousands of political prisoners, who were subjected to unimaginable hardships and suffering. 

The conditions within the prison were notoriously harsh, with prisoners enduring overcrowding, lack of basic amenities, and brutal treatment. The fortress became a symbol of oppression and fear, a place where the voices of dissent were silenced.

The Prison Great Escape

But the story of El Fuerte de San Cristóbal doesn’t end with its role as a prison. It also witnessed one of the largest prison breaks in history. On May 22, 1938 at the height of the Spanish Civil War, 795 Republican prisoners managed to escape the fortress, in what is now known as the “Great Escape.” This daring feat of bravery and determination captured the attention of the world and became a symbol of hope for those fighting against the Franco regime.

At the time there were 2 487 prisoners in the prison. The 795 inmates broke free and ran towards the French border. Although they had secured weapons, almost none of them knew how to handle them, and the place and terrain was unknown for them. 
They managed to kill over 200 of the fled prisoners and detained the rest. 14 of those who were seen as the leaders of the prison break were shot. There were only three people that managed to reach the French border and get to safety. 

The Ghosts of the Dead Prisoners

It is said that the souls of the prisoners who perished within the walls of El Fuerte de San Cristóbal still linger, trapped in a state of eternal unrest. Visitors and staff members have reported eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena within the fortress. Ghostly apparitions have been sighted, and chilling whispers can be heard echoing through the corridors. Many believe that the tortured spirits of the past continue to haunt the fortress, unable to find peace even in death.

One particular area of the fortress, known as the “Bottle Cemetery,” holds a dark and mysterious reputation. During its time as a prison hospital, this section was used to store the remains of prisoners who died within the fortress. 

As it was also used as a military hospital for those suffering from tuberculosis, the number of dead was insane. In the bottle cemetery they found 131 republican prisoners. They were each buried with a bottle that had their name, profession, cause of death and where they were from. 

It is said that the spirits of these forgotten souls still roam the area, their presence felt by those who dare to venture into the depths of the fortress.

The Enduring Legacy of El Fuerte de San Cristóbal

El Fuerte de San Cristóbal stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Navarra. From its origins as a bastion of power to its dark days as a prison, the fortress has witnessed the ebb and flow of history. Its haunting stories and legends add an air of mystery and intrigue, drawing visitors from far and wide to uncover its secrets. 

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References:

Fuerte de Alfonso XII (Navarra) – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Visiting Spain’s Most Haunted Locations | Right Casa Estates

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Inside of Dering Woods Nicknamed the Screaming Woods

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Dering Woods in Kent, England holds many ghostly tales. Many ghosts have been seen through the foggy landscape and blood curdling screams of those haunting it are still heard to this day, giving it the charming nickname, the Screaming Woods. 

In the idyllic landscape in Kent in England, Dering Woods, also known as “the Screaming Woods,” conceals a tapestry of haunted tales that echo through its ancient trees between the small villages of Smarden and Pluckley. The small village of Pluckley, an old village found in the Doomsday book of 1086 is said to be one of the most haunted villages in the UK with as many as 12-14 ghosts. Some claim it is even over 40 ghosts. 

Entrance to Dering Woods: Source

This was an entry in the Guinness Book of Records in 1989, but alas, they don’t have this category anymore as it is not easy to verify these claims. 

But here, we are limited to stories concerning the forest, not the village itself. Because who is said to be heard, screaming for their life in the dead of night inside of the Dering Woods?

Read More: Check of all stories from Haunted Forests

Dering Woods has earned its spine-chilling moniker for a reason, as reports of blood-curdling screams emanating from its depths have become a staple of the local lore. Visitors, expecting a serene family camping trip, have been startled by the unnerving cries that pierce the night. Although today you can also join the ghost walking tours that have become popular here as the area is mostly known for being, “very haunted”.

Footsteps and mysterious whispers on foggy days add an extra layer of mystery to this already haunted enclave. It is said that the Dering Woods is filled with those that got lost inside of the forest and never got out. The place is the site of several neolithic sites that people claim bring a sort of haunted energy to it according to British Isles myths and legends. 

The Highwayman’s Lament

One of the enduring legends associated with the Screaming Woods involves an unnamed highwayman from the 18th century whose spectral presence is said to haunt the Dering Woods and the nearby road. 

According to local lore, this highwayman was captured and met a gruesome end at the hands of vengeful villagers. He was chased through the Screaming Woods when the villagers, or so called peacekeepers got a hold of him, pinned him to one of the old oak trees and decapitated him. 

This is said to have taken place close to the Smarden Bell Road that has been nicknamed the Fright Corner and is also the place were people have reported about seeing his ghost. 

The blood-curdling screams are often attributed to his tormented spirit, suggesting a lingering grudge that transcends the boundaries of the afterlife and seems to have given the forest its name. 

The Ghost of the Colonel

Another ghost said to haunt the grounds of the Dering Woods is the ghost of an army officer that in the 18th century ventured into the forest and committed suicide in one of the trees in the former Park Wood that used to be an adjacent forest.

The trees are no longer there but It is said that the ghost of the 1700 soldier is still seen hanging from the trees, or some even claim he is still marching through the woods still wearing his uniform. 

No one really knows his rank, however the locals have dubbed him the Colonel. 

The Halloween Massacre of Dering Woods

Delving deeper into the annals of Dering Woods’ haunted history, another tale emerges—the mysterious Dering Wood Massacre of 1948 found on many of the high ranking paranormal blogs as well as most haunted lists in magazines like Conde Nast Traveler. But how many of these more recent tales are actually true? 

The first story goes like this: On the morning of November 1, a dog walker was out in the woods where he made a horrifying discovery. Locals were left in shock as 20 lifeless bodies were reportedly discovered in a pile inside of the Screaming Woods. Eleven of the dead victims were children. They were all identified as villagers from the nearby Maltman’s Hill area. 

The previous night, Halloween, had been marked by strange lights emanating from the woods, creating an eerie backdrop to the unfolding tragedy. 

Haunted Forest: Many ghost stories have started circulating around the so called screaming forest. Dering Woods have even gotten a couple of urban legends viral. //Source: David Anstiss/Source

Autopsies failed to determine a cause of death, adding to the mystique surrounding the event. There were no wounds og signs of struggle that could point to what they died of. What they did settle on though after a few weeks was that they had all died of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

The public were not satisfied with these answers though and there have been many questions and speculations after it all. One of them was the possible involvement of the police forces as they closed the case down too quickly. 

In 1964, there was a private investigator that did a deep dive into the mystery. Robert Collins interviewed and speculated that it could be an unknown religious cult in Smarden village close to the Dering Woods. 

His investigation became inconclusive though as he died in a car accident that year. 

The Missing Students

The Halloween Massacre was not the last time something strange and tragic happened inside of the forest. On a Friday on November 6th in 1998 the residents of Pluckley reported about some strange strange lights coming from the Screaming Woods. It was described as “Figures of light resembling a spider’s web.”

That night, four university students went missing after they went camping in the woods. They were never found.

Creepy Pasta Lore that Evolved

But how real are these stories really? Both of them are, according to sources and those taking a deeper dive into the stories, said to have originated on the internet as creepy pasta in 2015 or around then. 

The stories have both been made to scare and amuse people, but many seem to have taken them to heart and as actual events. With the in depth “sources” the creepy pasta have used with pictures and everything, it could fool many. And with the rate bloggers keep copy and pasting things without further investigations, these stories have often been passed around as real events.

But when looking closer to the supposed news articles confirming the stories, we see many things that points to this being fake. The British newspapers use American spelling, as well as adding a website to it. 

The image used as a source of the Smarden Post news article about the massacre is actually a picture of Lithuanians and Soviet Union officers standing together after the first excavations of 20 murdered Jewish men in Utyan in Lithuania in 1944. Source to original picture and its history.

The picture used for the 1998 case with the missing students is actually a photograph from an 2008 article in The Telegraph about Puckley being one of England’s most haunted villagers. 

To read the creepy pasta in its full form, head over to CreepyPasta.

A Tapestry of Unresolved Spirits in the Screaming Woods

Dering Woods, with its intertwining narratives of spectral highwaymen and a chilling 1948 massacre, has become a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts and those intrigued by the unknown. 

The Dering Woods ancient trees stand as silent witnesses to the enigmatic occurrences that have unfolded beneath their branches and continue to spark the imagination of new stories.

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References:

A Journey Into The ‘Screaming Woods’ Of Pluckley | Spooky Isles 

Pluckley Screaming Woods – Essex Ghost Hunters 

Uk’s Most Haunted – The Screaming Woods – GhostHunt Uk 

The Dering Woods | Creepypasta Wiki | Fandom 

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The Hauntings of Amy Robsart in Wychwood Forest

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The Elizabethan mystery behind the death of the noble woman Amy Robsart is still a debate among historians. And legends about her haunting the grounds of Wychwood Forest are still told to this day.  

The former royal hunting ground in Oxfordshire, England, Wychwood Forest beckons adventurers with its ancient trees, winding pathways, and an air of mystery that clings to its every corner. 

But these woodlands have existed since long before modern England existed. These ancient trees used to belong to an Anglo-Saxon tribe called Hwicce, named after the old name for the forest, Huiccewudu. It used to cover a much larger area, but is today about 500 hectares.

Read More: Check of all stories from Haunted Forests

Beneath the canopy of leaves and the rustling of branches, a haunting tale unfolds—a tale that weaves together love, tragedy, and the spectral presence of Amy Robsart with her death as a true Elizabethan mystery, casting an eerie shadow over this seemingly tranquil woodland.

The Ghostly Resonance of Amy Robsart

Wychwood Forest’s enigmatic ambiance finds its roots in the tragic story of Amy Robsart, the ill-fated wife of the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley. They lived at the time of her death at Cumnor Place that they rented in Oxfordshire also known as Cumnor Hall. 

The Death of Amy Robsart: as imagined by Victorian artist William Frederick Yeames

Amy Robsart was born in 1532 and married her husband at eighteen, and historians believe it was a love match. Her husband was known as being a favorite of Elizabeth I of England and Amy Robsart herself became known of her tragic and mysterious death.

In the year 1560, under mysterious circumstances, Amy suffered a fatal fall that broke her neck on 8th of September that year when the husband was away. He was at Windsor Castle with the queen and didn’t get the message of his wife’s death until the following day. That morning she insisted on sending away her servants and she wasn’t found until they returned.

She was found at the bottom of the stairs and the circumstances surrounding her demise were highly suspicious. A broken neck and two wounds on her head. Did she really just have a tumble and fall? Or was there something more sinister at play behind her death? Could it have been a suicide, or perhaps even murder?

There are many speculations, especially since there was a rumor that Amy Robsart husband, Dudley was a lover of the queen and that she would marry him if his wife ever died. Although they never did, the rumors of this persisted all throughout his life, especially from his political enemies. Although the most widely talked about death today is that she had breast cancer and killed herself.

However, it is the spectral encounter that her husband, the Earl of Leicester, reportedly had within the depths of Wychwood that has etched itself into the annals of local legend and that makes Wychwood Forest a haunted one.

The Haunting Encounter in Wychwood Forest

So how did the lady who died in her own house start haunting these woods? Or was it rather her husband inside of the woods that were haunted?

As the tale goes, years after Amy’s untimely death, the Earl of Leicester found himself in Wychwood Forest on a fateful hunting trip. It was here that he reportedly came face to face with the ghostly apparition of his departed wife nearly 40 years after her death. 

He had by then married Lettice Knolly, not the queen. The Spanish Armada was threatening the British shores and Dudley was in the midst of all of it. It is said that he was on his way to Buxton in Derbyshire to take healing baths as he had been unwell for a time. The management of the Wychwood Forests were at this time given to favorites at court, like Dudley was under the rule of Elizabeth the first.

According to the legends, his former wife appeared in front of him to tell him an ominous message. She foretold the Earl’s imminent reunion with her in the afterlife, just ten days away. 

True to the spectral promise, the Earl fell gravely ill shortly after the eerie encounter and succumbed to death as his departed wife had told, ten days later at his house, Cornbury Park on the 4th of September, 1588.

Whether it was a happy reunion between the two that had once married for love, or if it was a final push from the wife that was in between him and the crown, we will never know. 

Amy Robsart Haunting Cumnor Hall

It is not the only place Amy Robsarts ghost has been seen though. Until it was demolished in 1810, people had reported seeing her appear by the staircase where she died at Cumnor Place. She was often seen lingering at the bottom of the stairs where she was once found. It is said that most sightings happened around Christmas Time.

And in that manor now no more
Is chearful feaste and sprightly balle;
For ever since that drearye houre
Have spirits haunted Cumnor Hall.
– Cumnor Hall by William Mickle from the 18th century

It is said that the place had a haunting and oppressing atmosphere after she died. So much so that they had to do something about it. According to a legend there were once 9 parsons that came from Oxford to put the ghost of Amy Robsart in a nearby pond where the idea was to trap her spirit in the body of water. This particular pond is said to not have frozen over since and was known as Madam Dudley’s Pond.

The Haunted Cumnor Hall: The place of the murder became known as a haunted manor until it got torn down.

The Travelling Ghost

Like many famous ghosts, there are many places that tries to claim them as their final haunting place. And with the Amy Robsart case, it seems to have been several places she is said to haunt. 

Before being buried, Amy Robsart was kept at Gloucester Hall that is now a part of Worcester College. It is said that she is haunting the common room there as well.

A Continuing Mystery: It held particular sway over the Victorian imagination, and portraits, such as this of a beautiful young woman lost in melancholic thoughts, and history paintings of her lying at the foot of the stairwell were popular subjects with artists including Thomas Francis Dicksee.

She was also seen at the Old Syderstone Hall were her parents lived until this too became demolished, as well as at the nearby rectory were the priests living there complained at some sort of poltergeist activity. 

After the place was demolished it is said that her ghost traveled back to Rainthorpe Hall in Tasburgh close to Norwich. According to this legend, she visits at the anniversary of her death and can be seen sitting in the garden together with a gentleman. Whether this is her husband, or her half brother is debated. 

Eternal Echoes Amidst Ancient Trees

Back to the old forest, the ghost story of Amy Robsart is not the only ghost said to linger. Wychwood Forest, with its gnarled oaks and ancient mysteries, has become a focal point for those fascinated by the intersection of history and the supernatural. 

Another strange ghost story is the legend about a horse drawn carriage with a pair of crying children passing as well. Who these are nobody knows. 

There are also tales about hikers and wanderers of the forest having felt the touch of a hand on their shoulder, but when turning around, there is no one there. Or could it perhaps be the touch of Amy Robsart still trying to convey a message to those walking in these haunted ancient woods?

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References:

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP18940614.2.55

The Ghosts of Oxford: Amy Robsart – Oxford Castle & Prison

Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester – Wikipedia 

Weird Norfolk: Who was the poltergeist that terrorised a Norfolk parsonage? | Eastern Daily Press 

Wychwood – Wikipedia 

Cumnor Place