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Discover The Haunting Secrets Of Craigdarroch Castle In Canada

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Craigdarroch Castle is an iconic landmark in Victoria, Canada steeped in intriguing history and shrouded by eerie tales of hauntings. It is said to be haunted by the Dunsmuir family who built the castle, and people still claim to see the ghosts of them today.  

Craigdarroch Castle that sits atop of a hill and looks over the city of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Some locals will even claim that this city is the most haunted one in all of British Columbia, and Craigdarroch Castle might be the most haunted place in the city. 

The National Historic Site has been the subject of numerous legends and stories that makes it one of the most visited haunted places in the country. From grisly tales of hauntings to its intriguing history, discover why this castle is a must-see for all paranormal enthusiasts.

Uncover the history of Craigdarroch Castle

Constructed in 1890 with 39 rooms, Craigdarroch Castle has remained a prominent landmark in Victoria, Canada throughout its long history. Built by Scottish immigrant Robert Dunsmuir on a hill overlooking the city. And what does a Scotsman do when he acquires himself a fortune? He builds himself a castle for him and his family. The castle was home to Robert and his family until 1908, although Robert himself died before he got to see his work. 

After his death his sons and their mother fought about ownership until her death in 1908 and even if the children were born of a wealthy man, there were not a lot of them who grew up to enjoy the family wealth. Architects died, one of the sons died on his honeymoon, one of the daughters died right after her father. This family looked like it was trailed by misfortune, and the only way they got to enjoy the comfort of their home was in death. 

The Ghostly tales behind Craigdarroch Castle

Among the Craigdarroch Castle most interesting features are the stories of strange hauntings that have occurred there over the years. Local legends say that ghostly figures have been seen standing in the windows or deep within its many rooms, while mysterious voices and intangible presences are reported to have been sensed by some visitors. 

Additionally, staff members of Craigdarroch Castle report hearing children crying throughout various parts of the building adding to its haunting allure!

The Child in the Basement

This is said to be the children of Dunsmuirs that never got the chance to grow up, especially their daughter who died right after Roebet did. But she as well as her other potentially ghost friends are still playing in the castle. 

It is especially the cellar that is talked about being haunted by this child. She has been seen standing in the middle of the dark cellar, glaring at the floor, but as soon as anyone comes near, she disappears. 

What is she doing in the basement one might ask, as she probably had her own room that would be much more comfortable to haunt. And the only one with the answer is the glaring child ghost in the cellar. 

Ghosts Haunting the Castle

Tales of unexplainable hauntings have been circulating throughout Craigdarroch Castle since it was built in the late 1800’s. For instance there have been talks about hearing a piano playing in the dead of the night even if there is no piano in the house. 

On the Grand Staircase it is said that Joan Dunsmuir, the wife of Robert, comes strolling down the stairs in her ballgown. What is particularly strange about her story is that she is never ever seen in other parts of the house she lived in for 18 years, nor is she ever seen walking up those stairs. 

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Haunted Places Series: Craigdarroch Castle | The Inspector Blog 

Craigdarroch Castle The Haunted Place in Victoria, Canada 

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The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber

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Dressed in rags in the cold Christmas season, the ghost of the children from the haunted Bramber Castle haunts the roads, begging for food as they starved to death on the King’s order. This is the eerie Christmas tale of The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber. 

It has always been said that the English are obsessed with ghosts and other mysterious happenings, and this is especially true at Christmas time. With old castles and lordly manors dotting the country there are more than enough haunted places for stories to come alive. 

Read more about: Christmas Hauntings Ghost Stories of Christmas Hauntings from the world, but mostly England.

England is filled with tales of Christmas hauntings, where ghosts roam about the old buildings telling their stories of days gone by. This is also the case about the horrible and tragic legend of The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber.

The Ruins of the Bramber Castle

For centuries Bramber in Sussex, England was owned by the powerful de Braose family who were lords of Bramber and had their seat at Bramber Castle that dates back to 1070 overlooking the River Adur. 

The ruins of Bramber Castle: Part of the remains of Bramber Castle.//Source: Marathon/Wikimedia

The House of Braose was a prominent family of Anglo-Norman nobles that grew powerful under King John in particular. 
Now there are only ruins left of the Bramber Castle with only the Gatehouse Tower remaining, and the Bramber family are only ghosts. A white horse without a rider has been seen many times, but the place is mostly remembered for its annual Christmas hauntings of starving and bony children begging for food. 

The Lord that fell out of the King’s Favour

In the early 13th century, William was the 4th Lord of Bramber. This Lord of Bramber is Infamous for the Christmas Day Massacre of Welsh Princes at Abergavenny Castle in 1175. Under the pretense of peace and ending the year with a new start, he lured three Welsh Princes and Welsh leaders to their death as they were seated for the feast in the Great Hall. 

He was even so cruel, he hunted down one of their sons and slaughtered him in cold blood so there would be no one from the bloodline claiming the right to their fathers claim in Wales. The child was seven years old, and one can wonder if he was thinking of his children that would share a similar fate. 

Because of this, he was hated by the Welsh and was called the Ogre of Abergavenny. 

He fell out with King John. Why is a bit of a mystery, but many said his lavish lifestyle upset the King who envied him. Perhaps he grew too powerful? Perhaps he grew to hate the country by all of his massacres and scheming.   

The King followed the Lord of Bramer all over the country as well as Ireland and Wales to make an example out of him to the other Barons. His lands, his castle as well as his entire family were seized and handed over to the crown in 1208. 

The Starved Children on the Roads in Bramber

According to the legends of The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber, William’s children were held as hostages by the king at Windsor Castle, or in some version of the story, Corfe Castle. But no one came to free them and they ended up starving to death in captivity. How many of them is unclear in the legends. In historical data though, it seems like it was the younger William who was held with his mother and starved to death. 

Read also: Another castle that claims you can hear the sound of starving children is in the Corfe Castle were it is also said they were held:. 

The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber

According to the local legend though, the children finally returned to Bramber, even if it was as ghosts. The Ghosts Children Begging in Bramber allegedly haunt the road of Bramber Village in the dark, all dressed in nothing but rags as they run after people passing by trying to get food. 

Every Christmas, a boy and a girl of the ghost siblings are seen as they watch in sorrow the ruins of their former home, Bramber Castle, now in ruins. Their father was massacred on Christmas and they died because of his actions. Now, the season is time for them to return to their home and haunt as they die, starving. 

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Haunted Castles Type: Best Sorted by Country

Nightmare before Christmas: The history of festive ghost stories

Bramber Castle | English Heritage

NOSTALGIA: Ancient echoes of the Ogre of Abergavenny’s atrocities | SussexWorld

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Hauntings at the Penkaet Castle in Scotland

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The Penkaet Castle in Scotland has its fair share of hauntings and is the home of not only one ghost, but several with its story of witchcraft, murder and royalty. 

Whether it’s a creaking door in an old castle or a cold chill down your spine in an abandoned building, many Scots have experienced paranormal activity during this festive season. As we explore Scotland’s age-old legends and curious customs this Christmas, let us not forget to look out for its ghosts too.

Penkaet Castle is a historic castle located in the Scottish Borders that is also known as Fountainhall near Haddington in Lothian, Scotland. The castle dates back to the 16th century and was originally built as a tower house by the Ker family. Over the years, the castle has been expanded and renovated, and today it stands inside in a walled garden as a magnificent example of Scottish architecture.

It also stands as a haunted castle and many have claimed to have heard screams and moans from voices in the corners and things being moved without any living having been there. 

History of Penkaet Castle

The Ker family were a prominent Scottish family who owned Penkaet Castle for many years. The castle was built in the 16th century as a tower house, and was expanded over the years to include additional wings and a courtyard. The castle was used as a residence for the Kers until the 18th century, when it was sold to the Pringles.

Penkaet Castle: The castle pictured from 1898 in Pencaitland in East Lothian in Scotland. It has several ghost stories attached to it.

The Pringles were another prominent Scottish family, and they continued to use the castle as a residence until the 20th century. During this time, the castle was renovated and updated to include modern amenities, such as electricity and running water. The castle was eventually sold to a private owner in the 1960s, and today it is a private residence.

Ghost of the Beggar that Cursed the Castle

One of the ghosts said to haunt the halls is the spirit of Alexander Hamilton. He was a beggar that was accused of witchcraft after the lady of the house, Lady Ormison and her eldest daughter died of a mysterious illness. 

It was believed that Alexander Hamilton had cursed them both after he was thrown off their property when he came to beg and had to go back empty handed. 

Because of how they had cruelly turned him away, it is said he returned and bound the gates with blue thread, which was some form of witchcraft he had used to kill the two women.  

Two days later the woman who turned him away died together with her daughter. An arrest order was put on Hamilton and he was caught and convicted. For this he was executed in Edinburgh on Castle Hill. 

Read Also: He is not the only convicted and executed on Castle. Read more about this is: Edinburgh Castle Ghosts and Legends and our stories about Witches

After his death, the ghost of Alexander Hamilton has been reported being seen close to the castle, perhaps vengeful of the family that sent him to his death and returned to the place of the crime. Question is, whose crime? His, or those who accused him for something like that?

The Murdered John Cockburn

A ghostly banging on the doors, moving of the furniture and strange footsteps are also thought to be the ghost of John Cockburn that once belonged in the house that har haunted by his bad conscience and then in turn, haunting the Penkaet Castle.

According to the legend, he killed his relative, John Deton and because of his bad conscience over what he did, he is still haunting the castle today. And people who have lived in the castle were often disturbed by a strange sound of something being dragged along over the floor. 

He has also been seen as the ghost of a man coming out from one of the cupboards and walking across the room before vanishing through the wall. 

When this was supposed to have happened is unsure, but it is said that a Sir George Cockburn of Ormiston sold the castle and the rest of the land to the Pringill family in 1635, so it must have been before this probably. 

The Ghost in the Fireplace

Sir Andrew Lauder’s family owned the estate from the end of the 1600s up to 1922. He claimed to have seen something that looked like a ghost upstairs by the fireplace when he was a child. 

He remembered the incident all the way through adulthood and thought the ghosts might have been one of his ancestors of the Lauder family. 

The Christmas Hauntings at Penkaet Castle

The legends about the castle being haunted really started getting attention when Professor Holbourn and his wife bought the Penkaet Castle in 1923. 

Many of the ghost stories from the room they called King Charles Bedroom comes from them, their family and the guests that had to stay the night at Penkaet Castle. 

It was said to have been haunted all year around, but there is in particular one Christmas in 1923, the Holbourn family remembered when a piece of wood carved with the family crest. They all saw it move on its own leaning away from the wall. It paused for a little moment before it returned to were it would be. Whatever happened that christmas is uncertain, but it led them to believe that the place was most definitely haunted.

The Haunted Bed of King Charles I

One of the rooms said to have an extra touch of hauntings is the room that has a bed King Charles I used. The bed is decorated with a copy of his death mask that was given to the owners in 1923 by his students. 

The King Haunting the Bed: One of the bed in Penkaet Castle they think is haunted with the death mask of King Charles I on one of the bed posts.

The story goes that the maid of the house would notice that the bedclothes of the bed would be found like if someone had slept in the bed, even though she knew very well no one hadn’t. The bed itself would move around in the room and sometimes people even claimed to have heard noises coming from the bed as if someone was actually sleeping there. 

In 1924 there was a guest coming to the castle that was put up in the room with the bed. When they entered it, the bed was already a mess, even though the housekeeper knew she had tidied the bed just moments before showing the guest in.  

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Penkaet Castle | Fountainhall | The Castles of Scotland, Coventry | Goblinshead

Nightmare before Christmas: The history of festive ghost stories

Penkaet Castle – Mysterious Britain & Ireland

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The Myths and Legends of Frankenstein Castle

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The historic building of Frankenstein Castle is now mostly in ruins, but is still a place for myths and legends to live on and inspire new horror. 

On a stoney hilltop amidst the dark forest there at the spurs of the low mountain range of Odenwald in Germany is an old medieval castle called Frankenstein Castle. 

The place itself with its narrow valleys and dark trees contains many legends and is heavy with myths of the past. The same can be said for the castle on the hilltop that has weathered many storms, legends and ghosts since it was built. 

The Frankenstein Castle or Burg Frankenstein was built sometime before 1252, the year of the first historical record, by Lord Conrad Reiz of Breuberg. Already then the place was filled with myths and stories about other older castles that had once stood there. 

The castle went through many modernisations and so did the Frankenstein family living there for over 400 years. They saw many things change during their reign as lords and knights and during the Reformation they were strong opponents to the Lutherans, being devoted Roman Catholics. 

By the 18th century the castle was used as a hospital and refuge until it fell into ruins. The two iconic towers that are seen today are nothing more than a restoration from the mid 19th century. And an inaccurate version of that. 

Myths and Legends of the Frankenstein Castle

Many strange things have happened near this place. Like in the 18th century when fortune tellers made everyone believe that a treasure was hidden close to the castle in 1763. Everyone started digging for it until local authorities had to ban people from gold digging altogether. 

Close to the castle you will also find magnetic stones on Mount Ilbes were compases don’t work properly. Many say that there is witchcraft practice at these stones on special occasions like on summer solstice. It is said that Mount Ilbes is the second most important meeting place for witches in the country after Mount Brocken, and visitors are advised to not disturb any ongoing rituals. 

Another mythical thing close to the Frankenstein Castleis the Sea of Rocks known as Felsenmeer, and believed to be a place where Siegfried the dragonslayer was murdered in the epic poem Nibelungenlied. 

This is also a place where you can see legendary creatures like water spirits that change into a fox. 

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

The Frankenstein Castle may or may not have been inspired by this historic castle when she wrote her novel Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus in 1818. 

The meaning behind the name is the two words, Franks, a Germanic tribe, and Stein, meaning stone. And the name itself is actually a pretty common name for castles in this region. There is also the connection to Benjamin Franklin as an inspiration, so the name itself doesn’t necessarily prove anything. 

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Whether or not she really was inspired by the castle or the legends about the place is unclear. But there are myths about a scientist creating a monster with the help of lightening within the walls of Frankenstein Castle.

There is however no mention of the castle itself in the book and many researchers doubt Shelley’s connection to the castle as she herself never went. It is possible that she heard stories about it as the legends were quite notorious when she visited Germany. 

The biggest connection is the rumors surrounding one of the alchemists living in Frankenstein castle that the rumors said he also created a monster. 

The Alchemist and the Elixir of Life

Once there was a man named Johann Konrad Dippel (1673-1734) who was born in the castle. This man would later become a professional alchemist and he created an oil said to contain the ‘Elixir of Life’ meant to grant eternal life. 

The animal oil, which is known as Dippel’s Oil is a dark, tar like liquid with a horrible smell from distillation of bones. It was used mostly as an animal and insect repellent. In World War II it was used to make wells undrinkable.  Dippel tried to buy the castle in exchange for the elixir of life, but was turned down. 

Fountain of youth: Near castle Frankenstein you will find the fountain of youth. // Source: Pascal Rehfeldt

During his stay at Frankenstein castle there were many rumors going on about the man. He supposedly sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for secret knowledge. They also said he did not only practice alchemy, but also anatomy, a practice strictly forbidden more so than the magic of alchemy.

They said he performed experiments on dead bodies he dug up and took back to the castle. The local cleric warned his parish that Dippel created a monster that he brought to life with the help of a bolt of lightning. 

Although none of these experiments have been proven there are local people claiming to this day that this happened within the castle walls.  

This is not the only connection the place has with eternal life though, as it is said the place is also where you can find the fountain of youth. According to legend, on the first full-moon night after Walpurgis Night, which is on the night of April 30. Old women from the villages closeby went to test their courage. Those who succeeded would become as young as she had been on her wedding night. 

Lord George and the Dragon

According to legend, there lived a dragon in the garden of the Frankenstein Castle near the well in the 1200s. The villagers in the neighboring village Nieder Beerbach lived in fear from this monster who snuck into the village at night to eat them and their children in their sleep. 

The Gardens of the Castle: Nature is slowly taking over the castle. According to myth, there was a dragon near the well in the Frankenstein Castle garden// Source: Frank Vincentz

One day a knight named Lord George came by and the people were desperate for his help, which he promised. 

The very next day he put on his armor and got his shield and sword. He rode up to the Frankenstein Castle gardens, straight to the well where the dragon was resting in the sun. 

The battle that ensued lasted for hours, and Lord George nearly gave up from exhaustion while the dragon spat fire and steam. But Lord George managed at last to pierce the underbelly of the dragon with his sword, giving him a killing blow. But just as the dragon was dying, he clung to the knight with his poisonous tail and stung the knight, leaving them both to die. 

The villagers were relieved and happy though and gave the knight an honorable burial for his sacrifice. They took him to the Church of Nieder Beerbach, in a valley east of the Frankenstein Castle, making a tomb for him. 

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The Dark and Haunted Towers of Zvíkov Castle

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The beautiful Zvíkov Castle in the Czech Republic is thought to be haunted by a demonic imp that resides inside of the old castle towers as well as a residence Lady in White and a hellhound guarding a secret entrance. 

Nestled on a rocky outcrop above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers in the Czech Republic, Zvíkov Castle is a magnificent fortress steeped in history and often called The King of Czech Castles. 

Its majestic towers and formidable walls have withstood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of political intrigue, battles, and conquests that shaped the country. But beneath the Zvíkov Castle’s grandeur lies a darker side, one that is shrouded in mystery and haunted by legends of ghosts, curses, and malevolent spirits. 

The role of Zvíkov Castle in Czech History

Zvíkov Castle has a rich and fascinating history, one that is full of political intrigue, battles, and conquests all the way from the Bohemian Přemyslid dynasty. The castle played a key role in many of the major events that shaped the history of medieval Bohemia, including the Hussite Wars, the Thirty Years’ War, and the rise of the Habsburgs.

Zvíkov Castle played a significant role in the history of medieval Bohemia and the Czech Republic. The castle built with water all around was a key stronghold for the Rosenbergs, who were among the most powerful and influential families in the region. It was also a center of political and cultural activity, hosting many of the most important figures of the time.

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During the Hussite Wars, Zvíkov Castle was besieged by Hussite armies, who attempted to storm the castle’s walls. The castle’s defenders held out for several months, but were eventually forced to surrender. The castle was later destroyed by the Hussites, but was rebuilt by the Rosenbergs in the 16th century.

Today, Zvíkov Castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its history, architecture, and legends. The castle’s haunting beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the dark and mysterious side of Europe’s past.

The Imp Haunting the Towers

Zvíkov Castle is renowned for its ghostly sightings and paranormal experiences. Visitors to the castle have reported seeing shadowy figures moving through the halls, hearing strange noises and footsteps, and feeling cold spots and sudden drops in temperature. Some have even claimed to have been touched or pushed by unseen hands.

One of the ghosts said to be haunting the castle is called the Zvikov’s Imp. He is said to be haunting the ancient tower Markomanka, a tower with mysterious markings or runes in the stones. He has also been reported to haunt another tower called Hlíza or The Black Tower.

Read More: Check out all of the ghost stories from the haunted castles around the world

Stories have been circulating about him for hundreds of years and is known for playing tricks on people like punching, poking, moving their objects or tripping them. 

It is said that people that have visited the castle tell about seeing strange things in their photoes when coming home as well as experiencing technical issues. 

Animals are also said to be affected and have shown bizarre behavior, almost like possessed

This story most likely comes from the stories about the Rarášek from Slavic folklore. Described as a sort of imp or a trickster spirit. The legend of the Zvíkovský rarášek has been told since 1597 when they were doing work in the Markomanka Tower that is also the oldest part of the castle. 

It was said that the workers were driven out from the evil spirit, and that it has since haunted the Throne Room at midnight. 

Dead Within a Year

Another story told about the Zvíkov Castle is that anyone that sleeps over in the main tower is said to die within a year. Perhaps one of the demonic imps more deadly tricks?

Another thing to beware is down in the catacombs of the castle where it is said that bloody hellhounds roam and have been blamed when some hear strange howling in the night. According to the legends there is a secret passage they are guarding from the gothic chapel of St. Anne from the 1200s. 

The Legend of the White Lady

Another one of the enduring legends of Zvíkov Castle is that of the White Lady, a ghostly apparition that is said to haunt the castle’s halls, although she is said to not be as demonic as the other strange occurrences from the castle. 

Many visitors to Zvíkov Castle have reported seeing the White Lady, dressed in a flowing white gown, gliding through the castle’s rooms and appearing in the stairs. Some have even claimed to have heard her weeping and 

Conclusion and final thoughts

Zvíkov Castle is a hauntingly beautiful fortress steeped in history and legend. Its dark past is a testament to the trials and tribulations of medieval Bohemia, and it’s haunted legends continue to intrigue and fascinate visitors to this day. So, gather your courage, and join us on a journey into the heart of one of Europe’s most haunted castles.

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Zvíkov (hrad) – Wikipedie 

A Haunted Czech Castle and its Demonic Imp – Journalnews 

Zvíkov Castle – Wikipedia 

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The Haunted Dungeon at Rosenkrantz Tower

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The Rosenkrantz Tower in Bergen Norway is one of the oldest buildings still standing and was once the house for kings. Today it is used as a museum and perhaps they also have some of the oldest ghosts still lingering in the dungeon. 

On the old dock in Bergen city you mostly find old buildings dating all the way back to the middle ages when Bergen was the capital in Norway throughout the city’s time as a Hanseatic trading city. Today the fortress the Rosenkrantz Tower is a part of a museum and is considered one of the most important renaissance monuments in Norway. 

One of the old buildings is Rosenkrantz Tower, which still is one of the taller buildings in the city and was once known as “The Castle by the Sea” as it used to be a residence for kings when Bergen was the capital in Norway. 

The Kings Tower

Rosenkrantz Tower was originally built for the king Magnus Lawmender in 1270 and a lot of the original building can still be seen today. King Magnus Lawmender got his nickname after working extensively on the laws in his country, and much of today’s Norwegian constitution comes from his work. 

After the capital in Norway was moved to Oslo and Norway became a part of the Danish kingdom, the keep the tower is part of lost its importance as a royal seat, but was still used as a military keep.

Although the cannons in Rosenkrantz Tower have only been fired one day during war in 1665, the tower has seen its fair share of war. In 1944 during world war two the Rosenkrantz Tower was heavily damaged when a cargo ship with explosives exploded right outside. The upper floors collapsed, but the foundations of the tower still remained, like the dungeon in the tower. And deep down in the darkness of the dungeon in the tower, some former prisoners are said to still linger. 

The Haunted Dungeon

The dungeon in Rosenkrantz Tower was added on to the tower around 1500 and the final tower as we see it today was finalized in the 1560s by Erik Rosenkrantz who was a governor of Bergen Castle during a time when Norway was under Danish reign. He was at the time one of the wealthiest men in Denmark-Norway and work on the tower was done by Scottish builders, explaining the Scottish look from the time. 

The

The dungeon served as a prison where they kept the prisoners who were considered to be very violent and often some of the poorest. These are the prisoners that are rumored to be still haunting the dungeon. 

An architect named Peter Blix reported in 1884 that old people living at the time still remembered the last prisoner in the cell in Rosenkrantz Tower. So perhaps the dungeon was used in the early 19th century? 

You can walk inside of the tower and follow the hollowed and wobbly stairs down to the basement where you can barely stand up straight. The cells are small and the only light is from the cracks in the walls. Still to this day you can see claw marks from the prisoners that were confined into the dark small cells when it was used from the 16th to the 19th century. 

The irony of it all is that so many of the prisoners were convicted by the laws that the original builder, King Magnus Lawmender, made during his reign just a couple of floors above the dungeon they are forever kept. 

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Featured photo: Wikimedia/Rüdiger Stehn

The Most Haunted Places in Bergen 

Rosenkrantztårnet – Lensherrenes slott i Bergen sentrum – Bymuseet

The Bergen Map | Rosenkrantztårnet

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The November Ghost in Château de Bonaguil

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Explore the breathtaking Château de Bonaguil in south-western France. Take a journey through history as you uncover this majestic 12th century fortified castle where a Woman in White is said to haunt the castle every November. 

Marvel at the majestic 12th-century fortress of Château de Bonaguil in Saint-Front-sur-Lémance in south-western France! Located near the Lot and Dordogne rivers, this spectacular castle is filled with tales and secrets of centuries past. 

The name comes from bonne aiguille (good needle), referring to the pointy rock it is built upon. From its impressive architecture to the stunning views of its surrounding landscape, Château de Bonaguil offers an unforgettable adventure into history and culture.

Read about more Haunted Châteaus in France.

A Brief History of the Château de Bonaguil

Château de Bonaguil was first built in the 12th century by knight Arnaud de la Tour of Fumel, who later became Lord of Bonaguil. During the Hundred Years War, the Lords of Bonaguil sided with the English and was a location that saw a lot of battle as the castle was taken and retaken by the fighting sides. 

The castle underwent renovations and reconstructions throughout its rich history – most notably, in the late 15th century by the House of Bérenger de Roquefeuil family, it was modified to become an impressive fortress with formidable defenses and it is one of the last fortified castles in France from the Middle Ages. 

Over the last century, the castle’s many towers and bastions have been restored and reinforced, giving visitors a chance to experience the castle’s fascinating heritage firsthand.

Paranormal Investigation of the Haunted Castle

The castle is old, has a bloody history as well as being riddled in centuries of ghost stories and legends. Haunted rumors were so many that a paranormal team once went to do a thorough investigation. People have reported about a burning sensation as well as pressures on their shoulders and temperature drops. 

They have also reported strange sounds around the castle grounds as well as there are photographs people mean captured the ghost on camera. Who can it be that is haunting the old castle?

Dame Blanche of Bonaguil

Château de Bonaguil is said to have its own unsettling paranormal story, in the form of the White Lady or the Dame Blanche in french. It is claimed that a ghostly figure appears both around the grounds of the castle, as well as wandering along its courts and galleries. 

The story of Dame Blanche is plentiful in French folklore and as a sight in old castles especially. In French mythology or folklore, Dames Blanches were female spirits or supernatural beings, comparable to the Weiße Frauen of both Dutch and German mythology.

November Hauntings

Legend has it that there’s a mysterious white lady haunting the Château de Bonaguil known as the Dame Blanch or Dame de Bonaguil. She is thought to be the ghost of Marguerite de Fumel who spent much time in the Château de Bonaguil to fix it up and keep it. 

Dame Blanche de Château de Bonaguil: Local scholar Max Pons has entrusted a photo of his wedding to the Chateau de Bonaguil and claims that a ghost appeared (outlined in red) at the time the photo was developed. © Photo credit: source

For unknown reasons she is said to return in the middle of the night during November month to haunt the castle. Can it be that the castle she spent so much time on were looted and robbed during the French Revolution?   

The Legend of Marguerite de Fumel

It is said that Dame Blanche once was a noble lady and daughter of Béranger de Roquefeuil, a cruel and vicious man that took great pleasure in executing people during the peasant rebellion. 

Marguerite de Fumel was sick of her tyrant father and wished to run away with her lover. But her father set her up for marriage with a wealthy and old count. The legend goes that she fled tearfully from the castle never to be seen alive again, only as the ghost haunting the grounds. 

We do know however that Marguerite de Fumel died in Paris after years of marriage in 1699. But the ghost story about the White Lady haunting the castle in November continues to persist. 

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Château de Bonaguil – Wikipedia 

Lot-et-Garonne. En novembre, la Dame blanche revient hanter le château de Bonaguil

Lot-et-Garonne : France 2 consacre un sujet sur les mystères du château de Bonaguil

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The All Saint Day Hauntings at Château de Blandy-les-Tours

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Step back in time and visit the historic Château de Blandy-les-Tours which is said to be one of the many haunted castles in France. It is said that the castle is especially busy on All Saint Day were the dead are walking the halls.

Nestled in the Loire Valley, France’s Château de Blandy-les-Tours is a true gem of history famous for its towers. Dating back to the 13th to 14th century, this castle is full of charm and allure, with intricate details and stunning architecture. Tour the grounds and explore its fascinating history to uncover its secrets with our guide.

The fortified Château de Blandy-les-Tours that stands today was a keep built for the Hundred Year War and was home to some of the most prominent families in France before it fell into obscurity for years. 

Merovingian Necropolis Cemetery

Before it was a castle, it used to be a cemetery for one of the most powerful rulers of Europe during their time. Which maybe can help explain why Château de Blandy-les-Tours is considered to be one of France’s most haunted places. 

The Merovingian dynasty was the ruling family of the Franks from the middle of the 5th century until 751. By 509 they had united all the Franks and northern Gaulish Romans under their rule The 7th-century Chronicle of Fredegar implies that the Merovingians were descended from a sea-beast called a quinotaur:

It is said that while Chlodio was staying at the seaside with his wife one summer, his wife went into the sea at midday to bathe, and a beast of Neptune rather like a Quinotaur found her. In the event she was made pregnant, either by the beast or by her husband, and she gave birth to a son called Merovech, from whom the kings of the Franks have subsequently been called Merovingians.

In the past, this tale was regarded as an authentic piece of Germanic mythology and was often taken as evidence that the Merovingian kingship was sacral and the royal dynasty of supernatural origin. 

Exploring the Inside of the Château de Blandy-les-Tours

Visitors to the Château de Blandy-les-Tours can explore its vast corridors, halls, and chambers that they spent years restoring from 1992 to 2007 when they opened the Château for the public again. Wander through rooms filled with centuries-old artifacts and furniture that tell stories of past inhabitants where you can enjoy open-air cinema nights, circus shows and concerts. 

Discover grand fireplaces decorating lush salons, wooden ceilings from the fifteenth century in its numerous bedrooms, as well as other hidden gems revealed by a team of archaeologists that have been working for years to restore the castle’s structure.

All Saint Day Haunting

All saints day is also known as All Hallows Day, a prelude to the modern Halloween we celebrate today. It’s a Christian day to celebrate and honor all the saints of the church and usually celebrated on November 1st. In France it is known as La Toussaint and usually flowers like chrysanthemums or wreaths are placed on tombs and graves. 

All Saint Day Haunting: November 1st is All Saint Day and is supposedly when the Château de Blandy-les-Tours is most haunted if we are to believe local lore.

One of the château’s most interesting stories is that it may be haunted on this holy day. There have been reports of strange noises, shadows, and ghostly figure sightings throughout its history. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this castle definitely has a mysterious and fascinating past!

This Château has a peculiar haunting as it isn’t necessarily connected to one specific ghost. It is said that on All Saint Day the hallways of the Château de Blandy-les-Tours are taken over by ghosts and spirits trapped inside. You can hear them screaming and rattling their chains the entire night. 

The Murderous Ghost Lord

One ghost we have a certain amount of control over is the ghost of a feudal lord from the 10th or 11th century. He is said to walk around with a dagger wearing a bloody shroud walking from room to room in the Château de Blandy-les-Tours, perhaps looking for another victim as he was quite notorious for his crimes when he was alive? It is said that when he was alive, he used to be a murderer, and forever cursed to haunt his castle in his afterlife. 

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References

Featured Image: P.poschadel Wikimedia

https://www.chateau-blandy.fr/fr/history

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merovingian_dynasty

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The Banshee Curse Haunting Duckett’s Grove

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After a young girl lost her life on the estate of Duckett’s Grove, her grieving mother cast a curse on the Duckett family. Now, the Banshee haunting the place can be heard shrieking in the dark, warning about tragedy and death for those that hear her. 

Towering the serene Irish countryside in County Carlow, Duckett’s Grove stands as a hauntingly beautiful testament to the grand mansion that stood there, although now there are only ruins left to tell it. 

However, beneath its grand façade of Duckett’s Grove lies a tale steeped in mystery and supernatural intrigue with a touch of old Irish folklore. Often touted as one of Ireland’s most haunted places, Duckett’s Grove continues to draw visitors seeking both historical insight and a brush with the paranormal. 

Duckett’s Grove History

Duckett’s Grove, or Garrán Duckett in Irish, was originally constructed in the early 19th century by the Duckett family, prominent landowners in County Carlow. The family’s grand vision was brought to life by the architect Thomas A. Cobden, resulting in a Gothic Revival masterpiece. With its imposing turrets, intricate stonework, and enchanting gardens, the mansion quickly became a symbol of wealth and prestige.

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

The estate of Duckett’s Grove fell out from the Duckett family when the last Duckett living there disinherited her daughter she wasn’t on speaking terms with. It was managed by agents, local farmers and the Land Commission after this. During the War of Independence from 1919 to 1921 it was used by the local IRA.  

Duckett’s Grove: The 19th-century great house and estate in County Carlow, Ireland. Once owned by the Duckett family, it was the centerpiece of a vast 12,000-acre estate and was prominent in the local landscape for over 200 years. Unfortunately, the interior of the house was ravaged by a significant fire in the 1930s, rendering it inaccessible. Today, the gardens, which include two interconnected walled gardens, are under the management of Carlow County Council and open to the public as a park.

One night, on 20th of April in 1933, Duckett’s Grove was destroyed by a fire. The cause of the fire was not determined, but locals reported about several fires that happened a week before, and they started to speculate what really happened that night. 

Most of the well preserved interior is now lost and the skeleton of the house was used as a riding school until 2004. After the county took over, they refurbished the gardens and reopened it to the public in 2007 were people could come and enjoy the decaying romanticism of the abandoned estate. 

The Irish Piseóg

The true allure of Duckett’s Grove, however, lies in its reputation as a paranormal hotspot and the supposed curse that looms over the grounds. Numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and eerie phenomena have shrouded the mansion in a mystique that continues to haunt visitors to this day.

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

There is a story that tells of a secret lover of William Duckett who died after she fell from her horse as she was riding on the estate. Not much details are given, but something more mystical have happened because of what happened next. The girl’s mother was devastated and angry with the Duckett family and put a curse, or a Piseóg, on the family. 

Piseóg is the Irish term for the supernatural and also includes spells, charms and curses. This particular Piseóg resulted in a Banshee haunting the place from then on.  

The Curse of the Banshee

The Banshee is an Irish entity from folklore that takes the form of a female wailing spirit. It is said that if you hear a banshee cry you will soon suffer the death of a beloved. 

According to lore she has long streaming hair and wears a gray cloak over a green dress, and her eyes are red from continual weeping. There are also those claiming the Banshee is dressed in white with red hair and a ghastly complexion.

The Banshee: People have depicted the Banshee as many things, everything from a beautiful fairy like woman to a monster. Here from the book Bunworth Banshee, Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland by Thomas Crofton Croker, 1825

It is said you can hear the shrieks of the Banshee over Duckett’s Grove for two days and nights and those that hear it will soon experience suffering and tragedy. 

There are many reports about people being affected by The Banshee. Once a garden worker of Duckett’s Grove saw the figure of a woman drop dead in the garden and heard the shriek of a banshee. The next morning he found his mother dead. Another time it was a woman passing the estate that claimed to have heard her cries. In a matter of days, the woman died. 

The spirit of the young mistress and the tale of the curse of the banshee keep coming up from time to time, especially after the terrible fire that burnt the estate to the ground without a good reason, almost like the place itself was cursed. 

The Paranormal Enigma

The Banshee is not the only ghost said to roam on the large estate. Duckett family members like William Duckett are also said to be one of the ghosts lurking in the shadows or riding his horse over the fields of Duckett’s Grove. 

William Duckett was the one that in 1830 transformed the modest two storey house to the mansion it became. After the destructive fire it drove him from his eternal slumber, angry at the ruins of his life work. 

There are also talks about strange lights coming from the ruins of Duckett’s Grove as well as unexplained noises, the sound of cutlery and servants coming from the ruins as well as a demonic dog with red eyes terrorizing the area. 

The Irish Ghosts Haunting the Estate

Its picturesque ruins and gardens serve as a testament to Ireland’s architectural heritage, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who once called Duckett’s Grove home. Each stone wall and crumbling archway holds the echoes of centuries past, whispering secrets that have long been forgotten.

As visitors stroll through the enchanting gardens, they may catch a glimpse of the spirits that are said to still wander the grounds. Legends tell of ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and strange occurrences that defy explanation. From the Lady in White, who is said to grace the gardens with her ethereal presence, to the restless spirits of long-departed inhabitants, the paranormal tales of Duckett’s Grove continue to captivate the imagination of all who venture within its borders.

Whether you are drawn to the ghostly tales that shroud Duckett’s Grove or simply wish to immerse yourself in its timeless beauty, a visit to this enigmatic place promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be transported back in time, where history and the supernatural intertwine, and the allure of Ireland’s past comes alive before your eyes.

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References:

5 ghost stories from Ireland’s Ancient East 

About DuckettsGrove.ie

Ghostly Guide – Duckett Grove, Co. Carlow 

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The Mysterious Ghosts Newton House by Dinefwr Castle

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Delve deep into the mysteries of the castle of Dinefwr and discover its haunted ghosts. The castle grounds are said to be haunted by both a loyal butler as well as a murdered lady in white that tried to escape a loveless marriage.

Tucked away in the rolling Welsh countryside, Dinefwr Castle holds a dark secret—it is haunted by ghosts that have roamed its halls for centuries.

The castle, also known as Old Dynevor Castle is now in ruins as it overlooks the River Towy close to Llandeilo in Wales. 

Llandeilo Town in Wales

Dinefwr is situated in the small town of Llandeilo in Wales. This area has always had a reputation for mythical tales, with local folklore claiming that Dinefwr Castle was once inhabited by mysterious ghosts. 

The stories date back hundreds of years and each generation adds more details to the spooky tales that have become part of the culture. For example, some people believe that spirits haunt the castle grounds and are said to create flickering lights or howling noises!

The History of Dinefwr Castle

Dinefwr Castle is steeped in history and mystery and dates back to the 12th century and was the chief seat of the Dinefwr dynasty of the Kingdom of Deheubarth in south Wales. 

Built by Rhys ap Gruffydd of Deheubarth, it gained status as an important fortress as tensions among Welsh kingdoms rose. 

His reign saw a rare period of peace and stability that led to a flowering of Welsh culture, music and poetry. The Dinefwr dynasty was mostly warlord led and constantly invaded.

Sadly, it was not to last. After Rhys’s death, conflicts over succession led to turbulent years as the Welsh princes fought amongst themselves and against the English. Dinefwr eventually fell into English control in 1287 and remained there for centuries, despite Owain Glyndŵr’s attempt to wrest it back during his uprising of 1403.

Its location on a hill overlooking the Towy Valley was strategic and also held spiritual significance to local residents.  Throughout its long history, rumors of spectral residents began to take root and tales of spooky sightings have been told ever since.

The Haunting Grounds in Newton House

When talking about the hauntings around this place, many people make the mistake to think that the ghosts are roaming around the  ancient ruins of the castle, but this is not entirely true. The ghosts that are now famous are supposedly haunting the country house called Newton House on the castle grounds in Dinefwr Park that was built in 1660. 

Among the ghosts said to be haunting the grounds are Walter the Butler who worked in the house and is now haunting the servant’s basement. People have smelled his tobacco smoke in the room as well as hearing muffled voices as the lights are flickering on and off. 

Ghosts of Dinefwr Castle

But perhaps best known is the tragic story about the White Lady that supposedly haunts the grounds as well. This is also supposed to happen in the old country house. 

The White Lady of Dinefwr Castle is said to be the ghost of Lady Elinor Cavendish and her horrible end. There are even reports that people have visited and have felt as if their throats are being squeezed, the same way that she died. 

There are tales about the ghost of a young girl, now remembered as the White Lady of Dinefwr Castle and according to the rumours, people have seen the ghost of a woman disappearing into the cupboard. 

The story goes that Lady Elinor Cavendish was forced into an unwanted marriage in the 18th century and tried to run away from the loveless marriage and her brutal husband to be. But she was not allowed to slip out of his hands and her husband followed her and when he caught up to her, he strangled her to death. 

Lady Elinor Cavendish now haunts the grounds, the country house of Newton House and the ruins of DInefwr Castle, still trying to escape the life she didn’t want for herself.

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References:

Dinefwr Castle | Cadw

Spooky stories and legends of ghosts and more this Hallowe’en | South Wales Guardian 

Newton House, Llandeilo – Wikipedia