Those with a little experience in the field of the supernatural will know that castles tend to attract more than their fair share of ghosts, and Tamworth Castle is no different in this respect. The 800 year old medieval building has seen centuries of horror and hauntings, and this is reflected in the reportedly dozens of resident ghosts wandering the halls to this day.
Two of Tamworth’s most popular spectres are the White and Black Ladies, with guests frequently spotting these two figures when visiting the castle. Just like the colours these two are polar opposites, as the White Lady is reportedly the ghost of a medieval woman who flung herself from the castle battlements upon hearing her lover had died, while the Black Lady was a nun who rose from her grave to haunt the baron of Tamworth in 1139 when he threatened to close the nearby nunnery.
As Tamworth Castle is now owned by Tamworth Borough Council and is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the UK, it is an extremely popular tourist attraction – and the rumours of ghosts and poltergeists roaming free have done little to knock the enthusiasm for visitors. In fact, the castle’s appearance on TV’s Most Haunted caused footfall to boom, with guests all keen to hear the ghostly footsteps and scraping of furniture from empty rooms which have terrified so many in years gone by.
Tamworth Castle is certainly not a haunted house to be taken lightly, so would-be princesses may wish to go elsewhere when seeking their perfect palace.
Like Tamworth Castle, Tutbury Castle has an impressive reputation for hauntings. However, unlike Tamworth, one of Tutbury’s resident ghosts is believed to be one of history’s most notorious figures – Mary, Queen of Scots.
Tutbury Castle has long been known as Mary’s least favourite prison, as she was held there four times by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I. Members of the public, including a number of serving servicemen, have seen her dressed all in white standing at the top of the South Tower, and shortly afterwards crossing the grounds at a rapid pace; perhaps an attempt to flee her most hated prison after her death?
Sightings of Mary have increased in frequency in recent years, in part due to the castle’s ghost hunting events. These have proved hugely popular with the public and one event in 2004 saw more than 2,000 people attend. Fortunately, Tutbury Castle is large enough to accommodate this number, even with the many ghostly permanent residents!
Another of Tutbury Castle’s best known residents is a ghost known as “The Keeper”, a deceased guardsman dressed in a full suit of armour. He lurks around John of Gaunt’s Gateway and tells startled guests to “Get thee hence!” in a loud voice, although for one guest who misheard and thought they were being told to “get over the fence”, perhaps his bellow could be a little louder.
With a full timetable of Halloween events, Tutbury Castle is certainly not to be missed by avid ghost hunters – let’s just hope visitors don’t lose their heads at the sight of Mary.
Previous Post
Home Retail Group announces Homebase Closures
