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The 5 most haunted wedding venues in the UK

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Getting married is traditionally the best day of your life. Consumed with happiness, you both are riding high on the wings of love and nothing can touch you… or can it?

Numerous wedding venues across the country have built up a reputation as being haunted. Sightings of ghostly goings-on have been reported by the bride and groom themselves, and by unsuspecting guests. Whether or not you believe in the spirit world, the following list of spook-clad buildings may have you delving into the venues’ haunted history before you check in for your romantic wedding stay.

#5 Muncaster Castle

The Lake District
Muncaster_Castle

Number five on the list of spooky UK wedding venues is the historic, majestic, and (self-proclaimed) haunted Muncaster Castle. The castle is reportedly home to several ghosts, the most famous of which is Henry VI. The King took refuge here after his defeat at the Battle of Hexham, and is said to roam the corridors wailing in self-pity.

Other ghosts that reportedly reside here include; a young girl who was hanged in the castle; a head-carrying apprentice carpenter; and, possibly the most feared of them all, Thomas Skelton (aka Tom the Fool.) Tom the fool was a 16th Century jester, and was one who took great pleasure in leading castle guests to their quick-sand induced deaths. His portrait reportedly hangs within the castle but is believed to be hidden somewhere in the private quarters. Yes, that’s right: the castle is still a lived-in family home and has been since 1208… It can’t be that scary then, can it?

Update; A marketing agency working for Muncaster Castle with some enhanced information. Here’s what they said;

… it states Muncaster is haunted by Henry VI but while he did take refuge here as said, there are no reports of him haunting the place. We don’t claim a royal ghost!

Re other ghosts mentioned – Mary Bragg was murdered on the road nearby, not hanged, and the head-carrying apprentice carpenter was a new one on us. However a crying child is often heard, people staying overnight often hear footsteps when there’s no-one there, door handles turn by themselves and room temperatures plummet for no apparent reason. The info about Thomas Skelton is ok except that his portrait hangs on public display.

#4 Tutbury Castle

Burton-on-Trent
Tutbury_Castle_Ruins

The second castle that features on the haunted list, and fourth in terms of frightfulness, is Staffordshire’s Tutbury Castle. Mary Queen of Scots is said to roam Tutbury’s corridors’: Mary was held captive here by Elizabeth I on four separate occasions. This spooky venue actively encourages the bride and groom to have a second torch-lit wedding ceremony at midnight. Furthermore, they are asked if they wish to participate in one of the venue’s infamous ghost hunts that take place within the spooky castle grounds as an enhanced ‘celebration’ of their nuptials.

Over 40 male guests saw Marry Queen of Scots back in 2004 standing at the top of the south tower: thinking it was just the female curator donning a white gown, they all stood and laughed. The men later discovered that the curator was not on duty that night. In June this year, it was reported by archaeologists working in the grounds that a very active (and helpful) Mary was seen taking part in one of their seasonal digs.

#3 Ettington Park Hotel

Stratford-Upon-Avon
Ettington Park Hotel

Potentially built on a Roman villa site, this Neo-Gothic mansion is number three on the list of haunting hollows. Ettington Park Hotel has a rich and varied history: The building was used as a Prisoner of War camp following World War II and, prior to that, a nursing home. A luxury hotel since the 1980s, Ettington was the spooky setting for the movie, ‘The Haunting’, filmed in 1963. It has also encountered raging fire forcing it to close for many years prior to it’s re-opening as a licensed establishment.

BBC Coventry and Warwickshire spent an evening ‘ghost-busting’ at the hotel in 2006. Although they experienced no major goings-on, they did encounter a sudden and dramatic drop in temperature in certain rooms, and spent the evening on tenterhooks after hearing the staff’s ghostly tales. There have been countless ghostly reports at the hotel over the years; namely, moving books in the library; apparitions of a grey haired lady, a groundsman, and a servant; singing voices heard in the drawing room; and a candle hovering over a mantelpiece in the reception area. Two of the notable spirits taking residence at the Ettington are thought to be the ghosts of John Pritchard and Edward Shirley.

#2 Comlongon Castle

Gretna Green
Comlongon Castle

The runner-up in our most haunted wedding venue list is the 15th Century, Scottish border stronghold – Comlongon Castle. This magnificent building has a very conspicuous, and very permanent, resident in the form of Lady Marion Carruthers.

Lady Marion was said to have been ‘driven to madness’ back in the 16th century after being held captive in the building for many years. After being granted permission to marry her, Sir James Douglas – of the powerful Douglas family – would become joint owner of the family estate – Mouswald Castle. Marion tried to get out of the imminent marriage, but all attempts failed so she fled to her uncle’s castle and sought sanctuary at Comlongon. Marion was eventually court-ordered to surrender herself to James, and he did in fact inherit her estate. After many torturous years, it is believed that, the now insane, Marion committed suicide by leaping from the castle’s lookout tower. Some, however, believe that Marion was actually pushed to her death by James’ men after being ordered to do so.

Intriguingly, it has been noted for many years that no grass grows in the spot where Marion landed. Her ghostly apparition is often seen in and around the castle tower, crying. Due to the ruling of her death as suicide, Marion was not eligible for a Christian burial; as such, she is said to haunt the castle that ultimately became her place of unrest. Many former guests, including those from wedding parties, have reported seeing her ghost in one particular section of the hotel. Some have even taken photographs of the ghostly image and handed the prints to staff. These paranormal pictures are consistently being added to…

#1 Walworth Castle Hotel

Nr. Darlington
Walworth Castle Hotel

So, we have reached number 1 in our list of UK’s most haunted wedding venues. It may be surprising that the top spot goes to a hotel from the Best Western dynasty, but this no ordinary modern day chain: the building is a Grade 1 listed, Medieval-styled castle that was commissioned and built prior to 1600.

Walworth was home to over 200 German and Italian captives in the World War, and has also been a council-run girl’s school in the 50s. A private hotel since 1981, and gaining a wedding license shortly after, the building is said to be haunted by a former pregnant maid who had an affair with the Lord of the house. Fearing others would find about his illegitimate child, the Lord is said to have had the maid bricked up into the wall of the castle’s spiral staircase that conveniently, was having work done to it.

The spirit of the ill-fated maid is said to now roam the hotel and countless paranormal activities has been cited: Guests have been woken up by rattling tea cups; a female ghost has been seen roaming what was once the corridor to the honeymoon suite; ascending footsteps have been heard coming from the staircase at the rear of the library; and chambermaids have even reported having their hair pulled. Reports most closely linked to the tale of the maid include that of a ghostly woman emerging from one of the walls in the staircase, and guests hearing a woman desperately crying from behind the stairs in question.

In Pure Spirit

Would you get married in a haunted venue? Ask your wedding guests to dress up as ghosts, have a themed wedding and appear in the papers?

Are you planning a wedding for 2014? What tips, sites and deals would you recommend to fellow In Pure Spirit readers?

Image credit: Walworth Castle picture by Ulleskelf released under Creative Commons.

The ghosts and names of Penkaet Castle (Fountainhall)

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Penkaet Castle is situated just outside of Pencaitland and is one of those centuries old mansions that are a delicious blend of history and hauntings. As with any such combination, it elicits admiration, curiosity and a nervous tingle down the spine. Built over 400 years ago, this cream sandstone has seen several phases of additions being made to the original building and a few name changes as well. In 1971 it was listed as a category A building.

db_Fountainhall_house_Pencaitland1

History of Fountainhall

(also known as Woodhead or Penkaet)

Originally known as Woodhead, the property was home to the family of Sir George Cockburn of Ormiston. Legend has it that a relative of Sir George, John Cockburn, killed another relative, John Seton. In 1635 Sir George took the decision to sell the mansion.

It was later granted to Lord Fountainhall and took on the family name. A direct descendent, Sir Andrew Lauder, became the new owner in 1695 and the property was retained by the family until 1922.

When Professor Ian Holbourn, an author, acquired the home he promptly renamed it Penkaet Castle, although later owners decided it should revert back to Fountainhall House. Like any self-respecting centuries-old home, Penkaet Castle seems to have trapped the tortured spirits of a few of its past residents or callers.

Hauntings at Penkaet House

Probably the most talked about ghost is that of Alexander Hamilton, who begged for food and shelter from the Ormiston family. On being denied and roughly removed from the property, he screamed out a curse upon them all.

Only a few days later, Lady Ormiston and her daughter suddenly and mysteriously died. Hamilton was arrested and after admitting to tying some blue thread to the doors of the castle, he was put on trial for witchcraft and subsequently hanged at Edinburgh Castle. His ghost has reportedly been seen hovering at the main doors on many occasions.

John Cockburn’s murderous spirit is also said to frequent a cupboard in the mansion from which it sometimes emerges to walk the length of the room and exit through a wall.

The most illustrious ghost is apparently that of Charles I whose bed, complete with death mask, was a gift to the mansion’s most recent owner, Prof. Holbourn. The former sovereign still appears to have the occasional nap here, as the bed is often found in unexplained disarray.

Tales such as these will ensure that Penkaet Castle remains of great interest to many future generations.

In Pure Spirit

It’s not unusual for buildings to change their names but have you ever known a home to have had three different names that are still vying for influence?

Have you any more stories of hauntings or notes of history for Penkaet Castle?

Image credit: Clan Pringle, Pringle’s of Woodhead.

Is the Birkwood Psychiatric Hospital haunted?

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Birkwood “Castle”, once known as the Birkwood Psychiatric Hospital, is believed by some to be one of the most haunted buildings in the United Kingdom.

The building, at Lesmahagow in Lanarkshire, was built around 1860 and believed to have been designed by the Scottish architect John Baird for the McKirdy family and became a psychiatric hospital in 1923. The hospital had many child residents and worked with children is learning difficulties.

By 2002 Birkwood Castle closed and remains empty, an attempt to turn the B Grade listed building into a hotel and leisure centre failed in 2011 after the developers went into receivership.

The design is said to be interesting; featuring “hidden rooms” or, at least, rooms which can only be accessed from one of the building’s towers rather than the main corridors.

Ghosts at Birkwood Castle?

There are a number of reports of ghosts and apparent deaths at Birkwood.

Cigar smoke

Internet forums report the smell of cigar smoke, often brought up by staff when the hospital was operation. Staff are also believed to have mentioned lights turning on and off again as well as footsteps in empty corridors.

Henrik Richardson

The video above makes mention of a Henrik Richardson; said, by some, to have been stabbed through the throat while in the hospital. Paranormal investigators are particularly keen to see whether this alleged murder has resulted in any spiritual activity.

Bicycle boy

Some mediums visiting the hospital have spoken of the impression of a young boy riding, or towing, a bicycle while holding onto a teddy bear. Some have used the name “Mike” or “Michael”.

Crying girl

It has also been reported that the sound of sobbing or cry can be heard from some of the darker parts inside the building. Glasgow comedian Stuart Mitchell tweeted about his own encounter although he was filming with the YouTube based Haunted Planet TV at the time.

 

In Pure Spirit

Have you been to Birkwood House? Have you seen or heard anything that would lead you to believe it’s haunted?

Have you researched the old hospital to find any evidence of murder, death or other sightings in or near the building? Drop us your thoughts and, better still, a URL to reports in the comments section below.

The murder hole ghost of Oystermouth Castle

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Oystermouth Castle has been built, destroyed and rebuilt more than once. It was first built by William de Londres in 1106. The castle stood for about 10 years before it was destroyed in a conflict with the Welsh. The castle was destroyed again in 1137 and finally rebuilt in stone by the de Braose family after the region became less volitile in the 13th century.

The village of Oystermouth, commonly called the Mumbles, is surrounded by the sea to the east and south, and part of Swansea in Wales.

The castle grounds are open to the public and enjoys some 5,000 visitors every year but it is hoped that when conservation work finishes on the castle itself in 2014 that many more tourists will visit.

Hauntings

There are reports that Oystermouth Castle is haunted by a White Lady. The apparition is sometimes described as wailing, crying and suffering from a series of open wounds on her back. Some say she is the ghost of a Oystermouth Castle prisoner who was whipped to death on the Whipping Post that still stands by the dungeon.

In May 2011, a construction worker was tapped on the shoulder while trying to re-open a murder hole. Murder holes were used by defenders to pour boiling oil, water or even burning tarred sand down on attacking soliders – the scene of many horrific deaths. The incident made the local press and the worker, Mike Smith, told reporters;

“I don’t usually believe in the paranormal but it was a strange experience and I know other staff have experienced some odd goings-on at the castle too.

“Nothing like this has ever happened to me before but there are also stories of people walking dogs close to the castle and seeing their dogs barking hysterically at absolutely nothing at all.”

In Pure Spirit

Have you been to Oystermouth Castle? What did you think? Could the castle be haunted?

Picture credit: Mark Hogan, released under Creative Commons.

Warwick castle seeks Dragonologist

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Do you live near Warwick in England? Warwick castle has a vacancy for a consulting Dragonologist and has a job post on Monster.co.uk to help find the right person for the role.

The castle will be launcing a new attraction in April called “Merin: The Dragon Tower” and the researcher/consultant is needed to ensure that all the elements of the attraction “reach the required level of authenticty”. The Dragonologist will be required to train Warwick castle staff on the real of dragonology and respond to any questions from the public.

The job post goes on to say that the succesful candidate should be able to demonstrate extensive knowledge of dragon summoning, dragon powers and dragon riddles. On a more challenging note the ideal candidate may well like to hold a BA (Hons) degree in Mythology and Folklore. The salary is competitive (dependent on experience) and perks include free entry to the castle. It’s not known whether life insurance is included.

In Pure Spirit

Sound like a job you could handle? Perhaps someone you know might be interested? You’ll have to rush as the application process closes on Friday.

Photo credit: Myddrr, Creative Commons. Photo of Margham, not Warwick Castle (which doesn’t have it’s dragon… yet).

Castle Menzies: Ghost hunts and history

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Once known as Castle Weem, Castle Menzies is believed to be haunted. It’s a popular venue for organised ghost hunts for tourists and more thorough investigations from paranormal investigators.

The castle was built in 1488 by Sir Robert Menzies and was then rebuilt some tween between 1502 when the castle took significant damage and 1571. Cromwell’s army used the castle in 1650, in 1715 the Jacobites captured it and in 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie rested here on his way to Culloden.

Maharaja Dalip Singh, the last Maharajah of the Sikh Empire, lived in the castle between 1855 and 1858.

By 1918 the last of the Menzies (pronounced locally as Mingies) line who lived in the castle died and in 1857 the castle was purchased by the Menzies Clan Society and restoration work began

Hauntings

A number of paranormal investigators have recorded quite a volume of encounters in the castle. The following is just a selection of the more frequently mentioned locations.

There are reports of shouting being heard near the chief’s bedroom and one of the Victorian bedrooms is said to be a cold spot.

It is said that forms of three evil looking women, possibly witches, have been seen in the meat cellar. The wail of a cat has also been reported alongside paranormal incidents but the are many places for a real cat to prowl unnoticed in castle Menzies.

The corridor in front of the cellars is sometimes filled with strange smells. Crunching sounds are sometimes heard coming from it.

The so-called “Pink Room” is frequently involved with paranormal reports. People have heard foot steps, seen things by the windows and heard clanking sounds.

It is likely there has been both natural and unnatural death at the castle as it has been the sight of conflict.

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Is Bodelwyddan castle haunted?

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Bodelwyddan house and estate date back before 1440 when it was built by the Humphreys of Anglesey. The Williams (Williams-Wynn) family, so closely associated with the castle, began their association from around 1690.

The castle is believed to be haunted and runs overnight paranormal tours. The tours make use of electromagnetic field (EMF) detectors, digital thermometers, dowsing rods, crystal pendulums and tourists are allowed to bring their own digital cameras.

Visitors have reported the barking and howling of a spirit dog, the cries of ghost children and the ghost of a wife who was terrorised by her husband during her life. People are said to greatly fear the place, can sense the ghost of someone who committed suicide the castle and of haunting resulting from murder.

Other visitors report sensing the presence of a nurse, perhaps the nursemaid of the ghostly children, present in the castle.

In 2008 the BBC published a recording of a ghostly voice taken by a paranormal assistant who works at the castle. Some people think it says; “Hold me close”

The BBC recording is here. Can you hear it?

Rachel told the BBC;

“From the noises I have heard and recorded, to the temperature drops and the strange scents, I am certan it is haunted! Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it’s active – the spirits come out when they choose!

We were holding one of our overnight vigils in Bodelwyddan Castle when I recorded the sound. We were waiting for a group to arrive and as my friend and I walked around the castle we began to feel uneasy as if something was waiting to happen. The public arrived at 9pm and, after the tour, we began our vigil. We entered the library and where busy talking when all eight of us heard a loud sigh which appeared to come from the door right next to us.

It was unexplainable. It couldn’t have been any of the group as we were all on the opposite side of the doorway. After we had calmed each other down, I decided to switch on the recording device on my phone in the hope I would record a voice like we had heard earlier. We stayed in the library but nothing else happend so I stopped recording.

However, I sent the recording to an EVP expert and he used his software to pick out a voice saying ‘Hold me close’ which we hadn’t heard at the time. We had a lot of unexplained responses that night as well as the sound of music and faint voices. It has to be one of the scariest nights in the castle for me.”

The castle acted a a ret and recuperation hospital for soldiers during the first world war and the grounds of the estate where used for trench training.

In 1829 Sir John Hay Williams wrote that, during a refurbishment project, human bones where founded near on the chimneys but were built back into the castle wall.

North West Spirit Seekers also have a video of the castle.

In Pure Spirit

Ghost Hunters International and Most Haunted have both visited the castle. Most Haunted returned to Bodelwyddan for Most Haunted Live in 2010.

Have you been to the castle? Have you encountered or seen any of the Bodelwyddan ghosts?

Jedburgh Castle

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Jedburgh Castle Gaol
Image by James.Stringer via Flickr

Jedburgh Castle

Jedburgh Castle is in Jedburgh Scotland and is noted for its haunted jail. In 1994 the Glamorgan Paranormal Society spent a night inside and was reportedly subject to a large amount of paranormal activity.

The jail had three blocks; one for children, one for women and one for men. It also provided its own gallows. The last person to be hanged there was the murderer Thomas Wilson.

Hauntings

A ghostly piper has been reported standing and playing from the castle’s battlements.  Visitors have reported strange lights and, in some instances, smoke from the jail cells.

In Pure Spirit

Have you any stories from Jedburgh Castle or jail?

Disclosure

This blog discusses ideas and causes. Urban myth and history combine here. In Pure Spirit covers stories from elsewhere on the web and may make fair use clippings and quotations from the original source.