In Search of Britain's Haunted Castles

In Search of Britain's Haunted Castles

Author: Marc Alexander

Publisher: The History Press

ISBN: 9780752477893

Category: History

Page: 242

View: 569

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Britain’s reputation for its ghostlore remains as intriguing as ever. This book is for those interested in ghostlore – and castles – and for those who wish to visit the scenes of paranormal legend. It could easily be said that in the UK we are spoilt for choice when it comes to atmospheric historic buildings and certainly Britain’s many castles are liberally scattered all over the country. The castles selected in this book have been chosen for their prevalence of spectral tales and the legendary events associated with them: whether grisly executions or bloody battles, their names have become synonymous with their history. This handy pocket history and guide locates and describes over sixty haunted castles and their ghostly inhabitants. Featuring entry information, maps and photographs, and detailed research revealing where supernatural legends associated with castles mirror historical events, this book offers far more than just a collection of spooky tales.

Castles of England

Castles of England

Author: John Paul Davis

Publisher: Pen and Sword History

ISBN: 9781526749949

Category: Architecture

Page: 313

View: 254

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In 1051, a monk of Canterbury Cathedral made a bizarre observation in what would eventually form part of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. In his chronicling of the year’s events, he described the establishment of a new fortification in Herefordshire by French members of the king’s party. More sophisticated than the typical Saxon burh, the word provided was alien to his vocabulary. In Latin, its builders had christened it: castellum. Little did anyone at the time know, this unique building would mark a drastic change in the direction of England’s history. For almost a thousand years, the castles of England have stood proudly over her landscape. While many bear the scars of centuries of warfare, others continue to enjoy a far more comfortable existence. They are the sites of bloody sieges. The windswept ruin. The royal palace. The home of knights and nobility. The local museum. The posh hotel. Though we all recognise a castle when we see one, no two are ever exactly alike. By digging deep into the history of England’s mighty castles, the purpose of this book is to throw light on those who lived there. For as long as there have been castles in England, there have been mysteries within their walls: murders that were never solved, treasures that remain unfound, prisoners left to rot in the ghastliest pits or executions worthy of lasting infamy. From unfortunate victims to long lost legends, infamous owners to ladies in grey, Castles of England offers a fresh investigation into many of those tales that will forever be the cause of intrigue for visitors. To understand who they were is to understand the story of the castle in England. To understand the castle in England is to understand England.

Castles of Wales

Castles of Wales

Author: John Davis

Publisher: Pen and Sword History

ISBN: 9781526749963

Category: Architecture

Page: 252

View: 997

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In 1277, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Gwynedd, met with Edward I of England in Aberconwy to finalise a treaty that would change the fate of both nations. His hand forced by Edward’s invasion earlier that year, Llywelyn’s acceptance of the terms confirmed not only short-term peace but also that the rule of Wales would pass to Edward on his death. To augment his rising dominance, the English king embarked on a building project that saw the rise of some of the most recognisable fortresses in Europe. Quite literally, an ‘Iron Ring’ of castles. Even before the construction of Edward’s infamous ‘Iron Ring’, castles were by no means rare in Wales. Both before and simultaneous to William the Conqueror’s establishment of timber and stone fortresses in the south and borderlands, a process continued by many of his descendants, native structures also existed. Though often more palatial than protective, such constructions proved decisive to the ongoing wars and were often chosen as sites for future castles. Just as had been the case in England, the story of the castle crosses many centuries. Many began as Roman forts, whereas others date from more modern times. While many are now romantic ruins, others remain cherished family homes, if not hotels or museums. By adopting an identical approach to that seen in Castles of England, the purpose of this book is to throw light on the stories behind them. For as long as there have been castles in Wales, there have been mysteries within their walls. Murders that remain unsolved, treasures unfound, prisoners left to rot in the darkest pits and valiant warriors whose heroic deeds have become a cherished part of the Welsh identity. From blood-soaked heroes to long-lost legends, despotic pirates to wailing hags, Castles of Wales offers a fresh investigation into many of its fascinating fortresses. No country has more castles per square mile than Wales. Even today, there are more than 200 to be enjoyed. Inspired by such a rich tapestry of tales, this book provides an essential introduction to the nation many regard as ‘The Land of Castles’.

Haunted Castles of England

Haunted Castles of England

Author: JG Montgomery

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide

ISBN: 9780738758299

Category: Body, Mind & Spirit

Page: 217

View: 581

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Journey Across England's Haunted Lands Where Epic Legends, Medieval Castles and Ghoulish Ghosts Come Alive The sprawling, mysterious castles of England are incredible sights to behold, but even more captivating are the restless spirits that dwell within them. This book invites you to explore nearly 100 English castles and meet the paranormal entities that roam their grounds, from the tallest towers to the deepest tunnels. Discover fascinating stories, photos, and eyewitness accounts of hauntings across England, from the Tower of London to Oxford Castle to Castle Keep. Experience gruesome prisoners rattling their chains, ghostly maidens in shimmering gowns, and gallant knights charging on their spectral steeds. Organized by region, Haunted Castles of England provides the history of each structure, reported hauntings, and much more.

Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland

Haunted Castles of Britain and Ireland

Author: Richard Jones

Publisher:

ISBN: 0760740038

Category: Ghosts

Page: 168

View: 703

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Author Richard Jones takes you to 100 castles in the British Isles, from romantic ruins on sea-lashed headlands to splendid castles that have been transformed into luxury hotels.

Nights in Haunted Houses

Nights in Haunted Houses

Author: Peter Underwood

Publisher: Peter Underwood

ISBN:

Category: Body, Mind & Spirit

Page: 256

View: 911

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The eerie quiet and disorientating darkness of the night have long been associated with the terror of the unknown. In the cold light of day it is all too easy for sceptics to dismiss apparently inexplicable events but in the dead of night, when faced with the evidence of their senses and those of other perfectly rational people, it is far more difficult to ignore the facts - however disturbing they may be. Peter Underwood is Britain's leading ghost hunter. For over thirty years, in his position as President and Chief Investigator of the Ghost Club of Great Britain, he was actively involved in undertaking night vigils and carrying out research into ghosts and paranormal activity in controlled, scientific conditions. In this unique volume of largely unpublished accounts of nocturnal investigations, he guides son a chilling tour of the most haunted houses in Great Britain. Among others, we encounter the headless Blue Lady and disturbing inexplicable odour of lavender of Bovey House in Devon; the happy spirits monk of Bromfield Manor, Shropshire, who chuckles with delight when noticed; and the strange disembodied voices, footsteps and unnatural coldness of Newark Park, Gloucestershire. In Nights in Haunted Houses Peter Underwood vividly records terrifying accounts of ghostly encounters in locations as diverse as a farmhouse, a church, a castle and a council house, and builds a convincing catalogue of evidence for the existence of ghosts.

This Haunted Isle

This Haunted Isle

Author: Peter Underwood

Publisher: Peter Underwood

ISBN:

Category: Body, Mind & Spirit

Page: 393

View: 846

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Peter Underwood has personally visited the historic buildings and sites of Britain, and here presents a wealth of intriguing legends and new stories of ghostly encounters from more than a hundred such throughout the United Kingdom. From Abbey House in Cambridge to Zennor in Cornwall, this is an A to Z of the haunted houses of Britain. At Bramshill in Hampshire — now a police training college — there have been so many sightings that even sceptical police officers have had to admit that the place is haunted. Beautiful Leeds Castle in Kent has a large, phantom black dog; there is an Elizabethan gentleman (seen by a Canon of the Church of England!) at Croft Castle; a Pink Lady at Coughton Court; a prancing ghost jester at Gawsworth; a spectre in green velvet at Hoghton Tower; six ghosts at East Riddlesden Hall; a headless apparition at Westwood Manor; and then there are some little-known ghosts in Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London, and the strange ghosts of Chingle Hall, perhaps the most haunted house in England.

Gothic Tourism

Gothic Tourism

Author: Emma McEvoy

Publisher: Springer

ISBN: 9781137391292

Category: Social Science

Page: 251

View: 331

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From Strawberry Hill to The Dungeons, Alnwick Castle to Barnageddon, Gothic tourism is a fascinating, and sometimes controversial, area. This lively study considers Gothic tourism's aesthetics and origins, as well as its relationship with literature, film, folklore, heritage management, arts programming and the 'edutainment' business.

Collins Ghost Hunters' Guide to Britain

Collins Ghost Hunters' Guide to Britain

Author: John Spencer

Publisher: Trafalgar Square Publishing

ISBN: IND:30000079561035

Category: Ghosts

Page: 208

View: 651

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7.5 miles to 1 inch Full colour thematic atlas and guide of Britain showing locations of ghostly phenomena along with a description of the manifestation.

Paranormal County Durham

Paranormal County Durham

Author: Darren Ritson

Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited

ISBN: 9781445629964

Category: History

Page: 128

View: 711

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County Durham is an area of outstanding beauty that is primarily recognised for its lead mining and farming industries. With rolling hills, quaint countryside villages and a historic city as its capital, County Durham is a stunning region to behold and it is truly haunted. Join the North East's foremost ghost hunter, Darren W. Ritson on this spine-chilling tour.

Haunted America FAQ

Haunted America FAQ

Author: Dave Thompson

Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation

ISBN: 9781495046001

Category: Travel

Page: 390

View: 378

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(FAQ Pop Culture). Take a fast-paced survey of the ghosties, ghouls, and associated denizens of the country's haunted history with Haunted America FAQ . Tracing local ghost stories back to Native American legends and then forward through horror tales both ancient and modern, the book revisits some of the best known haunted locales, as well as some of the most obscure creepy places, in America. Delving deep into the cultural history of American hauntings, Haunted America FAQ includes chapters on ghostly books, movies, and television. Also included is an A-Z of reality-TV ghost hunts and a state-by-state gazetteer of haunted spots.