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13 Haunted Houses in England
England is a land rich in history and folklore, with many centuries-old buildings that are believed to be haunted. These haunted houses attract paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors eager to experience the eerie and mysterious. Here are 13 haunted houses in England famous for their ghostly tales and spine-chilling histories.
1. Borley Rectory (Essex)
Known as the “most haunted house in England,” Borley Rectory was infamous for ghostly apparitions, mysterious footsteps, and unexplained noises. The ghost of a nun who was reportedly bricked up alive in the walls is one of the most famous spirits said to haunt the rectory. Although the house burned down in 1939, its legend lives on, and many paranormal investigators have documented their experiences there.
2. Hampton Court Palace (Surrey)
This historic royal palace is said to be haunted by the ghost of Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, who was executed for adultery. Her ghost is reported to scream and run through the “Haunted Gallery,” where she was dragged to her imprisonment. Visitors and staff have also reported sightings of Jane Seymour and other specters in the palace’s sprawling halls.
3. Chillingham Castle (Northumberland)
Known for its brutal history, Chillingham Castle is home to several ghosts, including the “Blue Boy,” who appears with a blue halo and has been seen in the Pink Room. The castle is also haunted by Lady Mary Berkeley, whose husband ran off with her sister, leaving her to die of a broken heart. Visitors often report hearing her ghostly footsteps.
4. The Tower of London (London)
The Tower Of London has a dark history of torture and execution. The ghosts of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded in 1536, Lady Jane Grey, who was executed in 1554, and the Princes in the Tower, who mysteriously disappeared, are said to haunt its halls. Guards and visitors have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises, making it one of the most haunted sites in the country.
5. Pluckley Village (Kent)
Pluckley Village, often referred to as the “most haunted village in England,” Pluckley is home to numerous haunted locations. The Screaming Woods are notorious for the sounds of screaming people, believed to be the tormented souls of those who got lost and perished there. The village also features haunted houses, including the Black Horse pub, where ghostly figures and poltergeist activity have been reported.
6. The Ancient Ram Inn (Gloucestershire)
The Ancient Ram Inn dates back to the 12th century. It is reputedly one of the most haunted houses in England. It is said to be haunted by a variety of spirits, including a witch who was burned at the stake, a monk, and even a succubus. Visitors have reported being pushed, pulled, and even held down by unseen forces, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters.
7. Raynham Hall (Norfolk)
Famous for the photograph of the “Brown Lady,” Raynham Hall is believed to be haunted by Lady Dorothy Walpole, who was imprisoned in the house by her husband and died there. The image of her descending the grand staircase has become one of the most famous ghost photographs ever taken. Witnesses claim to have seen her wandering the halls in a brown brocade dress.
8. The Skirrid Mountain Inn (Monmouthshire)
One of the oldest inns in Wales, the Skirrid Mountain Inn is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were executed there, as it was once used as a courtroom and gallows. The ghost of a former innkeeper who hanged himself is also said to linger, with visitors reporting strange noises, cold spots, and ghostly apparitions.
9. Berry Pomeroy Castle (Devon)
This picturesque ruin is said to be haunted by two female spirits: the “White Lady,” believed to be Margaret Pomeroy, and the “Blue Lady,” who lures visitors into dangerous parts of the castle. The White Lady is said to appear in the dungeons, where she was imprisoned by her jealous sister. While the Blue Lady is thought to be a tragic figure who lost her child.
10. 50 Berkeley Square (London)
This townhouse in Mayfair is reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in London. It is said to be haunted by a young woman who committed suicide by throwing herself from an upper-floor window. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and even physical attacks on those who dare to enter.
11. Muncaster Castle (Cumbria)
Home to the Pennington family for over 800 years, Muncaster Castle is said to be haunted by Tom Fool, a jester who served the family in the 16th century. Visitors have reported hearing his mischievous laughter and seeing ghostly figures. The castle is also said to be haunted by the White Lady, believed to be Mary Bragg, who was murdered near the castle.
12. Ham House (Surrey)
Ham house, This 17th-century mansion is reputed to be haunted by the spirit of Elizabeth Murray, Duchess of Lauderdale, who is said to wander the house, especially in her former bedroom. The sound of footsteps and the sight of her ghostly figure have been reported by visitors and staff, making it a well-known haunted location.
13. The Red Lion (Avebury, Wiltshire)
Located in the heart of the Avebury Stone Circle, The Red Lion is said to be haunted by several spirits. A woman named Florrie was murdered by her husband and is now said to haunt the place. Guests and staff have reported seeing her ghost, and other unexplained phenomena such as objects moving on their own and sudden drops in temperature.
Conclusion
These 13 haunted houses in England each have unique and eerie stories, attracting those fascinated by the paranormal. From royal palaces and ancient inns to village houses and ruined castles, these locations offer a glimpse into England’s rich and often dark history. Whether you are a believer in the supernatural or just curious about the stories, these haunted houses provide a spine-chilling experience that continues to captivate and intrigue.