The village of Chillingham is home to a grand medieval castle that is said to be the ‘most haunted’ in the UK – and it’s not hard to see why
As Halloween approaches, it’s guaranteed that folks are gearing up to adorn their homes with spooky décor, perfect their pumpkin art, and don the most frightening costumes. Yet for those looking to seriously spook themselves, delving into some of England’s most ghostly abodes might just do the trick from entire ghost villages and eerie estates to forsaken chapels.
Nestled in the North East near the Scottish fringe lies the quaint hamlet of Chillingham. This small enclave, with fewer than a 250 residents, has gained notoriety thanks to its grand medieval stronghold.
However, this isn’t any old fortress – the 13th-century edifice is frequently heralded as “Britain’s most haunted castle”, reports MyLondon. For over four centuries, the Grey and Bennett clans (subsequently the Earls of Tankerville) held claim to the castle, until Sir Edward Humphry Tyrrell Wakefield made it his home in the 1980s.
Sir Edward wedded a kin of the initial Grey lineage. A walk through these ancient corridors may see visitors bumping into some rather ethereal inhabitants.
An encounter awaits in the ‘Inner Pantry,’ where the apparition of a weak white entity continues to manifest, having first shown itself to an employee countless years ago. Legend tells that a footman tasked with silverware vigilance came across the phantom lady in white demanding a drink of water just as he was retiring; obliging her, he suddenly recollected that he was securely confined within the pantry, with no conceivable access for anyone from outside.
In the Chamber, it’s been reported that an eerie presence can be felt, something otherworldly that remains unseen. Some describe it as a chilling, creepy sensation, while others speak of an oppressive atmosphere.
Venture into the Chapel, and it’s said that the voices of two men in conversation can be heard. However, if you dare to seek them out, the chatter abruptly ceases.
For those brave enough to linger past sundown, when moonlight bathes the courtyard, shadows cast by the battlements are rumoured to spring to life. Explore the gardens, Castle State Rooms… and if you’re feeling particularly daring, the Torture Chamber.
Also on site is St Peter’s Church, believed to have its roots in the Norman era. Within, you’ll discover a lavish 15th century tomb dedicated to Sir Ralph Grey and his wife Elizabeth – the very same Greys who once called Chillingham Castle home.
The tomb houses painted effigies of Sir Ralph and Elizabeth. Sir Ralph is perhaps best known for the grim act of executing his own son within the castle walls.
While Chillingham may boast only a handful of attractions, it’s also famed for its white cattle, which have roamed these lands for at least 700 years. These creatures are considered among the rarest animals on Earth.
After a day spent ghost hunting leaves you famished, you’ll need to venture just beyond Chillingham for a bite to eat. In nearby Chatton, The Percy Arms offers both accommodation for the night and a hearty meal.
Delve into hearty pub classics like the acclaimed Percy burger, homemade steak and ale pie, wild mushroom and sweet potato wellington, or traditional fish and chips. Come the weekend, you can savour a Sunday roast, hailed as “fantastic” by Tripadvisor enthusiasts complete with duck fat roasties, creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed roasted vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy.
For those seeking a lighter midday treat, Doddington Milk Bar in Wooler offers a delectable selection of sweets, sandwiches, and ice creams fashioned from their very own dairy. Keep your eyes peeled for their crowd-pleasing milkshakes and floats as well.
Thus, if a touch of spooky allure is what you’re after this Halloween, maybe it’s time to venture to Britain’s most notorious haunted castle.
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