The Ghosts of
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the many homes of the present Queen of England,
several of her royal ancestors, and "non-royal" spirits, one of
whom, according to legend was an ancient Saxon hunter named Herne, who was
renowned thought out the area for his outstanding hunting abilities.
One story tells of Herne, as one of the Royal keepers for King Richard II
(1367-1400), who was hated by the other keepers for his extraordinary skills.
One day the King was in danger of being trampled by an incensed stag while
hunting and how Herne putting himself between the King and the stag was
mortally wounded.
In the last 250 years, hundreds of people have claimed to have seen his
spirit, often accompanied by his pack of hounds. In the early 1860's the tree
from which he was found hanging, was cut down, and Queen Victoria kept the oak
logs for her fire "To help kill the ghost". Her plan didn't work
however.
Other legends tell of witchcraft and suicide, and a demonic horned being upon
whose appearance brings illness and misfortune to all who see him, especially
the Royal family. He can be seen in Windsor castle’s gardens with "his
trademark stag’s head."
King Henry VIII has been seen walking the hallways of Windsor castle. His
footsteps, along with agonizing moans, have been heard by many guests of the
castle.
One of his wives, Anne Boleyn, has been seen standing at the window in the
Dean’s Cloister, as well as, Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Elizabeth I has also
been seen in the Royal Library. She has been seen walking from one room to
another. She is always dressed in a black gown with a black lace shawl draped
over her shoulders.
King Charles I has been seen many times in the library and the Canon’s
house, and although he was beheaded during the English Revolution, his ghost
is seen as a whole. It is said he looks exactly like his portraits.
King George III had many bouts with mental deterioration. During these times
he was kept out of the public’s eye. He can be seen looking out the windows
located below the Royal Library where he was confined during the recurrence of
his illness.
The first Duke of Buckingham, Sir George Villiers, is said to haunt one of the
bedrooms of Windsor castle. And many spirits haunt the Long Walk, one of whom
is a young solider who shot himself after, while on his guard watch, saw
marble statues moving "of their own accord." His ghost has seen by
other soldiers on guard duty afterwards.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and I look forward to your company again
in the not to distant future.
Best wishes and have a great day
Stuart Bazga
www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com
A Guide to Castles of Europe was born from childhood dreams and aspirations.
It is my hope to educate and stimulate you into exploring these castles for
yourselves.
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