Gwrych Castle was the location for British show ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here’ in 2020. Due to the pandemic, the normal location in the Australian jungle was out of the question. But not all was well in Gwrych Castle. After all, many people claim that the castle is haunted. Even some of the cast and crew were starting to come out with stories. But what is the true story behind Gwrych Castle?
What Is The History Of Gwrych Castle?
Gwrych Castle is a fortress situated by the Irish Sea. It is surrounded by a whopping 250 acres of land, making it quite isolated. The castle’s origin dates back to 1810. It was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh.
The castle was the home for many people over the years. It was passed down to the Earls of Dundonalds through marriage. The estate was eventually sold in 1946 and was opened to the public later.
In 2018, the castle was bought by the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust. As the castle started to fall into disrepair, the trust set upon a mission to restore the castle to its former glory.
Castle Hauntings
Gwrych Castle has quite the history when it comes to reported hauntings. There is a legend surrounding the Castle, as it is believed that the Countess of Dundonald Winifred Cochrane haunts the grounds.
Countess of Dundonald Winifred Cochrane was born in 1859 and died in 1924. She was a patron for the arts in Wales and was known for and wide for her contributions to charity. When her father died in 1894, she became the sole heiress of Gwrych Castle.
Winifred Cochrane married the 12th Earl of Dundonald, although the marriage was not thought to be a good one. It is claimed the Earl of Dundonald was never around and spent most of his time in Scotland.
The Countess of Dundonald eventually tried to leave her castle to prince George as a gift, who would later become King George V. However, George refused and the Earl of Dundonald later bought the Castle for £70,000.
Over the years, Gwrych Castle has been rumored to be haunted. In fact, one of the locations associated with the most ‘supernatural’ occurrences is the Countess’ Tower. At least, this according to the Castle’s own website. Naturally, the Castle is benefiting greatly from the ghost story.
The Countess of Dundonald is believed to be haunting the castle still, this according to paranormal investigator Gemma Williams. The investigator also claimed she had to run away when in a lady in a red dress walked out of the wall and screamed.
In addition to the reports about the Countess of Dundonald, some claim the castle is haunted by a servant girl who died when she fell off a horse. Others claim that the castle is haunted by numerous former servants who cannot find peace.
Ghost Hunts
Gwrych Castle has taken full advantage of the haunted stories that surround it. While the castle was still open to the public, it held its own ghost tours from 8 pm to 1 am. One of the stories featured on the website from staff and visitors include:
“The handrail gave way to nothingness and I felt something propel me up the top three stairs. Seconds later, my colleague told me the butler died right there on that same staircase.”
Unfortunately, the castle is currently not open to the public as it is being repaired. So, it seems the income from the TV show is being put to good use. Therefore, it will be a little while before people can start roaming the castle grounds again.
Georgia’s rich history, beautiful landscape and inviting southern charm make it an excellent pick for anyone wanting to visit. And if you’re looking for historical haunted landmarks, you won’t be disappointed. From graveyards to museums and civil war battlefields, the local haunts around the state are plenty, some of which are hidden right in the middle of a city.
Bulloch Hall lays nestled within the busy town of Roswell. Hidden amongst the dense trees, it was a plantation home that produced cotton. Built by slave labor, it was constructed in 1839 by Major James Stephens Bulloch, one of Roswell’s first settlers.
Haunted Plantation
Perched on a small hill, the expansive green lawn and massive Greek Revival-style pillars beckon visitors to its entrance. The great Oak trees that line the property have witnessed the antebellum South, war, and slavery. Adding to its deep roots, it was home to President Theodore Roosevelt’s mother, Martha ‘Mittie’ Bullock Roosevelt, and has played host to many events throughout its time. Mittie Bullock married Theodore Roosevelt Sr. on the property in 1853 and when the Bulloch family fled the home during the Civil War, it became a barracks for the Union Army.
Bulloch Hall
Bulloch Hall is magnificent. The road leading to the estate, now paved for modern-day transportation, gives visitors a glimpse of what the elegant home looked like in the nineteenth century. It’s easy to forget you are in a large city while walking amongst the tall trees (some of which have been there since before the Hall’s construction) or relaxing by Malon’s Pond. The historic site has been restored to look as it once did when first built, including a reconstruction of the slave quarters in the service yard. Guests can walk through and gain a sense of what slave life was like on this particular property. A plaque on the cabin lists the names of all known slaves who served at Bulloch Hall. The exhibit is dedicated to all of them.
Bulloch Hall Slave Quarters Cabin – Reconstruction.
Though it sits only a few hundred feet from a major city road, the lush greenery and gardens bask visitors in quiet serenity, instantly transporting them back in time. But one shouldn’t be fooled by its beauty. The moss-laden paths, calm pond and shade cover trees have a story to tell.
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Grounds at Bulloch Hall
As with many locations in the South, this one is no different when it comes to the history of slavery and war. The site was once a cotton plantation and was home to over thirty slaves, one of whom is said to have been a young girl, around 14 years old.
There are two wells located on the property, the first being in the front yard, which was used as the Bullock family’s primary source of drinking water. The second is located in the rear behind the home and the story goes that the young girl fell to her death in that well.
Bulloch Hall. Well behind home.
Soon after her death, weeping could be heard coming from the well. Some visitors still report that they can hear sobbing echoing from the now boarded up well. It is believed that her apparition has been seen inside the Hall by visitors over the years and there have also been reports of lights flickering on and off within the Hall. According to stories, the young girl's responsibility was to maintain the lighting within the home. Could this strange occurrence be the young slave girl still tending to her duties on the property?
Some witnesses have reported seeing men in civil war dress peering out of the second-floor windows and there have been sightings of a young boy running through the front yard. Even as the Hall sat abandoned for a time, there have been eyewitness accounts of shadows walking the grounds and many photos have been captured over the years of strange apparitions in the front yard and windows. Guests of the local ghost tour often capture these pictures, along with unexplained thermal images.
You’ll find Bulloch Hall on the itinerary for the local ghost tour that is held each week. But whether you visit on your own, or with a tour, or see a ghostly sighting or not, you're sure to leave with Bulloch Hall's iconic and majestic image forever etched on your mind.
We’ve all heard tales of spiritual possession. Most of the time, the stories we hear are of malicious, demonic entities hell-bent on controlling the living. Frightening and ghastly visions come to mind when we think of them. But what if some spirits are only looking for a way to communicate. In the form of a living person, a vessel to help them find closure to a life cut short? Or, to help bring peace to their own family, whose grief is so deep, they’ve taken to rituals to communicate with the other side? So was the story in the historical, haunting case of the Watseka Wonder.
The Watseka Wonder is credited as the first well-documented case of possession in the United States. It has inspired a movie, and it was so profound that the physician, Dr. E. Winchester Stevens, who witnessed the phenomenon first hand, wrote a book documenting the case.
Photograph from newsbug.info
To understand this mysterious story, we must first visit the heartland of America, Watseka, Illinois. Here, an ominous-looking home stands. Built, in 1868, the long, narrow, arched windows and brick exterior give this Victorian, Italianate style home a Gothic mood. Known today as the Roff House, it was constructed by Asa Roff, a prominent member of the Watseka community in the mid-eighteen hundreds, and has remained a mystery in the paranormal world since the Roff’s occupied it.
Clairvoyance Brought On By Illness?
Asa and Dorothy Roff’s daughter, Mary Roff, suffered from epilepsy and had frequent seizures. As she grew older, Mary claimed that spirits were around and spoke to her. These episodes became more violent as years passed. During one of her last and most violent spells, she became so fierce that it took several adults to restrain her while she calmed down. By this point, Mary was incredibly weak from a suicide attempt and blood loss, yet she exhibited a tremendous amount of strength.
She eventually settled down and remained delirious for five days and slept for many hours. When she awoke, it is said that Mary gained supernatural gifts. Her senses seemed to be heightened and, supposedly, could read while blindfolded.
Witnesses stated that she accurately read a letter in the pocket of A.J. Smith, editor of the Danville Times. The letter was supposedly sealed and in his pocket, but Mary read it aloud.
Because doctors could not find a cure or proper diagnosis of her strange symptoms, it was assumed she was afflicted with insanity. She was placed in an asylum for treatment in Peoria, Illinois, but died there in July 1865.
Séances And Secret Societies
After her death, The Roff family home was constructed in 1868. Being devout spiritualists and a common practice during the nineteenth century, the family immediately began holding séances inside the house. In addition to the family séances, Asa Roff was a known member of the Odd Fellows. A secret society who were known for partaking in mysterious rituals surrounding the dead during that time.
Some have speculated that the Roff’s involvement with the spiritual word may have been the catalyst that awoke the spirits which plagued Mary.
Watseka Wonder Under Spiritual Possession
Lurancy Vennum
In 1878, over a decade after Mary’s death, a young girl named Lurancy Vennum, who was thirteen years old at the time, lived in Watseka. One day, she suddenly became ill and began suffering epileptic seizures, stomach pains and said she saw angels around her. Her illness soon worsened; she spoke in different voices, taking on personalities not her own, and, at times, became violent.
This was during the height of the spiritual movement and gained rapid popularity amongst those practicing spiritualism. Instead of following doctors’ suggestions of placing Lurancy in an asylum, her parents sought help from local spiritualists to investigate.
Asa Roff was interested in Lurancy’s case because her symptoms so closely resembled his daughter, Mary’s. He had been convinced that Mary’s illness was not caused by insanity, as doctors tried to explain. But that she had been touched by the spiritual world, and he carried a tremendous amount of guilt over what happened to his daughter.
Good Spirits vs. Bad
Lurancy claimed evil spirits possessed her, and that was the cause of her violent outbursts. One of the doctors treating Lurancy asked her to seek a more pleasant spirit surrounding her to possess her body. When she stated that Mary Roff was present and wanted to help, the witnesses were astounded. Lurancy then invited Mary to take control of her physical body.
Immediately after the possession, Lurancy became calm and polite. A sharp contradiction to her previous behavior, and took on the personality of Mary Roff. Though Lurancy had never met Mary and had no knowledge of what Mary had gone through, she seemed to have intimate details of the Roff family. She was able to recognize them and knew the names of the Roff family relatives. She was even able to recall personal possessions that the family had owned.
Lurancy no longer recognized her own family and asked to be taken to the Roff home. Convinced that Lurancy was under the possession of his daughter, Asa asked if he could take Lurancy with him, believing that his daughter was asking from the spiritual world to be brought back to her family.
The Vennum’s agreed, and Lurancy accompanied Asa back to his home, where she lived for 15 weeks. At the end of that time, she bid the family goodbye in a tearful departure that she had prophesied and promised the return of Lurancy once she departed her body.
As promised, Lurancy returned. Seeming to be back to her old self and without any further episodes of spiritual possession, she went back to live with her parents. She eventually married, had a family of her own, and lived a normal, long life with no other illnesses.
Summoned Spirits Left Behind
Today, the Roff House still stands and is owned by John Whitman, who has worked to restore the home and turn it into a Bed & Breakfast. However, the Watseka Wonder possession story is not the only haunting tale attached to this property. Over the years, the owner and guests at the house have reported ghostly activity—some sinister.
Whispering is often heard from empty rooms. Black shadows have been spotted. Even reports of demons have been made. The owner stated in an interview that while staying the night, he awoke to a figure in his bedroom which appeared to have been burned, was wearing a black hooded cloak, and an evil grin curled its lips. Some visitors have also said that spirits have taken over their bodies, in a temporary possession.
Many believe that the ghostly sightings and dark presence that roam the property were invited through the portals opened during the many séances that the Roff family held. And that over the years, investigation groups who were inexperienced could have unknowingly exacerbated the haunted property by inviting more unfriendly spirits into the home.
Conclusion
As alluring as it is to make contact with the other side, one must always be cautious. Opening doors could very well let the person you are seeking to communicate with in, but there is no guarantee that others spirits, friendly or malicious, won’t follow them.
The Roswell Mill sits at the edge of Vickery Creek. A short drive north of Atlanta, it is part of the trail network in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. At its entrance, visitors can cross a covered bridge, leading them deeper into the trail where you are thrust into a forest of lush ferns and greenery.
Roswell Mill Covered Bridge
A Mother’s Day trip to the mill’s location was right up my alley. Like most historical places in Georgia, it’s nestled amongst trees right off of a busy road. A hidden waterfall and scenic trail located right in the center of downtown Roswell, it’s the perfect day trip for an easy hike. And, of course, it’s haunted.
Trail at Roswell Mill/ Vickery Creek
Sounds Of The Past
Over the years, nearby residents have reported hearing clanking noises as if metal were banging against metal. And blood-curdling screams are often reported coming from the area when no one is around. With no occupational safety measures during the days of its operation, workers were often injured, some as severe as having their limbs torn from their bodies. Could these be their sounds of agony echoing through the woods?
The site is stunning, and it was the ideal location to build the mill as the natural water source provided the power needed to operate it. With a waterfall not far from the old machine shop, the soothing ambiance and tropical-like scenery make the sight a fun and relaxing destination for all to visit. And if you're lucky, you may even have a paranormal experience.
Waterfall at Roswell Mill
Built, in 1839, like most places in the metro Atlanta area, it witnessed the horrors and tragedy of the Civil War. Constructed to be a cotton mill, it was one of many mills that lined Vickery Creek. Numerous buildings once sat along the water's edge, where they housed workers of the mill. Today, the only original building standing is the old machine shop.
During the war, all men capable of fighting were sent off to battle, leaving the women and children behind. The women of Roswell took over running the mill in order to earn a living while the men were off fighting. Many of whom brought their children along to work beside them as there were no other options for childcare during that time. The children were used as laborers and put to work just as long and hard as the adults. Because of their small and nimble fingers, the children were used to fix broken pieces of thread when they snapped in the machines. They would run between the working parts of the moving machinery, tie broken threads together and rush back out. You can only imagine the number of injuries that took place.
Roswell Mill RuinsRoswell Mill Ruins
A Fight For Survival
Union soldiers eventually took the city of Roswell. General William T. Sherman instructed his men to burn the buildings of the mill when it was discovered that the workers were manufacturing the grey uniforms for the Confederate army. In an attempt to claim neutrality, a French worker of the mill flew a French flag above the roof. But the attempt failed, and the Union army burned all of the buildings to the ground. Some residents tried to hide within the buildings when General Sherman charged all remaining workers with treason. Some reports say that it is likely there were fatalities during those fires from people trapped inside. In the end, over 400 women and children were rounded up, arrested, and put on box car trains to the North.
General Sherman received substantial backlash and outrage from the North, and the prisoners were never tried for treason. Though many had already died on the journey, and those who survived were never able to return home to Georgia.
Old Machine Shop of Roswell Mill
Today, it is not uncommon for visitors to glimpse apparitions of women and children roaming the grounds along the water's edge, or to hear screams coming from the boarded-up machine shop. Could these be the lost souls who were forced from their homes, returning to finish their work? Could the flowing waters of the creek be fueling the haunting, providing the energy needed for spirits to manifest? Or are these the residual haunts from wounded mill workers who suffered within its walls?
If you do visit, be sure to look for the signs of old foundations of buildings that once stood. Hidden beneath piles of dirt, moss and vegetation, the fallen bricks hold the stories of what took place. And, take a moment to listen carefully. You many just hear the sounds of the past echoing beside you.
Scotland is known for its famous ghost stories, so there was no shortage in terms of finding haunted places and locations. That being said, some places have more reported paranormal activity and even famous psychics and paranormal investigators would put their reputation on the line, stating these places are indeed haunted. But which are the most haunted places in Scotland. Well, we are about to disclose the five most haunted places with paranormal events in Scotland. Visit them at your own peril!
1. Mary King’s Close
There is no doubt in our mind that Mary King’s Close is the most haunted place in Scotland, dare we even say the most haunted place in the world. Mary King’s Close is situated in the heart of Edinburgh and often referred to as Scotland’s spookiest street. Turns out, that reputation is well deserved.
Mary King’s Close is one of the many streets that is connected to Edinburgh Castle. It is known that the street was completely bricked up when the plague broke out. So, it is not surprising that this particular street holds many dark secrets.
The street has reported hauntings going all the way back to the 17th century. The street has been visited and investigated by numerous paranormal investigators. Some actual evidence was found to back up the local legends surrounding the hauntings, as research and archaeological findings seem to back up much of the tales going around about the street.
Interestingly, Mary King’s Close has only reopened in 2003; this is the actual street that was bricked up once the plaque broke out in Scotland. Fortunately, you do not have to brave the most haunted street in Scotland alone. Tours go through this haunted location, taking you along the famous Greyfriars cemetery and the location was Burke and Hare dug up corpses and sold them for medical experiments. In short, the stuff of nightmares!
2. Rosslyn Chapel
Most Haunted Places In Scotland
You may know this location already, as the chapel has been featured in both the novel and the movie The Da Vince Code. The chapel was originally built for the Sinclair family. Local legend states that a ghostly light appears in the chapel whenever a member of the Sinclair family is about to die.
There have also been reports of a ghostly apparition within the chapel grounds, which is believed to be Apprentice Pillar. Legends state that the apprentice was killed by his teacher and that the apprentice is still roaming the grounds.
Considering Rosslyn Chapel is more than five-hundred years old; it is no surprise that there are more reports of hauntings. Many tourists claim to have seen the lady in white, which is roaming the inside of the chapel. There have also been several sightings of a black knight riding on horseback. The latter is believed to be a knight who fought against an English invasion in 1303.
In addition to the many ghostly reports coming from visitors, there are significant rumors that valuable artifacts may still be buried on the chapel grounds. That being said, the actual construction of the chapel is well-documented, so this is a pure local legend at this point.
3. The Niddry Street Vaults
If you are still up for more, then the Niddry Street Vaults should be on your to-do list as well. Much like our previous two suggestions, the Niddry Street Vaults have quite a reputation in Scotland too, as they were featured in British TV Shows such as Most Haunted and Joe Swash Believes in Ghosts.
At the end of the 18th century, Niddry Street was the home of countless merchants and taverns. However, it was not your average commercial shopping street. No, it was a street where anyone who wanted to stay outside the law would go to.
Unfortunately, much of the documentation surrounding the Niddry Street Vaults have been lost over time. At the moment, it is uncertain why or when the street closed down. It remained undiscovered until the 1980s, during which countless artifacts and a genuine historic black market were unearthed.
But this isn’t where the long history of the Niddry Street Vaults ends. After the black market was excavated, a witch coven found a new home in the street. Many believe that the rituals performed by these modern witches has attracted all kinds of paranormal activity.
There are various rooms in the vault who are believed to be extremely haunted, and some of these spirits could cause harm to visitors; at least this is claimed by some people who have visited the location. There have been reports of a shadow man seen in a mirror, but also exploding lightbulbs, a poltergeist attacking visitors in his vault, and more. Interestingly, tours have to be done with torches and lanterns, as no light bulbs stay lit long enough. So, this location is not for the faint of heart.
4. Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
Contrary to some of the previous locations, the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is not cashing in on its haunted reputation. In fact, the owners of the hotel have been trying to keep haunting as quiet as possible, at least if some of the guests are to be believed.
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has a long history. As the name suggests, the location was originally the home of an abbey where Roman catholic monks resided. Documents show that it was founded as early as 1150 by the Lord of Lauderdale. Evidently, the original building has now been reduced to ruins, but they are still found on the hotel grounds. The hotel itself was also built on a religious building, which could explain some of the hauntings inside the hotel.
Various visitors and guests of the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel have reported hearing and seeing a female apparition in the hotel and on the grounds. Local has come to call the ghost “The Grey Lady”. Some have reported seeing a group of monks on the grounds, which seem to have been chanting.
Local legend claims that the Grey Lady was a woman who had a love affair with one of the monks who lived on the grounds. It is alleged that the relationship was discovered and that the monk was executed for his betrayal. After this, the Grey Lady threw herself into the River Tweed and drowned. It is believed she still haunts the grounds where her biggest loss to place.
There are countless ghosts that are said to be haunting Stirling Castle, but one of the best-known ones is that of the so-called “Highland Ghost”. Visitors claim they confused the Highland Ghost for a tour guide, only for him to disappear right in front of their eyes. It is also claimed that the ghost was caught on camera in 1933.
Another ghost that is said to roam the halls of Stirling Castle is none other than Mary Queen of Scotts. The Green Lady has also been spotted, which is believed to have been one of Mary’s servants who died during a fire. Plenty of interesting tales to go check out if you feel brave enough.
How many people whilst having that quiet amble through the woods think about those that walked before, and your own footsteps now treading that same path?
Most of us like to venture out into the woodlands for a walk as a rambler, or simply out with the dog in ancient woodland and newly managed environments. For centuries these woodlands have been shrouded in mystery, and at night most people will stay away from them because of the perceived taboos attached to their secrecy, these are haunted woods.
Evil In The Haunted Woods
Despite being spiritual havens for the soul searchers, darker forces have invaded woodlands throughout the world.
If we look at historical records of the environments surrounding infamous murders, we will often come across woodlands – [Proctor's Ledge] in Salem, Massachusetts being just one example of a woodland that has been laced in the murders of accused witches through the hangings there. Today the woodland is deemed haunted not just by paranormal enthusiasts, but also visitors to the sight.
Haunted Woods
Other lesser-known woodlands from around the world have their own urban legends and regular paranormal activity. For example, the vast woodland and jungle areas of Malaya in Southeast Asia is home to many myths and folklore that include ghosts and mysterious creatures -some good, some bad. One such ghost is known as the ''Hantu Galah,'' a tall, thin ghost, usually female can be seen hiding around bamboo poles – to have her removed, you'd need to break sticks. Nature here is part of everyday life, and it is the diverse and eeriness aura that awakens their souls.
The ''Witches Wood'' at Lydford Gorge in Devon is another example of plentiful activity -the perfect hideaway for a band of outlaws called the ''Gubins'' who settled here in the 17th century. At Whitelady Waterfall a ghostly figure appears then suddenly vanishes from view.
Transylvania's Most Haunted Woods
One of the most intriguing, yet striking, and supposedly haunted woodlands in Europe has to be the ''Hoia Bacui'' in Transylvania – known as the ''Bermuda Triangle'' of Romania. Farmers here swear that its entirety is haunted. As well as the general feeling of being watched by invisible eyes, a story unfolded about a five-year-old girl who once got lost in the woodland only to reappear five years later without any memory.
Another woodland steeped in unexplained mystery must be that of ''Devil's Canyon'' in the mountains of San Bernardino in California. This was founded by the Spaniards many centuries ago, and has been encased with ritual murder; devil worship being a predominant factor. Cryptology has also found its way into its colorful history in the form of ''giant rats'' seen crossing the roads alongside the woodlands. The community believes that all the houses here are possessed by the devil.
The conclusion to this exciting journey makes me realize that all woodlands, large and small take on a different form, particularly during the night. Throughout the centuries residual energies have become entwined around lush – green leaves, and remain amongst the vast canopies, appearing when it suits.
Every woodland tells a story, some proven, others not. Can it be that woodlands, especially our magical and ancient ones play tricks on our wary minds? You decide.
If you are thinking about purchasing a new home, you might want to check this list first. Various homes around the world have an extensive history, sometimes even with their own resident spirit or reported hauntings. Of course, some homes around the world are known to be haunted homes, but which are the most haunted ones?
Myrtles Plantation is undoubtedly one of the scariest haunted homes in the world. It achieved the dubious title of 'one of America's most haunted homes' and it is claimed that the home was built on an ancient Indian burial ground.
The rumor that the home is built on an Indian burial ground might not be the sole reason for the haunting. Local legend also states that ten murders took place in the house. Reported sightings include the ghost of a slave wearing a green turban, Sarah Woodruff and her children – who were former residents of the home – and William Winter who was allegedly shot on the front porch of the house.
The Ancient Ram Inn (United Kingdom)
We decided to include the Ancient Ram Inn in this overview because it still functions as a restaurant and hotel. Built in the 1100s, this house has quite the history. Guests have reported hearing screams in the middle of the night and furniture moving on its own. It is even claimed that the house was built on a Pagan burial ground, where children were sacrificed. There have also been reports by guests claiming they were pushed on the bed by a male demon.
The Monte Cristo Homestead (Australia)
The Monte Cristo Homestead may look picturesque from the outside, but there have been some strange and terrifying reports over the years. The Monte Cristo Homestead was the site where a baby was thrown down the stairs by something supernatural. Another boy got burned to death and a pregnant woman was pushed over the balcony by something. It is believed that this home is haunted by the former owners of the house, Christopher and Elizabeth Crawley.
Château de Brissac (France)
While a castle is a home that most of us could not afford, those who can may encounter this French castle situated in Maine-et-Loire. Nicknamed the 'Giant of the Loire Valley', this castle has its own private opera house and can seat a whopping 200 people. It was built by the Count of Anjou in the 11th century and has ties to King Louis XXIII.
The castle is no longer a home, but is currently functioning as a hotel. Reported ghosts are the Green Lady, which is claimed to be the bastard child of King Charles VII. She was murdered by her husband in the 15th century.
Casa Loma (Canada)
Casa Loma in Canada is not as old as some of the other haunted locations mentioned here, as it was only built in 1914. Nonetheless, the estate home is packed with secret passages throughout, which certainly adds more mystery to the stately home.
For years, there have been reports of hauntings at Casa Loma. One of the reported hauntings is that of the White Lady, who is believed to be one of the maids that worked at the home shortly after its construction. It is believed the maid lost her life alongside 60,000 other people in Toronto during the influenza crisis.
Another reported ghost in Casa Loma is believed to be that of Sir Henry Pellatt, the man who ordered the home to be built. It is believed his wife Mary also haunts the home.
Kehoe House (United States)
Built in 1892 for William and Anne Kehoe and their large family consisting of ten children, Kehoe House has quite a sad history. Shortly after starting to live in the house, several of the Kehoe children died.
Since 1992, Kehoe House has been transformed into a popular bed and breakfast. The bed and breakfast is certainly popular among ghost hunters, as several guests have reported hearing the sounds of children playing throughout the night, even though nobody was there.
The Winchester House (United States)
Many books have been written – as well as countless movies produced – about the Winchester House, its history, its unusual previous owners, and of course its ghosts. The stately Victorian home was built on behalf of Sarah Winchester shortly after the death of her husband, the rifle tycoon William Wirt Winchester.
Sarah believed that she was being haunted by spirits who were killed by the rifles her husband made and sold. To avoid the spirits, Sarah built a home that was filled with 47 staircases, 160 rooms, 10,000 window panes, and architectural marvels you would not find in any other home. Staircases reaching to the ceiling, but nowhere else, and even windows that lead to secret passages are a common occurence inside this home. Interestingly, the house was constantly changed and being worked on for 38 years. Construction only stopped when Sarah died of heart failure in 1922.
Reports of hauntings have been rampant for years. Visitors have claimed to have seen the wheelbarrow ghost, who is believed to be someone who worked at the house. Some also believe the home is haunted by Sarah Winchester herself.
Raynham Hall (United Kingdom)
Haunted Homes
England has plenty of old homes with a lengthy history and one of them is Raynham Hall. It was built in 1637 and is currently a tourist attraction, as it is believe the home is being haunted by the so-called "Brown Lady of Raynham Hall". The Brown Lady is believed to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, the former owner of the home. A photographer from Country Life Magazine managed to capture her spirit on camera, which was later published in the 1936 edition of the magazine.
The Amityville House (United States)
The Amityville House is probably the home with the bloodiest history in this overview. In November 1974, Ronald Defeo Jr. shot six family members inside this house. He would later claim that an evil spirit caused him to commit the murders.
The weird history of the Amityville House did not stop with the murders committed by Ronald Defeo Jr. The year following the murders, the home was purchased by the Lutz family. As soon as they moved into the home, the Lutz family experienced severe paranormal activity. They found a hidden red room and doors slamming on their own.
Shortly after their arrival, the family requested that a priest bless the house in order to expel the spirits. The priest in question would later state that mysterious voices told him to get out of the house.
The Lutz family had to move out of the house after only 26 days. Books and movies have been made about the events. Due to all the media attention, the Lutz family later recanted their story. However, one of the sons would later state that the stories were all true, but that the media attention caused them to recant. He also admitted he still had nightmares from his time at the house.
Haunted Homes List?
We want to keep adding to this list and we are sure there are many of you readers who have experiences of other very haunted homes in the world. Let us know and we can add to this list and even begin to go a bit deeper.
