| The Ghosts of Windsor
Castle by Stuart Bazga
Windsor
Featured Hotels
 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.
top
/ Windsor Featured Hotels
About the Author
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. |
