The Ghosts of Windsor
Castle by Stuart Bazga
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.
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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.
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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.
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I hope
you have enjoyed this article and I look forward to your company again in
the not too distant future.
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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.
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