The Grey Lady of Edinburgh Castle is a legendary ghost believed to be either Janet Douglas, Lady of Glamis, or Marie de Guise, the mother of Mary Queen of Scots. This haunting figure has captured the imagination of visitors to the historic castle for centuries.
Who is the Grey Lady?
The identity of the Grey Lady has been the subject of much debate and speculation. Two prominent figures have been associated with this ghostly apparition:
Janet Douglas, Lady of Glamis
Janet Douglas was a Scottish noblewoman who was accused of witchcraft and executed by burning at the stake outside Edinburgh Castle on July 17, 1537. She was the sister of Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, who was the stepfather of King James V of Scotland. James held a grudge against the Douglas family, which led to Janet’s tragic fate.
Marie de Guise
Some believe the Grey Lady could be Marie de Guise, the Catholic mother and regent of Mary Queen of Scots. Marie de Guise died in June 1560, and her corpse was kept at the castle for months before being shipped back to France.
The Story Behind the Haunting
The Grey Lady’s ghostly presence is linked to the tragic histories of these two women:
Janet Douglas
Janet’s ghost is said to appear in the older parts of the castle, sometimes weeping. This is associated with her tragic execution and the mistreatment she suffered at the hands of King James V.
Marie de Guise
Marie de Guise’s ghost is also linked to the castle, where her corpse was kept before being sent back to France.
Edinburgh Castle
History
Edinburgh Castle has a long history dating back to the Iron Age. It has been involved in various battles and has been rebuilt several times, making it a significant landmark in Scottish history.
Visiting
The castle is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm (April to September) and 9:30am to 5pm (October to December). Ticket prices are £17.50 for adults, £14.00 for concessions, and £10.50 for children (5-15 years).
Other Paranormal Activity
In addition to the Grey Lady, Edinburgh Castle is said to be home to several other ghostly figures:
The Little Drummer Boy
A headless drummer boy is said to appear on the battlements, drumming a warning signal. This apparition is believed to appear when the castle is under attack.
The Piper
A young piper boy was sent to explore a secret tunnel network beneath the castle. His bagpipes were heard until they suddenly stopped near Tron Kirk. The tunnel was sealed, and the piper was never found. Visitors still report hearing the sound of bagpipes underneath the Royal Mile.
Ghost Dogs
Edinburgh Castle has a pet cemetery where regimental mascots and soldiers’ dogs are buried. Some visitors have reported seeing the ghost of a scruffy black dog.
The Grey Lady of Edinburgh Castle continues to captivate and intrigue visitors to this historic site. Whether she is the spirit of Janet Douglas or Marie de Guise, her haunting presence adds to the castle’s rich and mysterious history.
References
- https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/edinburgh-castle
- https://thebowesmuseum.org.uk/the-gruesome-story-of-janet-douglas/
- https://www.mercattours.com/blog-post/Edinburgh-Castle-Ghosts
- https://www.ddtours.co.uk/archive/grey-lady-of-glamis/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janet_Douglas,_Lady_Glamis