Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, is a captivating destination for those intrigued by the paranormal. This historic royal residence, nestled in the heart of Berkshire, England, is said to be home to a plethora of ghostly inhabitants, each with their own unique tale to tell.
Ghosts of Windsor Castle
Henry VIII: The Restless Monarch
One of the most frequently reported ghosts at Windsor Castle is that of the formidable King Henry VIII. Witnesses have described seeing the large and imposing figure of the former monarch, groaning in pain and dragging his ulcerated leg, which ultimately led to his demise in 1547. The ghost is often seen pacing the corridors, his booming voice echoing through the halls.
Anne Boleyn: The Weeping Queen
Another iconic figure haunting the castle is that of Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife, Anne Boleyn. Her ghost has been spotted peering through a window in the Dean’s Cloister, weeping and visibly distraught. Boleyn was executed in 1536, and her body was buried in the chapel, adding to the tragic nature of her haunting.
Queen Victoria: The Disgruntled Matriarch
The ghost of Queen Victoria is also said to haunt the castle, particularly upset about the removal of a family spruce tree by her grandson, Edward VIII. Witnesses have reported seeing the former monarch waving her arms wildly and moaning loudly, expressing her displeasure at the changes made to her beloved residence.
Elizabeth I: The Regal Presence
The ghost of Queen Elizabeth I is believed to haunt the Royal Library, where the sound of her high heels can be heard on the floorboards. She has also been seen at a window in the Dean’s Cloister, dressed in a black gown and a back shawl, her regal presence still felt centuries after her death.
King George III: The Saluting Sovereign
King George III, who suffered from mental illness, is often seen looking out of the window in the room below the library. During his lifetime, he was known to salute the guards, and after his death, a guard reported seeing him salute back, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the castle.
Windsor Ghost Tours
For those eager to explore the haunted history of Windsor Castle, there are several ghost tours available. These theatrical events feature live actors and recount real accounts of paranormal activity, providing an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
Cost and Timings
The cost of the Windsor Ghost Tours varies depending on the day of the week and the age of the participants. Prices range from £14.50 for children and disabled individuals on weekdays to £28.50 for adults on Saturdays.
The tour timings also vary, so it is recommended to check with the tour operators for the most up-to-date information.
Directory and Hours
Windsor Castle is located at Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom. The castle is open from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM from April to October and from 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM from November to March.
Value
The Windsor Castle Ghost Tours offer a unique and captivating experience for visitors, blending historical facts with paranormal stories. These tours provide an engaging way to explore the haunted history of this iconic royal residence, appealing to both history enthusiasts and those with a penchant for the supernatural.
References
- https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/windsor-castle-berkshire
- https://www.ghosttourbookings.com/uk/ghost-tours/windsor-ghost-tour/
- https://supernaturaltoursandevents.com/tours/windsor-ghost-tours
- https://thelittlehouseofhorrors.com/windsor-castle/
- https://great-castles.com/windsorghost.html