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The Ghosts of Windsor Castle
By: Stuart Bazga, Thu Sep 14th, 2006
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 articel and i look forward to your
company again in the not to distant future.
Best wishes and have a great day
Stuart Bazga
www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com
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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.