Hauntings of Caryville, WI

So Calahan came running into my room the other day yelling "MOM YOU HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS" and he totally hijacks my TV.  He flips to the channel that Monsters and Mysteries of America is on and shows me the snippet where it talks about the Devil Dogs in a Wisconsin town.  I told Cal, I said "That's in Caryville" ... and he's all "huh?"  I said "Caryville, it's between Eau Claire and Rock Falls, it's that little blip of a town you drive through."

He looks at me all shocked and says "SO WE LIVED RIGHT BY IT?"

Um Yeah, and Mommy totally KNEW about it too.... LOLOLOL....

We moved away from there when he was 14.  SO yeah, it wasn't something that I was like "oh hey, Cal, let's go to one of the 'most haunted areas' in Wisconsin that we live right by!" ... yeah....   Mom's cousins got married in the "Haunted Church" in Caryville...  lol.... right across from the "Haunted Schoolhouse"

So I thought I would make this entry for HIM - anyway ....  I am putting it here, because it's part of our history.  Of where we lived, the area we grew up, etc.  

So here you go Calahan.

This is the episode.  It's about 15 minutes long, and starts out at about 28:50 - if you want to fast forward to that point.


Here is some written history of the area (proving to Calahan it's in Caryville)

THE TRUTH ABOUT CARYVILLE HAUNTIES - WEAU 13

The silhouette of a hanging person in a belfry.
Stories of being possessed by the spirit of a young boy or ghosts of children playing in corn fields.

Those are just some of the encounters people say they've had while visiting the small town of Caryville. Many question their validity and people who live in the town say they're fed up with ghost hunters, and vandals.

The Sand Hill Cemetery one of five locations believed to be haunted in Caryville. People who live in the area have told NewsCenter 13 numerous times that the hauntings aren't true. Authors and ghost hunters Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk tried to shed some light on the myths.

Many say Caryville, Wisconsin is one of the most haunted places in the Midwest.

"People that had visited the place talked about some of the strange things that took place" says Lewis.

One of the most popular stories is that of a young boy who haunts the historic school house in Caryville.

"People insist that the spirit of the boy resides in the school yet" says Fisk.

The legend says a boy trying to escape an abusive father and took shelter in his school.

"In the morning the teacher came to the schoolhouse and found his frozen body sitting in his desk" says Fisk.

And if you sit in his desk Fisk says "you'll feel his spirit pass through your body.”

But that's not all that people experience.

Lewis says "they hear the piano being played. They eve see the keys being moved."

Intrigued by the stories, Lewis and Fisk set up shop for the night.

They sent up "motion detectors to night vision cameras, audio recorders, E.M.F. readers really to try and rule out any normal or illogical explanation" say Lewis.

That night, they found nothing unusual. Nor could they find any evidence of the boy's death.

Fisk says "only one boy that ever died while being a student was a young boy named David. He died in 1957 at the age of eight from Polio."

But he died in the hospital and not the school.

Lewis says there’s "a lot of the activity that may have a normal explanation, window shades and such banging against the door and just the whole atmosphere of it being dark, creepy and secluded."

Making the possibility of a haunting doubtful and giving it a “Not Haunted” grade. But across the street, myths of a priest's suicide in the belfry hang over the church.

Fisk says "he was upset because there were plans to sell the school across the street."

This possibility prompted him to hang himself.

Fisk says people have "driven past the church and seen an apparition of the priest, his body hanging in the belfry."

But Fisk and Lewis say Lutheran Churches don’t have priests and there's no record of the death.

"We haven't found any scientific evidence of these two places being haunted" says Fisk.

These findings, or lack of findings, give the church the same "Not Haunted" grade.

Down the road we come across the alleged watery grave of a high school prom queen.

Lewis says "she had been drinking and was intoxicated and she drove the car into the water."

Some say phantom headlights drive the surrounding roads, playing chicken with drivers.

Fisk says "right before it smashes into them the car seems to disappear."

And Lewis says if you are brave enough to look into the water you won't she her looking back at you "but you'll see the reflection of her vehicle's headlights staring up from the waters."

Because there's no record of the crash, the hunters believe a haunting here is doubtful giving this site yet another “Not Haunted” grade.

A narrow dirt road leads to another supposedly haunted area, the Meridean boat landing. Legend has it, that the area is haunted by Meridean herself.

Fisk says "she was on a ship coming up the river and she passed away and they buried her nearby here."

Lewis adds "much like a siren in the water, she tries to entice people to save her." And he says if you are foolish enough to do so "you will meet the same fate that she did."

During their hunt they were put a little on edge by a mysterious sound.

Fisk says it was "unlike any sound that we have ever heard."

Could it have been the legendary hell hounds possibly left behind by the last person to live on the island, more than 70-years ago?

Lewis says "many cultures believe these dogs actually did the devils bidding."

Knowing the history of the island and their own encounter makes it possible the area is haunted but they never found any scientific evidence making four out four for “Not Haunted” grades.

Finally, on a hill near Caryville is the Sand Hill Cemetery. Lewis says it's home to many of those who died on Meridean Island.

Fisk says people "report hearing the voices of children playing in the corn field."

Lewis says people see "mysterious balls of light hovering through this cemetery, hearing people calling their names" and feelings of not being alone.

They've investigated the cemetery many times even with psychics and Lewis says there are definite "feelings of spirits still roaming the area."

The head stones show people are buried here, and the stories match the history suggesting the site is possibly haunted and being the area to receive the “Haunted” grade.

It's not known where many of these stories come from, but they have brought in many people from all over the country and vandalism has become a big problem. Because of that, many locals say it's virtually impossible to maintain many of the sites. Dunn County Sheriff Dennis Smith says his deputies will not hesitate to write a ticket for trespassing, and the people living in these areas will not hesitate to call the police when they see anything suspicious. Other than the howling wind and eerie atmosphere nothing out of the ordinary or unexplained happened during the hunts.

So let me show now ........ how close we were.  This is the area I grew up.  I lived in Eau Claire most of my life.  I lived on the south side, on the north side after I had kids.  From 13 to 16-ish I lived (off and on) in Rock Falls, WI which was about a half hour travel time (by car) from Eau Claire.  

There is a little "TREE" Icon for the National Park there above the P's in Chippewa on this map.  That is where Caryville is, as show on the map below.

 Caryville is literally a little "you blink, you miss it" type of town that you hit RIGHT BEFORE you hit Rock Falls which is almost another "you blink, you miss it" type of town but like triple the size of Caryville.

Caryville, Wisconsin

Historic Church and Schoolhouse Information:

A number of Caryville locals are “fed up” with ghost hunters and legend trippers, so beware if you decide to start asking questions. Primarily, Caryville residents have become tired of the vandalism that has become rampant at locations that are considered haunted in the area.

There was never a boy who froze to death inside the old schoolhouse. There was, however, a boy named David who died while he was a student at the school. But he died of Polio at the hospital.

There is no record of a priest hanging himself in the belfry of the old Lutheran church. Indeed, Lutheran churches do not have “priests”. Some locals have claimed that a priest hung himself in the belfry of the old church because he was upset that there were plans to sell the schoolhouse across the street. There is no record of this death, however.

Paranormal investigators, Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk investigated the church and schoolhouse in Caryville and gave it a “Not Haunted” grade.

Police will not hesitate to write a ticket (with a hefty fine attached) for anyone caught trespassing at the church and schoolhouse in Caryville and folks living nearby readily call the police if they see anything strange going on at this location. Get permission to visit the Caryville church and schoolhouse.

Ghosts and the Paranormal at the Church and Schoolhouse in Caryville, Wisconsin:

The ghost of a young boy is said to haunt the schoolhouse. Legends say that this boy was trying to escape an abusive father and froze to death inside the school sitting at his desk. Legend trippers claim that if you sit at his desk, you can feel his spirit “pass through you”.

Some people have claimed to be able to see the silhouette of a priest hanging in the window of the belltower at the church.

Resources: 

Dinges, P. (2007). The Truth Behind the Caryville Myths. Retrieved June 8, 2011 from http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/10930481.html (this is the article copied at the top) 

Shadowlord (1998). Haunted Places Index. Retrieved May 25, 2011 from http://shadowlands.net/haunted_places/wisconsin.htm

StrangeUSA (1901-2012). Old Caryville Church and Schoolhouse. Retrieved June 8, 2011 from http://www.strangeusa.com/Viewlocation.aspx?id=10793

Now, I went out to the church and school on a couple different occasions.  And I did not pick up on sprites, I have always been able to.  And I didn't feel any difference in either building than it being a "normal" building.  My cousins got married in the church on what would have been my 11th Anniversary to my ex husband - and my grandparents 57th Wedding Anniversary.  I often say that my Grandmother - who died in 1999 - died so she could spend their anniversary with my Grandfather in Heaven.  It would have been their 50th that year.  

Anyway .....  I never felt anything around the Church or Schoolhouse.  But the bridge that went over the river.... in Caryville (going the back roads to Eau Claire) ....  it always made me nervous.   And that's the river they claim the Devil Dogs - or Hell Hounds - are, there, in Caryville.  I also never heard of this story until I was 18 to 20.  I lived in the area and never heard the stories.  I found out about it, by reading about it in a book.....  

The folks in the area - DEFINITELY do not talk about these legends.  They will deny it if they believe in it or not.  m,p0 

But it is history, and lore, from where we grew up.  It's interesting to say the least.  

There are some haunting in Eau Claire and Chippewa I'll have to tell you about too.  

http://www.unexplainedresearch.com/files_spectrology/meridean_boat_landing.html

Location:  Caryville, Dunn County, Wisconsin Corrections:   Some web sites erroneously refer to Meridean as 'Meridian' or 'Maridean.' The island is on the Chippewa River, not the 'Meridian' River as some sites claim.
The Reputed History:   The  ghost of a young girl named "Mary Dean" haunts the island and boat landing where she had committed suicide. Shortly after the death of Mary Dean, three ferries mysteriously disappeared in that area, resulting in the ferry crossing being closed down. Several teens have drowned while swimming at the boat landing.  Their deaths have been ruled as suicides. At one time there was a sanitarium on the island run by a doctor who owned several dogs.  These dogs haunt the area as "hellhounds," in other  words, as black phantom dogs with red glowing eyes. Another story is that the dogs viciously killed their owner's child. About 50 years ago, two youths who were parked in their pickup truck at the boat landing were killed by some type of beast.  Their bodies were never recovered.  The authorities later found their empty truck which was splattered with blood mingled with hairs from some unknown type of creature.
The Investigation:   During the lumbering days, there was a town named Meridean on the island.  What is today used as a boat landing was at one time a ferry crossing where people traversed the Chippewa River to the island.Historians have uncovered a number of stories about how Meridean got its name.  All of them make reference to a girl named "Mary Dean."  The favored story is that a Mrs. Dean and her charming, young daughter Mary were traveling on the Chippewa River by steamboat.  Mary won the hearts of many of the passengers during the journey.  She suddenly became ill and was taken ashore.  She died and was buried under a tree.  The area was then named "Meridean" to commemorate her. Although there was once a thriving lumber town on the island, we have been unable to confirm the historicity of a doctor alleged to have had a sanitarium and dogs.  According to local historian Dick Feeney, there never was an sanitarium on the island. We have been unable to find any documentation verifying the alleged disappearances of the ferries. While it is certainly possible that swimmers have drowned there, we know of no documented cases. We have found no evidence to confirm the story about the deaths of two people in a pickup truck.
The Reputed Phenomena:   The ghost of Mary Dean has been spotted near the boat landing. After dark, some people have heard the howling and gnarling of the hellhounds, others have seen the glowing red eyes of the beasts in the woods near the boat landing, and a few have actually seen the hellhounds running down the Caryville Road. Other witnesses have reported hearing movement and screams come from the nearby woods at night and seeing a dark shadowy figure dart across the road.  Could this be "Blackie," the demonic figure reported at both the Caryvilleschoolhouse and cemetery? According to an eyewitness, on one dark night there was a bonfire and a huge chair (similar to the statue at the Lincoln Memorial, only on stilts) across the road from the boat landing.  Three pairs of glowing red eyes could also be seen in the woods nearby.  The Dare:  If you park your car near the boat landing, at the bottom of the hill below the Caryville Cemetery and shut off your headlights, the hellhounds will appear.
	The Investigation:   Our investigative team did hear a strange animal-like sound that emanated from the island.  The sound was unidentifiable and not comparable to any known animal sounds. We did interview the eyewitness who saw the huge chair and glowing red eyes.  It is possible that the "chair" was actually a deer stand as this area is very popular with hunters. The Meridean boat landing and island are popular places for camping and teen parties, so it's not uncommon for there to be bonfires in this area.  This could also account for the sounds of screams.

Hauntings of Windsor Castle.....

The Ghosts of Windsor Castle:

Spare a thought for the poor old Queen. She may rule 17 countries, have dozens of castles and palaces and possess the most expensive collection of jewellery in the world, but Her Majesty has also to contend with living alongside countless ghosts and ghouls. And if that wasn’t bad enough, half those ghosts are family. Windsor Castle in particular, suffers from its fair share of paranormal activity. Built in the reign of William the Conquerer, Windsor castle is nearly 1000 years old. Since the Middle Ages, thousands of souls have crossed-over within the confines of the Castles. Some, however, appear to have chosen to stay firmly put, becoming part of the castle’s ever growing population of ghosts. British Paranormal takes a look at the ghosts of Windsor Castle and names our favourite royal spectres.

The Ghost of Henry VIII

Henry VIII, the Tudor King who ruled England and Wales during the 16th Century, is Windsor Castle’s most famous ghostly resident. The royal tyrant, who famously dissolved the monasteries and broke from the Catholic Church, is reputed to have been witnessed many times in spirit form, wandering the halls and corridors of the Castle. Observers describe a large anxious, angry man pacing furiously and occasionally shouting as well.

The Ghost of Anne Boleyn

The second most famous Windsor Castle ghost is that of Anne Boleyn, one time wife to Henry VIII and former queen of England. Anne was executed in 1536 having been found guilty of charges of treason, adultery and witchcraft. She was beheaded at the Tower of London. Anne is alleged to haunt the Dean’s Cloister at Windsor Castle. Her ghostly form has been seen peering from a window. She is variously described as looking sad, distressed and occasionally weeping.

The Ghost of Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I has a specific fondness for dropping-in on her (horizontal) ancestors. The inspirational monarch, who spared England a bloody religious war and stood-up against the tyranny of Spain appears to be watching over her distant royal successors, occasionally paying them a visit at Windsor, perhaps to remind them of the shoes they have to fill. Mad King George III, who spent many a long, lonely night at Windsor Castle, once claimed to have conversed with a spectral woman dressed in black, who called herself Elizabeth and claimed to be “married to England’. One hundred years later, Edward VII is alleged to have confided in one of his mistresses about a strange ghostly encounter he had had in Windsor Castle. He described a woman in black, who resembled the great Tudor queen. Elizabeth’s visitations are said to become particularly frequent during times of war. George VI, the present Queen’s father, is said to have observed the ghost of Elizabeth I  on eight consecutive nights, during the opening days of the Second World War.

The Ghost of Mad King George III

King George III was a troubled soul. He suffered from several spells of mental illness during his reign, eventually culminating in a regency, which resulted in his royal executive powers being transferred to his son George, the Prince of Wales. During the King’s periods of ill-health he would be taken away from London and kept out of public view. Windsor Castle was regularly used to cloister the King. The monarch spent many a long, cold, lonely night hidden deep within the ancient walls, far from his wife and family. Perhaps it was this trauma that caused his spirit to linger on. The ghost of George III has been witnessed since the Victorian era, mournfully peering through windows and doors.

The Ghost of Queen Victoria

Clearly Queen Victoria was “not amused” by the alterations made to the Castle grounds by her great grandson, Edward VIII. Although Edward only reigned in theory, the errant King quickly set about modifying the grounds of Windsor Castle following his father’s death. When his lover, Wallace Simpson, requested the removal of a family of spruce trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, he was quick to oblige. The work was hampered however by a number of inexplicable phenomena. Workmen in 1936 even claimed to have seen the ghostly figure of Victoria striding towards them from the Castle, waving her arms and moaning loudly.

(Source: HERE)

GHOSTS OF WINDSOR CASTLE. BERKSHIRE

by GHOSTLY ADMIN on AUGUST 13, 2012 in BERKSHIRE, FAMOUS HAUNTINGS, HAUNTED CASTLES 

For over a 1000 years Windsor Castle as stood, it is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Standing in the county of Berkshire, it is also the home to many a Ghosts and tales of supernatural haunting.

Windsor Castle has numerous ghosts and paranormal activity. Built in the reign of William the Conquerer, and dating back to the Middle Ages, many people, both royal and common folk alike have died within the confines of the Castle walls and grounds.  Some of many reported ghosts of Windsor castle are listed below.

THE GHOST OF HENRY VIII

The first of the famous Windsor Castle ghosts is King Henry VIII. Henry VIII was the Tudor King who ruled England and Wales during the 16th Century, Henry VIII  famously dissolved the monasteries and broke away from  the Papacy in Rome and established the Church of England, initiating the English Reformation.King Henry is reputed to have been heard in the Cloisters, wandering the castle halls and corridors and is heard groaning and seen dragging his ulcerated leg which was the eventual cause of his death on 28th January 1547.

King Henry is buried at Windsor Castle, in a vault in St. George’s Chapel with his third wife, Jane Seymour. In the same vault are the  remains of King Charles I who has been seen in the Canon’s house . On the rare occasions where King Henry VIII has been witnessed his ghost is described as a large anxious, angry man pacing furiously and occasionally shouting as well.

THE GHOST OF ANNE BOLEYN

Whenever Henry VIII is mentioned, tales and stories to his his executed wife Anne Boleyn follow shortly after. The ghosts of Windsor castle is no exception to the rule, The wife to Henry VIII and former queen of England.  Before her execution in 1536 Anne Boleyn; King Henry claimed that she had used witchcraft to make him fall in love with her. Interestingly she was never charged with being a witch, and witchcraft did not end up among the charges used by the court which ultimately found her guilty of treason and adultery. Anne Boleyn was beheaded at the Tower of London, her body and head were buried in an unmarked grave in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula which adjoined the Tower Green.

Anne Boleyn body was one that was identified in renovations of the chapel under the reign of Queen Victoria.  Anne Boleyn final resting place is now marked in the marble floor. The ghost of Anne Boleyn is alleged to haunt the Dean’s Cloister at Windsor Castle. Her ghostly form has been seen peering from a window with a sad and distressed faced and occasionally weeping.

THE GHOST OF ELIZABETH I

The youngest daughter of Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, haunts the Royal Library, the sound of  her high heels have been heard on bare floorboards. Elizabeth I has also been seen on numerous occasions by several members of the Royal family and staff. Her ghostly spectre has been seen at a window in Dean’s Cloister where she always wears a black gown with a black shawl over her shoulders.

King George III, who spent many lonely nights at Windsor Castle, once claimed to have conversed with a ghostly woman dressed in black, who called herself Elizabeth and claimed to be “married to England’. Over a hundred years later, Edward VII is also alleged to have confided in one of his mistresses about a strange ghostly encounter he had had in Windsor Castle with a woman in dressed black, who resembled the great Tudor queen.

The appearance of Queen Elizabeth’s are said to be linked to the advent of war. George VI, is said to have observed the ghost of Elizabeth I  on several consecutive nights, during the opening days of the Second World War, its not know if he had a conversation with his ghostly guest or not.

THE GHOST OF (MAD) KING GEORGE III

King George III was born on the 4th June 1738. And faced several years of military conflict all over the globe during the early years of his reign. In his later years the King suffered from several spells of mental illness, which resulted in his royal executive powers being transferred to his son George, the Prince of Wales. During the King’s periods of ill-health and mental instability he often would be taken away from public view.

Windsor Castle was regularly used to clam the King and provide a retreat away from the pressures of public life and the prying eyes of those who looked to make advantage from his ill state. During his periods of ‘madness’ he was confined to a room below the library, it is here, often that the ghost of George III has been witnessed since the Victorian era, mournfully peering through the Library windows and door way. Military Guardsmen have occasionally been startled to see his face still looking out through the window whilst on sentry and duties. King George III died on the 16th February 1820 and is buried in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle

THE GHOST OF QUEEN VICTORIA

Clearly Queen Victoria was “not amused” by the alterations made to the Castle grounds by her great grandson, Edward VIII. Although Edward only reigned in theory, the errant King quickly set about modifying the grounds of Windsor Castle following his father’s death. When his lover, Wallace Simpson, requested the removal of a family of spruce trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, he was quick to oblige. The work was hampered however by a number of inexplicable phenomena. Workmen in 1936 even claimed to have seen the ghostly figure of Victoria striding towards them from the Castle, waving her arms and moaning loudly.

THE MANY HAUNTED ROOMS AND LOCATIONS WITHIN WINDSOR CASTLE

The Deanery is haunted by the ghost of a young boy who shouts, “I don’t want to go riding today”. It is also reported that sound of the ghostly boys footsteps can be heard crossing the building.

The ‘Prison Room’ in the Norman Tower is apparently haunted by a former Royalist prisoner dating back to the times of the English Cilvil War . The first Civil War dated (1642–46) and second (1648–49) was between the supporters of King Charles I against the supporters of the Long Parliament, while the third war (1649–51) saw fighting between supporters of King Charles II and supporters of the Rump Parliament. The Civil War ended with the Parliamentary victory at the Battle of Worcester on 3 September 1651. Both Children playing there have seen the Royalist prisoner whilst many adults visitors have felt him brush past their persons.

In the Curfew Tower, ghostly footsteps are heard on the staircase, the tower bells on one occasion where said to have swung on their own while the ambient temperature of the bell room became cold without warning. Moving over to a kitchen in one of the buildings which make up the horseshoe cloisters, the kitchen is haunted by the ghostly figure of a man and horse. They walk straight through the wall. The history records for Windsor Castle state that the cloisters were once the cavalry stables.

In 1873, a night-time visitor to the castle noticed an interesting new statuary group had been erected near St. George’s Chapel: three standing figures, all in black, and a fourth crouching down. The central standing character was in the act of striking with a large sword. The sentry knew nothing of this artwork and when the visitor returned to re-examine it, it had gone!

One of the most reported sightings at Windsor Castle is the ghost of Herne the Hunter. Herne the became the favoured huntsman of King Richard II when he saved the monarch from being mauled to death by a cornered stag. Being wounded in the process, there are accounts that he was later healed through witchcraft and the wearing of the stag’s antlers. Although this may likely just be an interpretation of a reward by the King for his act of valour.

Do to the favour shown by King Richard II, and mounting jealousy within the ranks, Hern took his own life after being framed for theft from the King, by hanging himself from ‘Herne’s Oak in the Home Park . On several Wild Hunts, Herns ghostly spirit has since been seen many times rushing across the Great Park what he is racing for is not known, some suspect he is looking for any lost souls wandering the land.

(Source: HERE)

The Royal Ghosts of Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle located in Berkshire England is the oldest and largest castle in the world. It has been continuously occupied for almost 1000 years. It is the official residence of the British monarchy. Today 500 people live and work in Windsor. Witnesses state that several ghostly former members of the English royal family also reside in the castle. 

In the 16^th century King Henry Vlll ruled Britain and Wales. * His ghost has been heard wandering the castle’s halls and corridors. He is heard groaning and dragging his ulcerated leg in the Cloisters which is the condition that eventually caused his death in 1547. Several witnesses have described him as “being a large anxious, angry man” he is heard pacing back and forth and sometimes he is heard shouting. A more recent sighting occurred in the mid 1970s. Castle guards saw the former monarch walk through the battlements. Later they were told that there used to be a door at the spot they saw his ghost disappear.

Henry Vlll had two of his wives beheaded, Anne Boleyn who is also seen at Winsor and her cousin Catherine Howard who haunts Hampton Court which I wrote about in another post. Anne not able to give Henry a son and heir was found guilty of treason, adultery and witchcraft. She was executed at the Tower of London in 1536. Her ghost has been seen in the Dean’s Cloister at Windsor. She is spotted peering through windows. Some have stated she appeared to be sad, others have stated they saw her weeping. One fanciful legend states she is seen running holding her head under her arm.

King Henry’s youngest daughter, Queen Elizabeth l is said to haunt the royal library at Winsor. Witnesses have heard the sound of her clicking heels as she moves around this wood floored room. She is seen wearing a black dress and shawl. Both members of the royal family and staff had seen her ghost over the years. One witness, King George lll not only saw her he talked to her. She told him that she was Elizabeth and that she “was married to England.”

One hundred years after this encounter Edward Vll told his mistress that he had seen her ghost. He described her dressed all in black stating she resembled the “the great tudor queen.” Princess Margaret also saw Elizabeth’s ghost. In recent years a guard saw her ghost, he followed her to the library where she then just disappeared as he watched her. She is considered a harbinger because she has appeared just before war breaks out. George Vl saw her several nights in a row just as World War ll began.

Another English king seen at Windsor is George lll. He suffered from mental illness during his reign in the 1700s. When he had bad spells he was kept from prying eyes in a room located below the library. His ghost was often seen during the Victorian era standing at the libraries’ windows or in the doorway. Military Guardsmen at Windsor have seen his ghost staring down at them from a window as they perform their various duties. Several have admitted to being rattled by this strange sight. Other witnesses have heard him mutter a phrase he was fond of saying while alive, "What, what?' He was unhappy in life but some witnesses have stated that they actually saw his ghost smiling.

The last royal known to haunt Winsor is Queen Victoria. Ironically, while alive she attempted to get rid of a ghost that hundreds of people had seen over a period of 250 years. ** Herne the Hunter, Richard ll's forester hung himself from an oak tree because he was dismissed from service. Witnesses have seen him wearing deer skins and a helmet adorned with antlers. In the 1860s Queen Victoria had this tree chopped down and then she burned the logs as fire wood in an attempt to get rid of his spirit--it didn't work.  

Her ghost made an appearance during Edward’s Vll's very brief reign. A short time after his father died he started to modify the Windsor grounds at the request of his lover, Wallace Simpson whom he abdicated the throne for. She requested several spruce trees be removed that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had planted.

As the workmen proceeded to cut these trees down several inexplicable incidents occurred that hampered their work. These strange occurrences were explained when Queen Victoria’s displeased ghost was seen running from the castle in their direction. She was moaning loudly and waving her arms frantically. 

* Yet another monarch who haunts Windsor who reigned after HenryVlll's time was Charles l. He was accused of treason and held as a prisoner at Windsor Castle for his role in the English Civil War, he was found guilty and decapitated in 1649. He is buried in a vault at Windsor along with Henry Vlll. His ghost has been seen in the Cannon's house but most often he is seen standing near a table in the royal library.

** Windsor also has a variety of other ghosts that were not members of the royal family. In future, I will share some of their stories.

Click to enlarge

(Source: HERE)

Ghostly Tales from Windsor Castle

By David Nash

Where better to look for ghosts stories than an ancient Castle dating back to the time of William the Conqueror? Berkshire historian David Nash takes us through the grim, ghastly and ghostly tales of Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle has many ghosts.

Henry VIII haunts the deanery cloisters, where his groans and dragging footsteps are heard.

Elizabeth I haunts the Royal Library and is said to have been seen by several members of the Royal family. The sound of her high heels are heard on bare floorboards, before her imposing figure appears and passes through the library and into an inner room.

The sad face of mad King George III is seen peering from the window in the room where he was often detained.

Charles I haunts a Canon's House in the castle precincts.

The Deanery is haunted by a young boy who shouts, "I don't want to go riding today". It is probably his footsteps which are heard in the same building.

The 'Prison Room' in the Norman Tower is haunted, possibly by a former Royalist prisoner from Civil War times. Children playing there have seen him and adults have felt him brush past.

The kitchen of one of the buildings which make up the horseshoe cloisters is haunted by a man leading a horse. They walk straight through the wall, for the cloisters were once the cavalry stables. A young girl has also been seen here, standing by a Christmas Tree.

Ghostly footsteps are heard on the staircase in the Curfew Tower and, on one occasion, the bells began to swing on their own while the temperature became distinctly chilly.

In 1873, a night-time visitor to the castle noticed an interesting new statuary group had been erected near St. George's Chapel: three standing figures, all in black, and a fourth crouching down. The central standing character was in the act of striking with a large sword. The sentry knew nothing of this artwork and when the visitor returned to re-examine it, it had gone!

There is also the ghost of the Duke of Buckingham's father, William of Wykeham (the building’s architect) and, of course, the famous Herne the Hunter who is more often seen in the Great Park.

Herne the Hunter became the favourite huntsman of King Richard II when he saved the monarch from being mauled to death by a cornered stag. Being wounded in the process, he was later healed through witchcraft and the wearing of the stag’s antlers. Unfortunately though, his subsequent friendship with the King and skill in the field, bred jealousy in his colleagues and he was framed for theft. Shame led him to hang himself on 'Herne's Oak in the Home Park and, with a Wild Hunt, his spirit has since been seen many times careering across the Great Park searching for lost souls.

The Long Walk is haunted by the ghost of a young Grenadier Guard who shot himself while on duty there in the 1920s. He was seen by at least two of his colleagues, immediately after his death.

(c) David Nash Ford

(Source: HERE)

by Lisa Graves... you can see more of her amazing work HERE

 The Haunted History Of Salem, Massachusetts

Salem is a city in the State of Massachusetts. Known as the “Witch City”, there are many different stories circulating regarding haunted legends, haunted folklore, and more in this historically noted “spooky” city. Several individuals have captured ghost pictures, ghost videos, and even ghostly sounds with digital audio recorders and more! When visiting this haunted town, you will come across a number of bizarre shops, strange and atypical museums, and famous “Salem Witches” who will lead you on a fantastic journey through time, and right to the scariest places on Earth! In this informative guide, you will be introduced to some of the most haunted places in the town of Salem, Massachusetts!

Danvers State Hospital

Danvers State Hospital, a substantial sized building reflecting a gothic design that sits on the top of the ever-popular “Hawthorne Hill” has been called several things throughout history, but one title remains consistent with the structure, and that title is “haunted”. Individuals who are interested in the paranormal are often attracted to this immense structure, its history, as well as the haunting tales that are circulating regarding the spirits that reside in and around the immense structure.

One of the first haunting tales that is told about the hospital has to do with a structure that stood on the grounds before the actual hospital was ever built. It is believed that the judge who oversaw the executions of nearly twenty individuals who were claimed to have been witches in the early history of the town by the name of Jonathan Hawthorne lived in a home on the grounds. Many individuals believe that they have seen shadows and apparitions that strike a resemblance to the judge.

A number of cruel and unusual treatments for psychiatric patients took place at the haunted Danvers State Hospital. In many cases, these experiments were performed in an honest effort to control the symptoms that the patients experienced, and in an effort to “cure” them. However, as time progressed, many patients were issued treatments so that the hospital could control the population that was building in masses at the hospital. It is believed that several of the individuals who died on the grounds still walk the corridors, and are trapped in spirit inside the structure. Many spirits are said to have now found the outside of the building, and walk around here, seeming to search for something, but no one knows what…

The lore, and lure, of Danvers State Hospital
Danvers State Hospital Cemetary (photos)

House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables is another structure in Salem that has the reputation of being haunted. Many of the local residents refer to this location as the “Turner-Ingersoll Mansion”. This is because these two names reflected the two families that once resided at the structure. The first family, the Turner family, built the home in the year of 1668. Eventually, the Ingersoll family purchased it due to financial losses suffered by the Turner family. One lady, whose name was Susan Ingersoll, was a cousin to the famous author, Nathaniel Hawthorne who wrote the book on the structure. She remained a resident of the structure until the age of 72.

 Many hauntings have been recorded at the House of the Seven Gables. It is believed that Susan’s spirit remains at the home. In many instances, a female has been seen peering out of the windows, and then disappearing. It is also believed that the spirit of a young male can be heard playing in the area of the attic. Employees and other individuals who have visited this particular home have been rumored to hear strange sounds in the structure, and have even witnessed strange occurrences in the home, such as faucets and lights turning on and off with no explanation….

The Ghosts of Seven Gables
The House of the Seven Gables (Wikipedia)
Grave Addiction: Ghost Stories from The House of the Seven Gables
Haunted Salem

Hawthorne Hotel

In Salem, there is a hotel that is believed to be haunted by the residents, as well as those that have stayed in the structure. This is the Hawthorne Hotel. In the early 1900s, the individuals in Salem saw a need to have a hotel built for those traveling through the city, and those visiting the city. In the year of 1925, the project was completed, and named the “Hawthorne Hotel”. They named the hotel after the famous author named Nathaniel Hawthorne, who had grew up in the area of Salem as a child.

There are many ghostly tales surrounding the Hawthorne Hotel. The first directly relates to a lady by the name of Bridget Bishop. This lady had an apple orchard on the same property where the hotel is located. She was the first to be executed in the ever-famous “Salem Witch Trials”. Today, when one visits the hotel, the smell of fresh apples can often be experienced – despite the fact that there are no apple trees or orchards located anywhere near the structure. In addition to this, paranormal researchers have picked up on energy in the structure with EMF detectors and the KII Meter. Strange sounds, mists, and smells have been experienced by numerous people….

Dark Destinations: Hawthorne Hotel
Haunting Lodging: Hawthorne Hotel

Gallows Hill

by Lisa Graves... you can see more of her amazing work HERE ... Dennis' ancestor Susannah North is in the middle of the women.

 Gallows Hill is an area in haunted Salem where the ever-popular “Bridget Bishop” met her fate by hanging in the year of 1692. She was the first individual to be executed as part of the Salem Witch Trials. In addition to this, eighteen other people were also murdered here as part of the Salem Witch Trials. It was later discovered that these individuals were actually innocent of the crimes that they were charged with. While this area now plays host to a large playing field for schools engaging in certain sports, it is also considered to be an area that is highly haunted.

Gallows Hill - 14Of the 31 condemned to death in 1692, 14 women and 5 men rode in the open cart from nearby Prison Lane, passing this very spot, to Gallows Hill, located about half a mile from here. Two women avoided the execution because they were pregnant. Two dogs were hanged at Gallows Hill, for the girls said that the dogs had given them "the evil eye" and were possessed by the devil.

Many ghost pictures, ghost videos, digital audio recordings, and EMF readings have been taken in the area of Gallows Hills and have revealed apparent apparitions, mists, orbs, and other types of unexplained phenomenon. If you want to experience a true paranormal hot spot as far as spiritual activity is concerned in the haunted ghost town of Salem, Gallows Hill is definitely a location that you are sure to gain an appreciation for!
Gallows Hill, Lost Historic Site
Haunted Salem
The Haunting of Gallows Hills

Joshua Ward House

The Joshua Ward House is another area that is located in the city that is believed to house several different types of spirits. This structure emerged right around the year of 1750. It is believed that the spirit of the Sheriff of the time of the Witch Trials haunts this building. It is also believed that the spirit of the man named Giles Corey also haunts this structure. This is the man that was murdered by stoning. The story of an angry woman in her older years is said to haunt the stairs, and many have felt an extreme uneasiness when entering in the home….

 Haunted Salem
Joshua Ward House
The Witch of the Joshua Ward House
The Joshua Ward House - Salem <~ great blog

Salem Jail

From the year of about 1885 to the year of 1991, the Salem Jail in the ghost town housed a number of criminals. To this day, the prison remained abandoned, and for a very good reason! It is believed to be extremely haunted. It is believed that many of the criminals who were once imprisoned at the Salem Jail remain imprisoned even at the onset of death and their entrance in the spiritual world. You can often hear chains, screams, and crying as you walk in the building…. 

The Great Escape (History and tails from current residents of the site)
The Haunting of Salem Jail and Howard Cemetery

Conclusion

If you want to learn about the haunted town of Salem, Massachusetts,plan your visit to the city of the famous Witch Trails today! It is a trip well worth taking!


This article came from HERE. I added links to the external sites. 

Another interesting Blog I came across on this subject is Salem's Ghosts - The Judges Line ... it has a map of a lot of the local hauntings.  Definitely interesting. Also there is Salem, Massachusetts: Stories of ghost tours and witch trials  ...which was published just a few days ago.....which goes through some of the stories from the Salem Ghost Tour ...