Oxford Castle and Prison, with nearly 1000 years of history, remains one of the UK’s most haunted sites, where ghosts like Empress Matilda and restless prisoners still linger
Oxford Castle stands as a towering reminder of England’s turbulent past, with its ancient stone walls bearing silent witness to a thousand years of bloodshed, treachery, and confinement.
Sitting on the western side of Oxford, the castle has seen centuries of history, from medieval warfare to grim prison sentences. And where there is suffering, the paranormal is never far behind.
Oxford Castle, now a popular tourist attraction, is also one of the most haunted places in the country – its long, dark corridors echoing with the spectral footsteps of its many restless souls.
The Ghost of Empress Matilda
Perhaps the most famous spirit linked to Oxford Castle is that of Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I and rightful heir to the English throne.
Her ghostly figure, draped in white, has been spotted many times on the castle’s stairs and grounds, and her story is as tragic as it is extraordinary.
In 1142, Matilda found herself under siege in Oxford Castle by her cousin, King Stephen, during the bitter civil war known as The Anarchy.
Trapped and with no hope of rescue, Matilda orchestrated a daring escape. Dressed all in white to blend with the snow, she and a small group of knights crept out of the castle, crossed the frozen River Thames, and fled into the night, eventually making it to safety in Abingdon.
Despite her escape, Matilda never claimed the throne, and the years of bloodshed left deep scars on her spirit.
To this day, many believe Matilda’s ghost roams the castle, reliving that desperate escape.
Some visitors report seeing her spectral figure, clad in white, ascending the tower stairs or drifting along the battlements.
Others claim to feel a chill in the air when her presence is near, an eerie reminder of the fear and desperation that must have consumed her on that fateful night.
Shadowy Figures and the Ghosts of Oxford Prison
Oxford Castle’s role as a prison began in the 18th century and continued right up until 1996. Its cells housed a variety of criminals, from debtors to murderers, and it is not surprising that many of these souls never left.
Over the years, visitors and staff have reported countless eerie encounters within the prison walls.
One of the most chilling encounters comes from a security guard who was patrolling the grounds late one night.
Accompanied by his dog, he was nearing the end of his rounds when the animal suddenly stopped, growling and backing away in fear.
Moments later, two large shadowy figures appeared before the guard, sending him running in terror. Sadly, the dog died only days later, leading many to believe it was literally frightened to death by the supernatural encounter.
There are also frequent reports of a white mist rising up a flight of stairs, only to disappear at the top.
Footsteps echo in empty hallways, doors creak open on their own, and objects move inexplicably, as if some unseen force is still exerting its influence.
And then there’s the chilling figure of Mary Blandy, a notorious murderer executed at the castle in 1752. Her ghost is said to haunt the very spot where she was hanged, her sorrowful spirit still tethered to the place of her death.
Paranormal Investigations
Given the castle’s long and grim history, it’s no wonder that paranormal investigators and ghost hunters flock to Oxford Castle in search of proof of the afterlife.
Many ghost hunts have been conducted within its walls, with many participants experiencing strange phenomena, from unexplained noises to the sensation of being watched.
Séances conducted in the cells have reportedly triggered poltergeist activity so intense that priests have been called in to perform exorcisms.
Even the prison’s former D-Wing, now part of a luxury hotel, hasn’t escaped its haunted past.
Guests have reported encounters with shadowy figures and unexplained cold spots, and staff remain wary of certain parts of the building.
While the prison may have been converted into a hotel, it seems some of its former residents never checked out.
Oxford Castle and Prison are steeped in history, and with such a violent and tragic past, it’s no surprise that ghosts continue to haunt its corridors.
Whether it’s the spectral figure of Empress Matilda, the tormented souls of executed prisoners, or the shadowy apparitions that terrify even the bravest of security guards, this is a place where the past is never truly dead.
Visitors today may come to learn about history, but many leave with their own ghost stories to tell.
Have you ever visited Oxford Castle and experienced something out of the ordinary? Share your ghostly encounters in the comments below!
