Sherborne Castle in Dorset is a place where curses linger and ghosts roam, making it a must-visit for fans of the supernatural
Sherborne Castle in Dorset is not just any English castle. It is a place where curses cling to its stones, and ghosts refuse to leave!
From its rich history to its paranormal legends, Sherborne Castle is a must-visit for anyone with a taste for the spooky and supernatural.
Sherborne Castle’s story begins in the 12th century with Sherborne Old Castle, built by Roger de Caen, the Bishop of Salisbury.
But this was no ordinary castle.
When a later bishop, St Osmund, handed over the property, he reportedly placed a curse upon it, vowing ruin upon anyone who dared to take it from the church.
Centuries passed, and in 1592, Sir Walter Raleigh came along, smitten with the castle’s ancient charm.
Ignoring the old curse, Raleigh persuaded Queen Elizabeth I to lease him the property.
His joy was short-lived – the curse wasted no time, bringing a series of misfortunes his way.
Thus began Sherborne Castle’s long association with ghostly happenings!
Ghostly Encounters at Sherborne Castle
The most famous ghost said to wander Sherborne’s grounds is Sir Walter Ralegh himself.
Every year on 29 October, the anniversary of his execution, his spirit is seen strolling beneath the ancient oaks, dressed in his finest Elizabethan attire.
Whether he’s lost in thought or keeping a watchful eye on his former home, no one really knows.
And he’s not alone.
Lady Charlotte Digby also makes an appearance as a kindly, elderly lady with a head of white hair.
She’s been seen peeking around doorways, seemingly making sure the house is in order.
Visitors and staff alike report feeling her presence – or at least the strange chill in the air when she’s around.
There are also more chilling encounters.
Clashing swords, ghostly shouts, and spectral lights have been reported in “Raleigh’s Bedroom”.
Back in 1878, Lady Chatterton woke to see ghostly figures battling right above her bed! If you’re looking for a fright, this room might be the perfect spot.
What’s Sir Walter Raleigh Got to Do with It?
Ralegh’s connection to Sherborne began with love at first sight.
Passing through on his way to Plymouth, he fell for the castle’s rugged beauty and asked the Queen to grant it to him.
However, after a secret marriage to one of the Queen’s maids of honour, he found himself in hot water and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
And that was just the start of his troubles.
With Queen Elizabeth gone and James I on the throne, Ralegh’s luck only worsened.
Accused of treason, he was imprisoned again, and his beloved castle was taken from him, eventually leading to his execution.
Many believe the curse of St Osmund had finally caught up with him.
Sherborne Castle Today
Today, Sherborne Castle is a mix of old and new.
The original Norman ruins of the Old Castle, maintained by English Heritage, contrast with the stately grandeur of Sherborne New Castle, built by Ralegh himself in 1594.
The estate, now owned by the Digby family, welcomes visitors with open arms – and perhaps the occasional ghostly greeting!
Explore the beautiful gardens, stroll around the Capability Brown-designed lake, or sit in Ralegh’s favourite chair and see if you feel a tap on the shoulder.
You might even bump into Raleigh himself, enjoying a posthumous pipe of tobacco!
If you’re lucky – or perhaps unlucky – you might catch a glimpse of a ghost or hear whispers of the past echoing through the corridors.
Just remember to be on your best behaviour… the spirits of Sherborne are always watching!
Have you witnessed something spooky at Sherborne Castle? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
