Clitheroe Castle, perched atop a limestone outcrop in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, boasts a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest. Constructed in the late 11th or early 12th century by Robert de Lacy, the castle served as a strategic stronghold overlooking the Ribble Valley. Its compact keep, one of the smallest in England, remains largely intact today.

Throughout its history, the castle witnessed numerous sieges and conflicts, playing a role in the English Civil War when it was held by Royalist forces. In 1649, Parliament ordered its partial demolition to prevent its future use as a military fortification.

The castle’s paranormal reputation has grown over the centuries, with several reported ghostly encounters. One of the most famous spectral residents is said to be the ghost of a young boy who fell to his death from the castle walls. Visitors have reported hearing his cries and catching glimpses of his apparition near the keep.

Another frequently reported entity is the “Grey Lady,” believed to be the spirit of a woman who died of a broken heart after her lover was killed in battle. She is often seen wandering the castle grounds, particularly on misty evenings.

The castle’s dungeons are said to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, with reports of cold spots, unexplained noises, and feelings of unease. Some visitors claim to have heard the rattling of chains and muffled screams, possibly echoes of the castle’s darker history.

In the castle’s museum, staff have reported objects moving on their own and the sensation of being watched when alone in the building. The ghost of a cavalier soldier has also been seen in this area, believed to be a remnant from the castle’s Civil War era.