Dinton Castle
Dinton Castle, located in the village of Dinton, Buckinghamshire, is a small folly built in the 18th century. The hexagonal two-story structure was constructed around 1769 by Sir John Vanhattem, then owner of nearby Dinton Hall. The castle’s purpose was primarily ornamental, serving as an eye-catching feature on the estate grounds.
The castle’s history intertwines with that of John Bigg, known as the Dinton Hermit. Bigg, a former clerk to Simon Mayne, one of the judges who sentenced King Charles I to death, is said to have lived in seclusion near the castle site in the mid-17th century. Local legend claims Bigg was the executioner of Charles I, though this remains unproven.
Paranormal activity reported at Dinton Castle includes sightings of a ghostly figure believed to be John Bigg. Witnesses have described seeing a man in 17th-century attire wandering the grounds near the castle. Some accounts mention the sound of chains dragging, possibly connected to Bigg’s alleged role in the king’s execution.
Other ghostly phenomena reported include unexplained cold spots within the castle, particularly on the upper floor. Visitors have also reported feeling an unseen presence and experiencing sudden feelings of unease or dread while exploring the structure.
The castle’s isolated location and connection to historical events have contributed to its reputation for supernatural occurrences. Some locals claim to have heard disembodied voices and whispers emanating from the castle during nighttime hours, adding to its eerie atmosphere and ghostly lore.
Address
Dinton Folly, The Aylesbury Ring, Dinton, HP17 8UX, United KingdomThe Aylesbury Ring
HP17 8UX Dinton, England,