Lydford Castle, located in Devon, England, dates back to the 11th century when it was originally constructed as a Norman fort. In the 13th century, it was rebuilt as a prison and courthouse, gaining a notorious reputation as one of the harshest judicial centers in the country. The castle’s dark history has led to numerous ghostly tales over the centuries.

One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a man in chains, believed to be a prisoner who met his end within the castle’s walls. Visitors have described hearing the rattling of chains and mournful cries echoing through the ruins, particularly at night.

Another well-documented ghostly encounter involves a spectral judge, said to be the spirit of Judge Jeffreys, infamous for his cruel sentencing during the Bloody Assizes. Witnesses claim to have seen his shadowy figure pacing the upper floors of the castle, as if still presiding over his brutal court.

The castle’s grounds are also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman in a white dress. Local legend suggests she was falsely accused of witchcraft and executed at the castle. Her spirit is reported to wander the area, sometimes appearing to visitors as a misty figure.

Unexplained cold spots, sudden drops in temperature, and feelings of unease are commonly reported by those exploring the castle ruins. Some visitors have even claimed to hear disembodied voices and whispers, particularly in the areas that once housed the prison cells.