Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle, nestled in West Devon, England, stands as a haunting reminder of medieval power and intrigue. Built in the 11th century by Baldwin de Brionne, the castle played a significant role in the Norman conquest of England. Over the centuries, it passed through various noble families, including the Courtenays, before falling into ruin during the Tudor period.
The castle’s tumultuous history has given rise to numerous ghostly tales. One of the most persistent involves Lady Howard, a noblewoman who lived in the 17th century. According to legend, she is condemned to travel nightly from Okehampton to Tavistock in a carriage made of bones, driven by a headless coachman. This spectral journey is said to be her penance for the deaths of her four husbands.
Visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps echoing through the castle’s empty halls, particularly in the keep and great hall. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures moving across the ruins, only to disappear when approached. The sound of horses’ hooves and rattling chains has also been reported, often attributed to Lady Howard’s ghostly carriage.
In the castle’s chapel, witnesses have described seeing a monk-like figure in prayer, vanishing when acknowledged. The area around the gatehouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl, believed to have fallen to her death from the battlements centuries ago. Her laughter and the sound of running footsteps have been heard by numerous visitors over the years.
Address
Okehampton Castle, Castle Lane, West Devon, EX20 1JA, United KingdomCastle Lane
EX20 1JA West Devon, England,