Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace


An imposing structure of over a thousand rooms, Hampton Court Palace has been the home to many royals over the years. Its walls have seen their share of tragedy and bloodshed, Catherine Howard, an unfortunate wife of King Henry VIII was kept prisoner at Hampton Court until she was beheaded for adultery. Many believe her ghost still roams the halls, looking for her husband so that she can plead for her life one last time.
This ancient castle is considered to be one of the most haunted places in England. Commonly reported disturbances include misty apparitions in the old Tudor kitchen, as well as another ghost that tends to frequent the nearby wine cellars.
The royal gallery is where the ghost of Catherine Howard is said to lurk. There have been reports of visitors being hit and touched while in the gallery.
Jane Seymore; another wife of Henry the VIII died while giving birth to the future Edward VI. There have been reports that Jane is seen in the Silver Stick Gallery on Edward VI’s birthday.
These are only a few of the ghost stories associated with the beautifully eerie, Hampton Court Palace. There are dozens of ghosts that are said to inhabit the old castle, which is not really very surprising, considering its age, and the many sorrows and joys experienced behind its walls.