
It is nearly Hallowe’en and, however sophisticated we may or may not be, most of us occasionally like a bit of a “fright” on All Hallows’ Eve. Technically, of course, it is supposed to be the day when we reflect on those we knew who have died, to take the time to remember and honour them. It was also, in Pagan times, the night the dead walked again and these days, certainly in the west, that idea takes precedence and it is more about visions of poltergeists, shrouded figures and spectral skeletons rising up from long closed graves.
Until recently, Hallowe’en did not have a huge cultural role in the UK as it was overshadowed by our celebration of Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th with its traditional firework displays. Now Hallowe’en activities abound, from trick or treating, costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack o’lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, watching horror films, acting out murder mysteries and telling ghost stories.
Our long dark winter nights in the northern hemisphere lend themselves to ghost stories and things that go bump in the night. One of the most famous and much loved of these is Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. In a way this was the “Harry Potter” of its day. Not only was it an enormous commercial success in terms of sales but also, along with Queen Victoria’s introduction of Christmas trees and her revival of tartan, realigned attitudes towards Christmas in Victorian England. Even better, it has a happy ending in that it is about redemption and Scrooge does indeed make gifts and share with those who have less. Such is its prominence that I used it as the background in my book, “Christmas at Highclere”, to relate a few of the ghostly sightings that have taken place here at the Castle. What I think is particularly fun is that those pages are reversed so that it is white text looming out of black pages.

Excerpt from “Christmas at Highclere”
By reputation there are a number of ghosts or presences at Highclere. A few appear apparently in the park, there may be some restless souls by the bronze age tumuli, (I have to say I have not looked), one in a yew tree, one in the Tower, various presences on the top floor, a lady in black by the Gothic stairs, one who I saw in an old downstairs corridor, one who sits on the foot of a bed every so often and one lady who used occasionally to follow me round the Gallery. Everyone here has their own story and the places they don’t like to visit on a gloomy evening.
The most malevolent of these apparently lived by a very old Yew Tree by the ruined church of St Michael, just outside what is now the back door of the kitchens. St Michael was a saint associated with the late Anglo-Saxon period who was linked to high places and apparitions and who was the patron saint of cemeteries. He is reputedly called Grampas which, rather than being a misspelling of Grandpa as so many assume is, in fact, derived from the Anglo-Saxon word Grama – a fiend. The story goes that this ghost was eventually banished by a posse of six Bishops into the Yew Tree and from thence to the Red Sea for some unexplained reason. Long may he stay there.
The word “spirit” has a more benign etymology in that it is all about breath and breathing which is much more peaceful, whilst “ghost” likely links to the Germanic “gast” and thence to the word guest. So they are not all bad and, in fact, I think Highclere has a lovely warm, homely atmosphere which welcomes guests from every spectral plane and will continue to do so for many years to come.
A most interesting and entertaining read. I love receiving your blog through my email and thank you for taking the time to write it. Cheers from Chicago!
Cheers!
Lady Carnarvon, How old is the Yew tree?
I apologize for replying to a previous comment but I found no other way to respond.
I have been told 1000 years old
Thank you for this blog! Very interesting and I love the final picture with the beautiful, blue night sky! Happy Halloween from Florida, USA!
Thank you
There is definitely some presence in the museum downstairs. I felt it on a private tour. It seems to be attached to an item in a glass case. Amazing experience in such a beautiful place.
Good day Lady Carnarvon, I have just enjoyed my very first read with very much interest, it maybe my first encounter of your delightfully detailed blogs but it shall not be my last .
Thank you kindly and i bid you good day .
Samyantha.
Fantastic stories. Thank you so much for livening the season of “All Hallows Eve.”
Tanya from USA- Wisconsin
Really enjoyed this thank you
My partner has investigated many castles and locations as a Ghost Hunter /psychic including Alcatraz,Tredegar House (he used to do the spooky tales tours)
USS Hornet,The Skirrid Inn and The Lizzie Borden house to name a few.
He has always said he’s wanted to come and visit your incredible home
So maybe one day we can
He’s a distant relative of Oliver Cromwell too
Thanks again we love all your stories and books
Martin & Gavin. X
Interesting! I love to imagine Highclere during each season! Enjoy sharing a few spooky tales this week with admirers of the castle:)
Now that our clocks have gone back, it is darker (and spookier) earlier in the day.
My husband and I had the privilege of visiting your beautiful home just this past Tuesday. It was so lovely to meet you, you were so gracious even while feeling a bit under the weather. It will always be one of my fondest memories.
Thank you so much!
That’s so interesting my Lady! I was lucky enough to visit your stunning home last August…..I didnt see any of your ghosts but it was kind of crowded! I DO see ghosts though, my first one was at the tender age of 12 in my Dad’s old Inn down on the Dorset coast – a small boy took to visiting my bedroom – he was smartly dressed, “Little Lord Fontleroy” sprang to mind….he would sometimes run up & down the upper landing which was long, as the Inn was actually two cottages knocked together – we could all hear him running up & down the passage, but only I could see him! Since then I’ve encountered many spirits all over the country – even up in Scotland where we lived for 11 years. Anyway, my Lady thanku very much for your fascinating Blog, & great photographs
Kind regards
Caroline
How interesting. Most of the ghosts here have good intentions too.
Thank you for this blog. I can only imagine the spirits roaming through the castle. This also reminded me that I will be asking for your book about Christmas as my November birthday present. Happy Fall and Halloween to you!
What an excellent present!
After having just read my first blog, I now understand why subscribers anxiously await your Monday missive. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to next Monday’s blog. Thank you so much for writing of the history and legends of Highclere.
You are kind
Thank you very much for sharing a bit of life at the castle,
It’s a pleasure to read you,
I like to imagine the special atmosphere of autumn in the gardens !
Laurence – Paris (France)
Such a fun read today- thank you for sharing your story and the wonderful explanations/definitions of spirit, ghost, Grampas.
For those of us who grew up in families with old houses/stories this is the time of year we exercise the caution we learned as children. I’ve often wondered about the motivation in adults sharing the stories with children. Experiences have confirmed the wisdom in l’dor vador(passing knowledge from generation to generation).
May we share our stories to form a better understanding of our experiences.
Thank you for such a delightful blog today, Lady Carnarvon.
May all your Spirits be filled with joy and peace.
Thank you
I have a ghost in my home. Her name is Mildred Larue and she died in my condo. I first saw her on the third night after I moved in. I was watching TV and she appeared, standing in my bedroom doorway. She is not a problem. However, she does not like my husband and has locked him out of the house on numerous occasions. We have solved that as we bought a new door and she doesn’t know how to operate that lock.
I love that she locks your husband out of ‘her’ home.
Another fascinating read. I particularly love the last picture. The limbs of the tree seem to be reaching out to Highclere Castle. It is really quite haunting and very appropriate for Halloween.
Happy Halloween from Savannah, Georgia. A city known to have a ghost or two.
Very true
I was thinking, too, that the Tree Monster was reaching it’s limbs toward Highclere Castle…
Hope it stays where it is!!
Ha! Guy (Guido) Fawkes Day. Not a day likely to endear the devout English christians to the Catholics. At least not those who know their history.
I find it interesting hallowe’en has become as big there as it is here. I much prefer Christmas myself.
Thank you for the reading.
I love receiving your blog through my email and thank you.
Lady Carnavon,
Your Blog always makes me happy and this one… especially!
Please keep up the wonderful, intelligent writing.
Your American Fan,
Constance
Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to write.
I love reading your blog. I enjoy learning all I can about Highclere.
I must say, that is one way of looking at it. Although, I admit, you are much braver than I. I think I could easily adopt the attitude of all spirits being welcomed here but I would have to leave all the same and only enjoy the hospitality of the home as an occasional visitor. I could live with that.
Lady Carnarvon,
Once again a reach into the mysteries of Highclere, from ghostly to ghastly (perhaps for the uninitiated!) and inward into the shadowy places of the Castle. I would definitely welcome a Grampas visit! It would be a secret pleasure few, or no one else, would believe. The mysterious world of spirits will remain a special part of merry ol’ England and its lovely castles like Highclere.
Thanks again for a fun look into the past, or present!
Martha Glass
Thank you for your blog and always fascinating stories. I am prone to feel and, on occasion, see spirits. I’ve never encountered a truly bad one (knock on wood) but it’s still a bit unsettling yet exciting when it happens. It seems to run in my family and I’ve always felt privileged to be able to communicate with visitors from the other side. When it does happen, I always pause to say a prayer for them in the hope that they are at peace or I direct them to the light if they seem to be confused. Many blessings to you and yours and thank you again for your lovely entries.
Cheers
Thank you. I do believe some of us are more ‘fey’ than most.
What a great blog you have written today! We finally have use of the computer again after ANOTHER black out – seems this will be the new “normal” for the windy fire season. We are very fortunate not to be evacuated this time. Our homes are full of evacuees and animals currently – please pray for the fire to be brought under control and everyone can go back home. The menage of kitties, bunnies and dogs are proof that all animals can get along. Thank you for bright spot in these days of worry and angst.
What a lovely pumpkin carved and sitting on your front door with the outline of Highclere in it. That took some real artistry. Boo!
Val from San Diego, CA, USA
We had great fun carving those – some of us are more adept than others.
Lady Carnarvon,
I just love your blog. Each time it appears in my mailbox.. a delight. This one especially.. just adore ghost stories and the history of Highclere.
Happy Halloween.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
It is a great pleasure to be one of many people who subscribe to your blog. I love your writing, your sense for the details, observations, your ability to express your feelings, your obvious respect for the beauty of an English language, a tradition, the class and your husbands family history. I could, I supposed, envy your way of writing because the English is my second language, but I don’t. I just simply enjoy reading your columns, every bit of it. The good impression we all must get from the reading of your blog is the same when some of us meet you. It was a pleasure to me and my husband.
Your beautiful home feels like the real home in comparison to other castles around the world we’ve visited. It is the energy of love being there which makes the difference. If I may to give you my well meant advice and experience, any “good or bad” astral presence is not good for you. The bad one is obviously very bad and the “good” one, even helping you in some way, is still using a little bit of your energy for it’s own needs. Let somebody with the knowledge of these things to send this, even loving, energy where it belongs. I mean to cross over.
I wish you all the best and thank you on behalf of all your readers.
Kind regards
Vera
Thank you for your comments on ghostly activity at Highclere. My wife and I have a casual interest in that sort of thing and have been known to participate in midnight ghost tours from time to time. I am curious to know if an increase in ghost appearances has been noticed at the castle at this time of year?
I think just in our minds!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
I very much enjoyed reading your blog today! I love the stories of Highclere and look forward to reading more. Blessed Samhain to you and yours! Happy Halloween!
Thank you
My Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you so much for your delightful writings and the glimpse into your life (and the life at Highclere) that those writings provide. I have had the opportunity to subscribe to and read many blogs since they became a “thing”. But yours is the only one that I ALWAYS look forward to and ALWAYS take a moment to read.
I live in America but England is my place–I knew it the moment I first stepped foot on English soil (at Heathrow Airport no less). Your blogs bring me “home” each week and for that I am profoundly grateful.
Hugs & High Fives,
Lynn
How kind! Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Today you have lifted my spirit more than ever.
I had enjoyed following your stories particularly since I had the pleasure of visiting Highclere a couple of years ago.
Until now I admit I was unaware Halloween was to “reflect & admire those we have lost”:
Today is my son’s birthday although sadly we lost him some years ago just before his 16th birthday.
Reading your blog has changed my focus on reflection, Thankyou
Kind regards
Vicki from Geelong Australia
I am so sorry – we will all always be haunted by our love
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I do love your blogs and your humorous insights of life in the castle !! Next book you should write is “life beyond the maize door” present and past !! Last time I stayed in the Cotswold’.s in an ancient inn, I stayed up all night to “see” the ghost (apparently a disgruntled housekeeper who did not like the current sanitair :)Lot’s of creaking windows and doors but no spirit 🙁 ..except what was in my glass 🙂
Greetings from Fort Worth, Texas. I have a story to share with you. My daughter, who lives in West Virginia, telephoned me one morning about a series of events at night concerning her young twin daughters, who at that time were starting to talk in complete sentences. She would tuck them into bed, settle their blanket, and read them a book. She would check on them again before she went to bed. For two nights in a row, she would see the blanket neatly folded at the bottom of their large crib. My daughter asked her girls if they had folded the blanket. They said “No. Granny did.” They described her as old with white hair and she was nice. Well, it wasn’t me, since they call me Mimi and I live in Texas. I jokingly told her to speak out loud to Granny, that to stop taking the blanket off the girls, they would get too cold. Well, she did, feeling foolish, but the blanket snatching ceased. But other things started happening. When she told me what she did, once again I realized there are many things in this world we don’t understand. But my daughter was indeed glad when they moved to another house.
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
GOOD EVENING,
HAPPY HALLOWEEN I LOVE YOUR BLOG MILADY.
I AM CURRENTLY WATCHING THE MOVIE “MISS MORRISON’S GHOSTS ”
I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED GHOSTS STORIES AND MY SPANISH GRANDFATHER WOULD ALWAYS TELL ME ON RAINY NIGHTS WHEN HE REMEMBERED HIS HOMETOWN IN SPAIN CALLED ALDEAQUEMADA ABOUT THE WITCHES OF THE CITY OF MÚRCIA CARRIED
ORANGES FROM ONE CITY TO ANOTHER ON FLYING ON YOUS BROOMS.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRAZIL
Thank you for sharing these interesting and fascinating stories. Happy Halloween. Memphis USA
I love reading your blogs, I Visited Highclere castle in September this year what a amazing place, absolutely beautiful.
Can’t wait to read your next blog
Thank you!!!
Having grown up in a haunted house I seem to be open to these “visits”. I now work in an historic home and have experienced six spirits there, two of which I have actually seen (a woman, and a dog). All seem friendly except for one who trod heavily up a staircase, raising goosebumps on my arms! There are so many things in this world we do not completely understand, but are nonetheless fascinating.
I live with a ghost…..our house is actually part of an annual ghost tour in our county. He’s playful ( if you’re a woman) not so much if you’re a guy! He’s the original owner of the house and makes appearances especially to little children who admit to playing jacks or marbles with him. Makes life interesting!
WOW! Lady Carnarvon!!! The experience that you shared down in the dark basement with the ghostly man coming toward you really has me “going”! I would have been scared beyond belief, and I don’t think I would ever go down there again if I could possibly keep from doing so. You left us “hanging” … what happened next? Did he then simply vanish? Did you then tear out of the basement as fast as your legs could carry you, or did you continue on? If you did the latter, you are far braver than I am. Which ever occurred … this is a GREAT ghost story, and it certainly scares me just thinking about it, especially since it is true, not fiction.
The answer is in the book!!!
Oh! … Replying to your answer above … then I MUST buy the BOOK!!! 🙂
Thank you – please share news of the book – it is hard to promote and market in a world with so much noise!!
I loved the pumpkins! Did you carve one of them? Thank you for this wonderful blog community. Your entries each week are something special I look forward to seeing every Monday morning. It is fun to read all the comments as well.
My “Christmas at Highclere” books will be delivered in a few days. Though you were unaware, you helped me finish my Christmas shopping. They will make perfect gifts for many family and friends.
Wonderful!
Wonderful !! I love reading your blog . I live in Ontario, Canada. Where can I get your book?
Amazon/book shops!
Your pictures are amazing and I loved your ghostly tale. I am very happy just to read about ghosts and sincerely hope to never, ever encounter one. Would love to add your book to my collection.
Thank you, I hope you do add it – it has many layers of stories, of laughter and of home cooking with all its memories
I actually gasped when I read your words, ‘ … one who sits on the foot of a bed every so often … ‘ because that is exactly where I saw an elderly man wearing an old-fashioned dressing gown. It happened many years ago as I was house-sitting for friends in a large, old house on a farm. I awoke with a start in the upstairs bedroom near the attic. In the moonlight coming from the window, I saw this semi-glowing figure of a man sitting at the foot of my bed. His shoulders were slouched and I distinctly saw his profile and his lower lip protruding, almost as if he were pouting or in a confused state because someone was in his bed. The vision vanished quickly, but the impression he left me with was one of sympathy for him, not fear.
I agree with – I do not think they are all to be feared, it rather depends on my state of mind ..
My favourite place to haunt!
Thank you again for an interesting account of Halloween especially the meanings of the everyday words used in conjunction with this date.
Hello
Having just read another entertaining piece I wanted to let you know just how much you brighten up my Monday mornings. I don’t often comment but wanted you to know your efforts and the interesting facts that you reveal are much appreciated on these dark dismal mornings. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your very busy days to share your life and stunning home with us all.
Kind regards
Heather
Lady Carnarvon,
Always fascinating to read stories about Highclere. The one you explain in your Christmas book; the man dressed in dark clothes that appeared to you; out of the darkness, gave me chills. These spirits are real. I believe it. I like the glowing pumpkins by the door!
Memories of Hyclere Castle whether from Downton Abbey or a visit to your majestic home come alive for your readers in each post. Many thanks!
So love reading your blog. I need to purchase the book. Happy Halloween from Virginia, USA
Oh, my lady, please tell me they have not totally done away with the Guy Fawks night traditions? That would be horrible, in my opinion. My husband & I were stationed in England at Lakenheath for 4 years. I so miss that area, and the country as well.
It is an ancient tradition – older in fact than Guy Fawkes – to light bonfires at that time of year. It dates back to Samhain the Celtic festival of winter.
Still going !!
I look forward to reading your blog every Monday. I wanted to take the time to thank you. I guess if a tree could speak it would tell us things that would shock us. Happy Halloween from Tecumseh, Michigan.
Thank -!
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for sharing your stories. Love them all!
Happy Halloween
Phyllis
Kent, Washington
USA
I love this post! I am definitely sharing this one with my students on Holloween! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
This was such a fun and interesting read – as always! Of course, like everyone who has the privilege, I was thrilled to tour beautiful Highclere this spring, but I have to confess that I was (sort of) tempted to beg or bribe a staff member to sneak me into the Tower! Imagine the spirits, not to mention the views! (In a past blog I remember you recounting the experience of “creepy” walks through the Castle and maybe a rocking chair that rocked itself??)
Unfortunately, my city’s only ghostly claim is a rather horrible one. Saint Louis is (supposedly) the setting for an actual exorcism that was the basis of the famous terrifying movie – only the victim was a young boy.
Highclere’s ghosts sound much more gentle! Happy Halloween to you and all of them 🙂
Joan Lerch
St. Louis, MO
Prefer gentle ghosts and gentle real people !
Hello & Happy Halloween from Carnarvon (that’s right, not a typo) Ontario, Canada.
I love your blog, and thoroughly enjoy reading about Highclere and all it’s history. 🙂
I’d actually love to send you some pictures of our home, which we call ‘Algonquin Abbey’. We built it over 7 years with many elements of Downtown incorporated into it. I was going to submit for the Air BnB contest but didn’t have an account. 🙁 I think you will at the very least… be entertained! 🙂
Take care,
Jennifer Strype
Thank you. Please do send them to [email protected]
I absolutely will, thank you! 🙂
Jennifer Strype
Another wonderful read M’Lady. And as someone who is Pagan, I appreciate you taking time to touch on our beliefs.
The Yew Tree has always been a Sacred tree, it represents regeneration or regrowth. It’s branches curl down and touch the earth and new boughs grow from these. Kingley Vale has many magnificent example.
Yews were traditionally planted in Churchyards as a symbol of protection from evil spirits.
Another excellent blog, I hope you have a very blessed Samhain.
Such a delightful read and that old yew is very…….chilling! Thank you again.
I was stationed at RAF Fairford from 1984-88 and we used to always give a penny for the Guy when the children came around. Several of them were familiar with our American Hallowe’en traditions, wishing it would catch on over there. Some would come and participate trick-or-treating in the U.S
Military housing areas (RAF Brize Norton, and RAF Little Rissington, since it was open) with us as well. They didn’t really have costumes at that time, but we didn’t care, it was such great fun sharing cultures. It’s nice to hear it has caught on there and you may be surprised to hear, evey 5th off November, into my head crops the rhyme I was taught all those years ago…”Remember, remember the 5th of November, gunpowder, treason, and plot…” Such great memories!
Is there a grave area dedicated To Edward Trotman and his family who was the chauffeur to his Lordship in the early part of the 20th century.
I do not know I will see if I can find a map somewhere..
Greetings from the (self-designated) “Halloween Capital of the World”, Anoka, Minnesota, USA.
Thank you for letting us into your world – I wonder what the fictitious Dowager would think. In any event, your graceful, understated posts about the history and current environs of Highclere are very welcome to history fanatics as well as “Downton” viewers (I am both). If I found myself surrounded by so much architecture, artifacts, and history, I would not be able to stop chattering long enough to press “post”.
It saddens me old Briton traditions are replaced by modernity the same modernity Sackville(let us pray call her thus) enunciated in her The Edwardians by stating the Americans are discovering Europe at a much faster pace than the Europeans discovered America. Weeping so I am currently your Lady Almina and may I say merrily I can feel that ghostly candour and nobility still hovering over there. As an old Indian chief once very well said…there is no death just a change of worlds… Begging his pardon I can account Quantum physics already proved that.
Respectfully yours
de Cavargnon
Lady Carnarvon,
Are there any more familiar spirits and paranormal activity after the blessing?
Hello,
So I have purchased a possible piece of Highclere ghost history. I truly believe the person that I have purchased it from believes it to be authentic, but am skeptical when it comes to items such as these without further investigations. And so what is this piece of history? A Ouija board, also known as a “Talking board” or “Spirit Board”… With this board comes a letter, claiming to be from Lady Almina, and discusses the removal of a ghost in a gatehouse. If this letter is legitimate, I would find that of course to be amazing. And again, the person I am receiving it from is known to be an honest person, and I believe, that he believes it to be real. Here is the text of the letter that comes with the board.
I can provide pictures and more details at your request.
Thanks
Jamie
19 March 1958
Dear Sybil : We were delighted to have you a Highclere Castle! Thank you eve so much for ridding the gatehouse of the dreadful ghost! one can’t have ??ar?laca?? without a few “lingering things”, Of course but we are ever so glad to sees the last of him!
As a token of gratitude we are pleased to present you with this spirit board. It has a bit of history. It is from the estate of Helen Duncan, the infamous known as “Churchill’s itch”! One cannot claim she summoned the spirits witch made her notorious with this curious piece, but it was indeed hers. I thought you of all people would surely appreciate it’s lineage. It does move about the board with some swiftness. I shall return to Hampshire next month after stopping again to check on Clyde(sp??). Though you know now. I dread yet another trip to Aberdeen! Cheers! Almina
Not sure if I am honest as Almina was not at Highclere in 1958 – if you can email [email protected]