The Ghosts of Guildford Castle

Guildford Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest, stands in the center of Surrey’s county town. The impressive keep, one of the best-preserved in southern England, has generated reports of ghostly activity for centuries.

The Castle

William the Conqueror ordered the castle built around 1066 to control the crossing of the River Wey. Henry III later used it as a royal residence, adding domestic buildings. The castle fell into disuse by the 16th century and the grounds became a public park.

The Keep

The chalk and stone keep is the castle’s most impressive survival. Visitors climbing to the top have reported feeling presences, sudden cold, and occasionally seeing figures in medieval dress. The views of Guildford are spectacular, but some visitors feel they are sharing them.

The Royal Ghost

A figure resembling medieval royalty has been seen in the keep. This may be Henry III or another king who stayed at Guildford. The apparition appears briefly, dressed in finery, before fading.

The Castle Grounds

The gardens around the castle have their own supernatural reputation. Figures have been seen walking paths that no longer exist, following the layout of medieval buildings long demolished. The sounds of activity have been heard when the grounds are empty.

The Prisoner

Guildford Castle was used as a prison, and a wretched figure in ragged clothing has been reported in the lower levels of the keep. This may be one of the many prisoners who suffered there over centuries of incarceration.

Assessment

Guildford Castle’s transformation from royal residence to prison to public park has left layers of spiritual residue. The variety of ghosts reported reflects the many roles the castle played throughout its history.