The Haunting of Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle has stood in West Sussex for nearly a thousand years, serving as the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk. With such a lengthy and often violent history, it is perhaps unsurprising that the castle is considered one of the most haunted in England.

The Castle

Built in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, Arundel Castle has witnessed sieges, executions, and centuries of aristocratic intrigue. The castle was heavily damaged during the English Civil War and rebuilt in the Victorian era. Its ancient foundations and medieval remnants hold the deepest spiritual imprints.

The Blue Man

The most famous ghost is the Blue Man, seen reading in the library. He appears dressed in Cavalier clothing from the Civil War era, sitting quietly with a book. When approached, he vanishes. His identity is unknown, though he may be a Royalist who sought refuge in the castle during the siege of 1643.

The First Earl

The ghost of the first Earl of Arundel has been reported walking the battlements. His white figure appears at night, pacing the walls as if still defending the castle from attackers. His heavy footsteps have been heard when no living person walks above.

The Kitchen Boy

A small figure has been seen in the kitchen areas, described as a young boy in servant’s clothing. He is believed to be a kitchen servant who died in the castle centuries ago. His appearance is often accompanied by the smell of cooking and the sound of pots and pans.

The White Lady

A female apparition in white roams the grounds, particularly near the Hiorne Tower. She is sometimes seen gazing from windows or walking the grounds at twilight. Her sorrowful appearance suggests a tragic history, though her identity remains uncertain.

Assessment

Arundel Castle’s long history has left it saturated with supernatural residue. The current Duke and his family share their ancestral home with echoes of those who came before, spirits unable or unwilling to leave the ancient stones.